17th May 2025

1. Union MoS Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani Addresses ‘Bharat GG 2025’ in New Delhi
2. UP Government Added 12 New Products to ODOP List; Raising Count to 74
3. DFCCIL Launches India’s Longest Rail Flyover Girder at Kalamboi, Maharashtra
4. TCS, HDFC, Airtel and Infosys ranked among the world’s top 100 most valuable brands in the Kantar BrandZ 2025 Report.
5. UNESCO & G20 Partner to Empower Civil Servants for Ethical AI Governance in Public Sector
6. Fiji signs MoU with India to source Medicines, Medical Equipment
7. Indian Bank Launched 2 New FD Schemes ‘IND SECURE’ & ‘IND GREEN’
8. UN Lowers India’s GDP Growth Forecast to 6.3% for CY25
9. Cochin Shipyard Collaborates with Drydocks World to Develop Ship Repair Clusters in India
10. Arunabha Ghosh Appointed as South Asia Envoy to COP-30 in Brazil
11. IA Conducted Successful ‘Teesta Pharar’ Exercise in West Bengal
12. Spanish Firm GMV Launched GPS-Navigation System “LUPIN” for the Moon
13. KIYG 2025: Maharashtra Tops with 158 Medals; 7th Edition Hosted by Bihar
14. International Day of Living Together in Peace 2025 – May 16
15. International Day of Light 2025 – May 16
16. National Dengue Day 2025 – May 16
17. Endangered Species Day 2025 – May 16
18. UP Govt Launched ‘Mukhyamantri Suposhit Asupyan’ to Combat Child Malnutrition
19. Rajasthan’s traditional ‘Sangri’ Bean Received GI Tag Distinction
20. ASI in Collaboration with WMFI & TCS Foundation Restored Rajon ki Baoli
21. BEL signs Contract with Indian Army to Manufacture IDDLS Counter Drone System
22. MoA&FW Releases 3 New Crop Varieties Developed by BHU for UP Farmers
23. OPEC Report 2025: India’s Oil Demand to Surge by 3.39% to 5.74 million bpd in 2025
24. PayU Receives RBI Final Approval to operate as Online PA
25. MSCI May 2025: Coromandel, Nykaa added to Global Standard Index
26. Forbes 2025 Highest-Paid Athletes: Cristiano Ronaldo Tops with USD 275 Million Earnings
27. President Droupadi Murmu Presents 58th Janpath Award to Gulzar & Rambhadracharya
28. BillDesk Co-Founder N M Srinivasa Appointed Chairperson of IAMAI
29. ONDC Appoints Vibhor Jain as Acting CEO Amid Leadership Transition
30. LIC hikes stake in Bank of India to 8.38%
31. Akashteer: The Unseen Force behind India’s New War Capability
32. Tamil Nadu’s L.R. Shrihari Becomes India’s 86th Chess GM
33. Daneshvar Bardiya & IM Song Yuxin Win 2025 Asian Chess Championship in UAE
34. FIDE WGP 2024-25 Leaderboard: Zhu Jiner, Goryachkina Finish Top Two
35. Doha Diamond League 2025: India’s Neeraj Chopra Finishes 2nd with 90.23m in Javelin Throw
36. Former Rajya Sabha MP Nepaldeb Bhattacharjee Passed Away
37. World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2025 – May 17
38. World Hypertension Day 2025 – May 17
39. International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia 2025 – May 17
40. Northeast Region’s First Geothermal Production Well Drilled in Dirang, AR
41. HP Govt Declares ‘Tsarap Chu CR’ as India’s Largest Conservation Reserve
42. ARIES-DST Signed MoU with IRDE-DRDO to Boost Ground-based SSA

National News

1. Bharat 6G 2025 Conference Highlights India’s 6G Ambitions

• What:
  • Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, highlighted India’s commitment to lead globally in 6G technology at the ‘Bharat 6G 2025’ 3rd International Conference and Exhibition in New Delhi.
• Why:
  • The purpose was to position India as a pioneer in sixth-generation (6G) communications and to encourage stakeholders to treat Bharat 6G as a national mission.
• Tell me more:
  • The conference brought together global technology leaders, researchers, and policymakers to align on India’s 6G roadmap.
  • The Bharat 6G Vision, launched on March 23, 2023, aims for India to design, develop, and deploy 6G technologies by 2030.
  • India’s 6G plans include the Bharat 6G Alliance, over 111 funded research projects, and global partnerships with Japan, Singapore, and Finland.
  • 6G technology promises terahertz frequency bands, 1 terabit per second speeds, sub-millisecond latency, and intelligent self-healing networks.

Source: PIB

State News

1. ODOP Scheme Adds 12 New District Products in UP

• What:
  • The ODOP scheme has included 12 new district-specific products in Uttar Pradesh, and its success is being recognised and replicated by other states.
• Why:
  • The aim is to boost local industries, revive traditional crafts, and help Uttar Pradesh move toward becoming a USD 1 trillion economy.
• Tell me more:
  • New products include Baghpat’s agricultural tools, Saharanpur’s hosiery, Firozabad’s food processing, Ghaziabad’s metal and textile items, Amroha’s metal and wooden handicrafts, Agra’s petha and footwear, Hamirpur’s metal products, Bareilly’s wooden products, Etah’s chicory, Pratapgarh’s food processing, Bijnor’s rushes, and Ballia’s sattu.
  • Many heritage products like Banaras sarees, Bhadohi carpets, Kannauj perfumes, Agra shoes, Aligarh locks, Saharanpur wood carving, and Bijnor’s bamboo and zari work have gained global recognition and increased exports.
  • The UP government supports ODOP products with training, credit access, marketing help, and promotes them through exhibitions, fairs, and digital platforms.
  • Branding, packaging, GI tagging, and design innovation, led by district magistrates, have made the ODOP ecosystem stronger and attracted investment.

Source: TS

2. DFCCIL Launches Longest Rail Flyover Girder at Kalamboli

• What:
  • Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India (DFCCIL) has launched a 110.5-metre-long open web steel girder over railway tracks at Kalamboli in Raigad district.
• Why:
  • The launch aims to strengthen India’s freight infrastructure and support the nation’s logistics backbone.
• Tell me more:
  • The girder weighs about 1,500 tonnes and was installed in the JNPT-Nilje section.
  • The launch involved moving the girder 34 metres using advanced construction technology and careful planning.
  • The rail flyover at Kalamboli is now the longest of its kind.
  • This achievement is described as a significant engineering accomplishment by DFCCIL.

Source: N18

3. UP Launches Mukhyamantri Suposhan Abhiyan in Eight Districts

• What:
  • Uttar Pradesh Government has started the Mukhyamantri Suposhan Abhiyan in eight aspirational districts to fight malnutrition and provide nutrition security for children.
• Why:
  • The campaign aims to ensure children aged three to six receive daily nutritious food to improve their health and reduce malnutrition.
• Tell me more:
  • The scheme targets 11,13,783 children and has a proposed budget of Rs 254.83 crore, with Rs 44 allocated per child per day.
  • Children will get snacks with 400 calories and 15 to 20 grams of protein through the Take-Home Ration model, including flavoured milk, bananas, seasonal fruits, and a millet-chikki nutribar.
  • The nutribar, tested earlier in Varanasi, helped reduce anaemia, stunting, and underweight cases, and increased Anganwadi attendance.
  • Regular monitoring and health expert assessments will be done to track and improve the programme’s results.

Source: TP

4. Rajasthan’s Sangri Bean Gets GI Tag Recognition

• What:
  • Rajasthan’s Sangri bean from the Khejri tree has received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, officially recognizing its unique regional identity.
• Why:
  • The GI tag protects the traditional identity of Sangri, ensures authenticity, and helps local farmers and artisans get fair compensation.
• Tell me more:
  • Sangri, combined with Ker berries, forms the famous Ker Sangri dish, a staple in Rajasthani culture and festivals.
  • Both Ker and Sangri are drought-resistant crops grown in the Thar Desert and were once vital survival foods during famines.
  • The dish is typically eaten with Bajra Roti and ghee, making it a nutritious meal for desert life.
  • The Khejri tree is Rajasthan’s state tree and is considered sacred, especially by the Bishnoi community.

Source: TB

5. Rajon Ki Baoli Stepwell Restored and Reopened in Mehrauli

• What:
  • The conservation of the 16th-century Rajon Ki Baoli stepwell in Mehrauli has been completed and it is now open to the public.
• Why:
  • The restoration aims to protect India’s cultural and environmental heritage and promote traditional water management systems.
• Tell me more:
  • The Rs 125 crore project included cleaning, desilting, structural repairs, and connecting the baoli to a drainage system, with fish introduced to maintain water quality.
  • The project was led by the Archaeological Survey of India in partnership with the World Monuments Fund India and TCS Foundation, using traditional materials and techniques.
  • Rajon Ki Baoli was built around 1506 during the Lodi dynasty, featuring four tiers, arched colonnades, and ornate carvings.
  • The baoli covers 1,610 square metres and descends to a depth of 13.4 meters, with a main tank measuring 23×10 metres.
  • The restoration is part of the Historic Water Systems of India initiative and the World Monuments Fund’s Climate Heritage Initiative.

Source: IE

6. Arunachal’s Dirang Gets Northeast’s First Geothermal Well

• What:
  • The Centre for Earth Sciences and Himalayan Studies (CESHS) has drilled Northeast India’s first geothermal production well in Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh.
• Why:
  • The project aims to promote renewable energy and could make Dirang India’s first geothermal-powered town.
• Tell me more:
  • The well was drilled after two years of surveys, with support from the Arunachal Pradesh government and Ministry of Earth Sciences.
  • Dirang’s geothermal reservoir has temperatures around 115°C, suitable for direct-use technologies like agricultural processing and space heating.
  • International partners include Norway’s Geotechnical Institute, Icelandic firm Geotropy ehf, and Guwahati Boring Service.
  • CESHS is an autonomous body under the Arunachal Pradesh Department of Science and Technology.

Source: DTE

7. Tsarap Chu Notified as India’s Largest Conservation Reserve

• What:
  • The Himachal Pradesh government has notified the Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve in Spiti Valley, making it India’s largest conservation reserve.
• Why:
  • The reserve aims to protect biodiversity, support wildlife conservation, and promote eco-tourism and local livelihoods.
• Tell me more:
  • Tsarap Chu is the fifth conservation reserve in Himachal Pradesh and is home to a high density of snow leopards and other rare species.
  • The reserve connects Kibber and Chandratal wildlife sanctuaries, acting as an important wildlife corridor.
  • The notification was issued under Section 36A(1) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Source: DTE

International News

1. UNESCO Workshop Focuses on AI Skills for Civil Servants

• What:
  • UNESCO held a workshop to train civil servants on using AI responsibly and ethically in public services.
• Why:
  • The purpose is to equip government officials with the right skills and ethical understanding to use AI for public good and protect human rights.
• Tell me more:
  • The workshop shared best practices from G20 countries and introduced UNESCO’s AI and Digital Transformation Competency Framework.
  • Speakers stressed that AI training should be specific to each government role, from policy makers to frontline staff.
  • Building public trust in AI and including ethics in training were major themes.
  • Singapore’s “AI Wednesdays” was highlighted as an example of public-private collaboration to boost AI learning.
  • UNESCO’s Programme on AI for the Public Sector has helped civil servants in over 50 countries since 2021.

Source: UN

2. LUPIN: GPS-Like Navigation System for the Moon Unveiled

• What:
  • Spanish tech firm GMV, with the European Space Agency, has developed LUPIN, a GPS-like lunar navigation system to help astronauts and rovers navigate the Moon easily.
• Why:
  • LUPIN aims to simplify lunar missions by providing real-time location tracking, reducing delays and errors caused by relying on Earth-based calculations.
• Tell me more:
  • LUPIN uses signals from future moon-orbiting satellites to give precise positions for astronauts and rovers, similar to GPS on Earth.
  • The system was tested in Spain’s Fuerteventura, chosen for its lunar-like terrain.
  • LUPIN is part of ESA’s Navigation Innovation and Support Programme and is expected to support future lunar missions, including permanent bases and resource exploration.
  • The technology reduces dependence on complex onboard calculations and Earth-sent data, making lunar exploration more efficient.

Source: wef

Banking and Economy

1. Major Banks Launch Special 444-Day FD Schemes

• What:
  • Several major banks have introduced special fixed deposit schemes with attractive interest rates for a 444-day tenure.
• Why:
  • These limited-period schemes aim to attract depositors looking for better returns during an unstable interest rate environment.
• Tell me more:
  • SBI’s Amrit Vrishti offers 6.85% for general citizens, 7.35% for senior citizens, and 7.45% for super senior citizens, effective from May 16, 2025.
  • Canara Bank’s 444-Day FD offers 7.25% for general citizens and 7.75% for senior citizens, effective from April 10, 2025.
  • Bank of Baroda’s Square Drive Deposit Scheme provides 7.10% for general citizens, 7.60% for senior citizens, and 7.70% for super senior citizens, effective from May 5, 2025.
  • Indian Bank’s IND SECURE scheme offers 7.15% for general citizens, 7.65% for senior citizens, and 7.90% for super senior citizens, open for investment until September 30, 2025.

Source: ET

2. PayU Gets RBI Approval as Online Payment Aggregator

• What:
  • PayU has received final approval from the Reserve Bank of India to operate as an online payment aggregator.
• Why:
  • The approval allows PayU to officially onboard new merchants and operate under RBI’s Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
• Tell me more:
  • PayU joins over 50 other RBI-approved online payment aggregators such as Cashfree Payments, Razorpay, CCAvenue, and BillDesk.
  • PayU received in-principle approval in April last year and had to reapply due to its complex corporate structure.
  • In August last year, PayU sold part of its global payments business to Rapyd, but kept its operations in India, Turkey, and Southeast Asia.
  • In 2025, RBI has given final approval to nine companies to operate as online payment aggregators.

Source: BS

3. Coromandel, Nykaa Added to MSCI Global Standard Index

• What:
  • MSCI has added Coromandel International and FSN E-Commerce Ventures (Nykaa) to its Global Standard Index in the May 2025 review.
• Why:
  • The inclusion is expected to bring significant passive fund flows into these stocks as global funds tracking MSCI indices adjust their portfolios.
• Tell me more:
  • The changes take effect after market close on May 30, with Coromandel likely to see inflows of $227 million and Nykaa $181 million.
  • MSCI also raised the weightage of Cipla, Indus Towers, and Grasim Industries, leading to additional inflows, while Astral’s weightage was reduced, possibly causing outflows.
  • In the India Small Cap Index, 22 stocks were deleted and 11 added, including Acme Solar, Tata Technologies, Godrej Agrovet, and Hexaware Technologies.
  • India’s weight in the MSCI Global Standard Index stood at 19.4% on the cutoff date.

Source: ET

4. LIC Raises Stake in Bank of India to 8.38%

• What:
  • Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) has increased its stake in Bank of India to 8.38% as of May 9, 2025.
• Tell me more:
  • LIC acquired an additional 2.026% stake between September 2021 and May 2025, raising its holding from 6.35% to 8.38%.
  • As of March 2025, promoters and promoter group hold 73.38% in Bank of India, with public shareholders owning 26.62%.

Source: ET

Reports and Indices

1. OPEC’s Latest Report: India to Lead Global Oil Demand Growth in 2025-26

• What:
  • India is set to have the fastest oil demand growth among major global economies in 2025 and 2026, outpacing China, according to OPEC’s latest report.
• Why:
  • The growth is driven by India’s rising energy needs, strong economic activity, and government support for key sectors.
• Tell me more:
  • India’s oil demand is projected to rise from 5.55 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2024 to 5.74 million bpd in 2025, and to 5.99 million bpd in 2026.
  • India’s oil demand growth rate will be 3.39% in 2025 and 4.28% in 2026, while China’s growth will be 1.5% and 1.25% respectively.
  • The United States will remain the world’s top oil consumer, with India ranking third globally.
  • Diesel and transport fuels are the main drivers of India’s oil demand, supported by road infrastructure expansion and rising petrochemical needs.
  • India imports over 85% of its crude oil, with Russia, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia as top suppliers.

Source: TOI

GDP Forecasts

1. UN Lowers India’s Growth Forecast for 2025 and 2026

• What:
  • The United Nations has reduced India’s growth projection for 2025 to 6.3% and for 2026 to 6.4% due to slower global growth, trade tensions, and policy uncertainty.
• Why:
  • The revision aims to reflect the impact of rising trade tensions and global policy uncertainty on economic growth.
• Tell me more:
  • Despite the downgrade, India remains one of the fastest-growing large economies, supported by strong consumption and government spending.
  • The UN’s World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) report highlights resilient private consumption, public investment, and robust services exports as growth drivers.
  • Sectors such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, semiconductors, energy, and copper are currently exempt from US tariffs, which may help limit negative impacts.
  • Inflation in India is projected to fall to 4.3% in 2025, within the RBI’s target range, and unemployment remains largely stable.
  • The RBI started its easing cycle in February 2025 after keeping the policy rate steady at 6.5% since February 2023.

Source: BS

Defence News

1. Cochin Shipyard and Drydocks World to Develop Ship Repair Clusters

• What:
  • Cochin Shipyard has signed an MoU with Drydocks World to jointly develop ship repair clusters in India.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to enhance India’s ship repair ecosystem and support the government’s Maritime India Vision 2030 and AmritKaal Vision 2047.
• Tell me more:
  • The collaboration is driven by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways and will combine the technical expertise of Cochin Shipyard and Drydocks World.
  • Plans include developing world-class ship repair clusters in Kochi (Kerala) and Vadinar (Gujarat) and engaging with government entities to boost ship repair and offshore fabrication.
  • The partnership will also expand into offshore fabrication, marine engineering, and strategic infrastructure projects.

Source: BS

2. Indian Army Holds Teesta Prahar Exercise; DRDO Develops New Desalination Membrane

• What:
  • The Indian Army conducted a large-scale field exercise called ‘Teesta Prahar’ to show operational readiness in riverine terrain, and DRDO developed a new polymeric membrane for seawater desalination.
• Why:
  • The exercise aimed to test coordination among combat and support arms and validate new weapon systems, while the DRDO innovation addresses the need for stable and efficient desalination on Indian Coast Guard ships.
• Tell me more:
  • Teesta Prahar included Infantry, Artillery, Armoured Corps, Mechanised Infantry, Para Special Forces, Army Aviation, Engineers, and Signals, focusing on jointness and modern technology.
  • The exercise featured deployment of next-generation weapons, tactical drills, and battle rehearsals for dynamic combat scenarios.
  • DRDO’s Defence Materials Stores and Research & Development Establishment (DMSRDE), Kanpur, developed the membrane in eight months for high-pressure seawater desalination.
  • Initial trials of the membrane on Indian Coast Guard Offshore Patrolling Vessel were satisfactory, with final clearance pending after 500 hours of operational testing.

Source: ET

3. BEL and Indian Army Sign Contract for Drone Defence Systems

• What:
  • Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and the Indian Army Air Defence have signed a contract for the Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (IDDIS), developed with DRDO.
• Why:
  • The contract aims to strengthen India’s ability to detect, track, and neutralise hostile drones, enhancing air defence under the Make in India initiative.
• Tell me more:
  • BEL received additional orders worth Rs 572 crore, including IDDIS, Software Defined Radio, AI solutions for ships, and other defence equipment.
  • The Akashteer air defence system, also by BEL, has successfully intercepted drones, missiles, and UAVs during recent conflicts with Pakistan, providing robust protection.
  • Akashteer integrates surveillance, radar, and command units to give seamless air situation awareness to Army Air Defence units.
  • The system was developed under a Rs 1,982 crore contract signed in March 2023 and proved effective during Operation Sindoor, ensuring zero casualties and minimal losses.

Source: ET

Agriculture and Rural Development

1. BHU’s New Crop Varieties Released for Uttar Pradesh Farmers

• What:
  • Three crop varieties developed by Banaras Hindu University (BHU) were released by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare for farmers in Uttar Pradesh.
• Why:
  • The release aims to provide farmers with improved crop options that offer better yield, resilience, and quality.
• Tell me more:
  • The new varieties include two types of rice and one mustard variety.
  • Malaviya Manila Sinchit Dhan-1 rice matures in 115-120 days, yields 55-60 quintals per hectare, and is already available in the market.
  • Malviya Dhan 105 Sub-1 rice can survive 14-15 days of submergence, making it suitable for flood-prone areas, with an average yield of 42-46 quintals per hectare.
  • Malviya Nidhi mustard matures in 125-130 days, yields 20 quintals per hectare, and has an average oil content of 39.4%.
  • It usually takes 12-15 years to develop a new crop variety, but BHU aims to speed up this process to address future climate challenges.

Source: TOI

Awards

1. TCS Ranked Among World’s 100 Most Valuable Brands

• What:
  • Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has been ranked among the 100 most valuable brands globally in the Kantar BrandZ Most Valuable Global Brands 2025 Report.
• Why:
  • The recognition highlights TCS’s strong brand building, customer-centric innovation, and marketing excellence.
• Tell me more:
  • TCS achieved a brand value of $57.3 billion with 28% year-on-year growth.
  • TCS showed 95% aided brand awareness among business executives in 26 countries, up from 29% in 2010, as per a Momentum-ITSMA audit.
  • TCS’s brand growth is linked to global sports partnerships, innovation, and long-term marketing programmes.
  • In 2025, TCS was ranked the #1 IT service provider in Europe for customer satisfaction by Whitelane Research.
  • TCS was named a Global Top Employer in more than 30 countries and regions by the Top Employers Institute.

Source: ET

2. Cristiano Ronaldo Tops Forbes’ Highest-Paid Athletes List 2025

• What:
  • Cristiano Ronaldo is ranked first on Forbes’ 2025 list of the world’s 50 highest-paid athletes, earning $275 million between May 2024 and May 2025.
• Tell me more:
  • This is Ronaldo’s third consecutive year at the top and fifth time overall.
  • The top 50 athletes earned a record $4.23 billion, up from $3.88 billion last year.
  • Lionel Messi is ranked fifth with $135 million in earnings.
  • No female athlete or Indian athlete made it to the list this year.

Source: TH

3. President Confers 58th Jnanpith Award to Rambhadracharya

• What:
  • President Droupadi Murmu presented the 58th Jnanpith Award to Sanskrit scholar Jagadguru Rambhadracharya at a ceremony in New Delhi.
• Why:
  • The award honours Rambhadracharya and Urdu poet Gulzar for their outstanding contribution to literature.
• Tell me more:
  • Both Rambhadracharya and Gulzar were selected for the 2023 Jnanpith Award, but Gulzar could not attend the ceremony due to illness.
  • The president praised the role of poets and writers in uniting society and highlighted Rambhadracharya’s inspiring example.
  • The Jnanpith Award is given by the Bharatiya Jnanpith Trust to outstanding literary figures in Indian languages since 1965.

Source: NOA

Important Days

1. International Day of Living Together in Peace 2025 – May 16

2. International Day of Light 2025 – May 16

3. National Endangered Species Day 2025 – May 16

• It is observed annually on the third Friday of May worldwide, and this year, in 2025, it’s falling on May 16, Friday, under the theme “celebrate saving species”

Source: IE

4. World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2025 – May 17

• UN Focus: Closing the gender digital divide unlocks opportunity for all

Source: UN

5. World Hypertension Day 2025 – May 17

• Theme: Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer!

Source: WHO

6. International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia 2025 – May 17

• Theme: No one left behind: equality, freedom and justice for all

Source: EU

Sports

1. Maharashtra Wins Khelo India Youth Games 2025

• What:
  • Maharashtra won the team championship for the third time in a row at the seventh Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) held in Bihar.
• Why:
  • The event aims to promote sports talent and strengthen India’s sports ecosystem through regular national competitions.
• Tell me more:
  • Maharashtra secured 158 medals, including 58 gold, with big contributions from athletics, swimming, gymnastics, archery, and weightlifting.
  • Haryana finished second with 117 medals, and Rajasthan came third with 60 medals.
  • Bihar, the host, improved its rank to 15th with a 620% increase in medals compared to the previous edition.
  • Many top performers trained at Khelo India centres or Sports Authority of India’s National Centres of Excellence.
  • A total of 26 records were broken, including five new national youth records in weightlifting.

Source: TH

2. L.R. Srihari Becomes India’s 86th Chess Grandmaster

• Tamil Nadu’s L.R. Srihari has become India’s 86th Grandmaster in chess.

Source: TH

3. Iran’s Daneshvar Bardiya, China’s Song Yuxin Win Asian Chess Titles

• What:
  • GM Daneshvar Bardiya from Iran and IM Song Yuxin from China won the Open and Women’s titles at the 2025 Asian Chess Championship held at Danat Resort Hotel in Al Ain, UAE.
• Why:
  • The championship aims to crown the best chess players in Asia and provide qualification spots for the FIDE World Cup.
• Tell me more:
  • Bardiya secured gold in the Open section on tiebreak despite losing the final round, while Nihal Sarin took silver and Shamsiddin Vokhidov won bronze.
  • Ten players from the Open section, including several Indians, qualified for the FIDE World Cup.
  • In the Women’s section, Song Yuxin won gold on tiebreak, with Mungunzul (Mongolia) and Balabayeva (Kazakhstan) taking silver and bronze; Song and Mungunzul qualified for the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025.

Source: FIDE

4. Zhu Jiner Tops FIDE Women’s Grand Prix Leaderboard

• What:
  • China’s Zhu Jiner finished joint top in the Austria leg and topped the overall FIDE Women’s Grand Prix 2024-25 leaderboard, qualifying for the Women’s Candidates 2026.
• Tell me more:
  • Russia’s Aleksandra Goryachkina, winner of the Shymkent leg, finished second overall and also qualified for the Candidates.
  • India’s Koneru Humpy won the Pune leg and finished fourth overall with 279.17 points.
  • Zhu Jiner is the first player to qualify for the Women’s Candidates 2026 through the series.
  • The Grand Prix is the second-most high-profile women’s tournament after the Women’s World Cup.
  • Indian players Divya Deshmukh, Harika Dronavalli, and R. Vaishali also ranked in the top 12.

Source: IE

5. Neeraj Chopra Breaks 90m Mark at Doha Diamond League

• What:
  • Neeraj Chopra threw 90.23m at the Doha Diamond League 2025, breaking the 90m barrier and setting a new national record in men’s javelin throw.
• Tell me more:
  • Neeraj’s 90.23m throw came after an opening mark of 88.44m and set a new Indian national record.
  • Germany’s Julian Weber won the event with a 91.06m throw, also crossing 90m for the first time.
  • He is training under javelin legend Jan Železný and will compete next in Poland and Czechia.

Source: OC

Memorandum of Understanding

1. Fiji Signs MoU to Source Medicines from India

• What:
  • Fiji and India have signed a Memorandum of Understanding allowing Fiji to buy medicines and medical equipment directly from India.
• Why:
  • The agreement aims to help Fiji access medicines and medical equipment directly from Indian manufacturers.
• Tell me more:
  • The MoU was signed by Fiji’s Assistant Minister for Health Penioni Ravunawa and Indian Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita.

Source: UNI

2. Strengthening India’s Space Situational Awareness: ARIES-IRDE MoU

• What:
  • Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), Nainital and Instruments Research & Development Establishment (IRDE), Dehradun signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to use ARIES’ observational facilities and scientific expertise for enhancing India’s ground-based Space Situational Awareness (SSA).
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to strengthen India’s capabilities in monitoring and analyzing space objects and to develop advanced systems for space surveillance.
• Tell me more:
  • The MoU was signed at IRDE, Dehradun by Dr. Manish Kumar Naja, Director, ARIES, and Dr. Ajay Kumar, Director, IRDE.
  • The agreement covers joint use of ARIES’ facilities for space object monitoring, development of electro-optics systems, and integration of AI/ML in image processing and data analysis.
  • The collaboration includes knowledge exchange, training, and capacity building through scientific and technical research.
  • The close proximity of ARIES and IRDE in Uttarakhand is expected to facilitate regular interaction and joint activities.

Source: DST

Appointments

1. Arunabha Ghosh Appointed South Asia Envoy for COP30

• What:
  • Arunabha Ghosh, head of CEEW, has been appointed as the South Asia envoy for the UN climate conference COP30 to be held in Brazil in November.
• Why:
  • The appointment aims to ensure strong representation and support for South Asian voices at the global climate conference.
• Tell me more:
  • Ghosh is one of eight international envoys for strategic regions at COP30, which includes leaders like Jacinda Ardern, Patricia Espinosa, Laurence Tubiana, and Adnan Amin.
  • The envoys will help facilitate dialogue and act as liaisons for the flow of information and perspectives from their regions.
  • The envoys will serve on a voluntary and personal basis to enable faster and more effective interactions at COP30.
  • Ghosh highlighted the urgent need for new approaches to climate action due to global disruptions and the need for decarbonisation.

Source: TP

2. BillDesk Co-founder Appointed Chairperson of IAMAI

• What:
  • BillDesk co-founder M N Srinivasu has been appointed as the new chairperson of the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI).
• Tell me more:
  • Srinivasu succeeds Harsh Jain of Dream Sports as chairperson.
  • Razorpay’s Harshil Mathur is the new vice-chairperson, and PhonePe’s Sameer Nigam is the treasurer.
  • The new 24-member governing council and executive council will serve until 2027.
  • IAMAI is a not-for-profit industry body.
  • The governing council election is held every two years.

Source: BS

3. Vibhor Jain Appointed Acting CEO of ONDC

• Vibhor Jain, chief operating officer of ONDC, has been appointed as acting chief executive officer with immediate effect.

Source: ET

Miscellaneous

1. Former Rajya Sabha MP Nepaldeb Bhattacharya Passes Away

• Former Rajya Sabha MP and senior CITU member Nepaldeb Bhattacharya died at the age of 74 in Kolkata.

Source: TOI

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