24th-26th May 2025

1. Union MoS L Murugan Announces Release of Postage Stamp honouring King Perarasar Perumpidugu Mutharaiyar
2. MoES Hosts 2nd Blue Talks Ahead of UN Ocean Conference 2025
3. TN Inaugurated India’s First Mahouts’ Village in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve
4. UP Launches India’s First Vistadome Jungle Safari Train
5. 2025 World Hydrogen Summit & Exhibition Held in Netherlands
6. WOAH Report: Animal Diseases Spreading to New regions, nearly half of them pose Threat to Humans
7. India Advocates Fair Trade and Digital Inclusion at 15th BRICS Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Brazil
8. Vivriti Fund Secured USD 20 Million from Development Bank of Austria
9. Agnikul Cosmos successfully fires India’s First Electric Motor-Driven Semi-Cryogenic Engine Test Firing
10. India’s Samtel Avionics and Malaysia’s ATSC Forge Strategic Partnership for RMAF’s Su-30MKM Fleet
11. Amity University Online Signed a MoU with Hockey India to Transform Lives of Athletes
12. International Day of the Markhor May 2025 – May 24
13. World Schizophrenia Awareness Day 2025 – May 24
14. Commonwealth Day 2025 in India – May 24
15. Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla Inaugurated 5th Shirui Lily Festival 2025 in Ukhrul
16. Maharashtra Govt Launches ‘Mahavistar App’ ahead of Kharif Season
17. Tamannaah Bhatia Named Brand Ambassador of Karnataka Soaps & Detergents Limited (KSDL)
18. Saudi Arabia Launches TOURISE to Shape the Future of Global Tourism
19. NCW Launches Yashoda AI to Boost Women’s AI and Cybersecurity Skills
20. Wings India 2026 to Take Off from Hyderabad in January
21. PM Modi Inaugurates Rising North East Investors Summit 2025, Boosting Regional Development
22. Ram Mohan Appointed as New Director of MPEDA
23. ECI Introduces Mobile Deposit Facility at Polling Stations to Aid Voter Convenience
24. Union MoS Dr. Jitendra Singh Inaugurates ‘Sagar Bhavan’ & ‘Polar Bhavan’ at Goa’s NCPOR
25. Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh Laid Foundation for Rs 42.4 crore Integrated Aquapark in Tripura
26. Bihar Hosts First International Buyer-Seller Meet to Boost Agri-Food Exports
27. MHA Launches e-Zero FIR System to Combat Cyber Financial Crimes
28. Global Forest Watch data: India Lost 18,200 hectares of Primary Forest in 2024
29. Algeria Officially Joins BRICS-Backed NDB as New Member
30. Henley & Partners World’s Wealthiest Cities Report 2025: Mumbai Wealthiest City in India; New York Topped the List Globally
31. RBI Greenlights QuickPay’s PA License, Getepay’s Final Authorization, and CIHL Stake Sale
32. IPPB Partners with Aditya Birla Capital to Expand Financial Inclusion
33. SBM Bank India Partners with ICICI Prudential Life Insurance to Expand Retail Financial Services
34. IndusInd Bank Signed MoU with AIC STPINEXT to Support Startups & MSMEs
35. North East Small Finance Bank Rebrands as Slice SFB After RBI Approval
36. ICRA Projected India’s GDP Growth at 6.9% in Q4 FY25; Full-Year Growth Estimated at 6.3%
37. Fitch Ratings Revises India’s Medium-Term Growth Forecast to 6.4% for Next 5 Years
38. PNB inks pact to Sell Entire Stake in ISARC for Rs. 34 crores
39. USA President Donald Trump Unveiled USD 175 billion ‘Golden Dome’ Defence Plan to Counter Defence Threats
40. JNCASR Develops Super-Fast-Charging Sodium-Ion Battery with NASICON Technology
41. International Day to End Obstetric Fistula 2025 – May 23
42. Kerala Becomes 1st State in India to Mandate Robotics Education for Class 10 Students

National News

1. Ministry of Earth Sciences Hosts Second Blue Talks in Delhi

• What:
  • The Ministry of Earth Sciences, along with the Embassies of France and Costa Rica, organized the second Blue Talks in New Delhi to promote sustainable use and protection of ocean resources.
• Why:
  • The event aimed to accelerate action and build commitments for ocean sustainability ahead of the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3).
• Tell me more:
  • A white paper titled “Transforming India’s Blue Economy: Investment, Innovation and Sustainable Growth” was launched, outlining strategies for investment and cross-sector collaboration.
  • The event was chaired by Dr. M. Ravichandran, with key participation from French and Costa Rican diplomats.
  • The Blue Talks are part of preparations for the UNOC3, scheduled in Nice, France, in June 2025.

Source: DD

2. India to Attend BRICS Culture Ministers’ Meeting in Brazil

• What:
  • India will participate in the BRICS Culture Ministers’ Meeting on 26 May 2025 in Brasília, Brazil, led by Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
• Why:
  • The meeting aims to strengthen cultural cooperation, promote mutual understanding, and develop joint cultural projects among BRICS nations.
• Tell me more:
  • The meeting will focus on enhancing institutional collaboration and preserving the cultural diversity of BRICS countries.
  • India will highlight its commitment to cultural diplomacy, heritage conservation, and people-to-people exchanges.
  • The Indian delegation will explore new cooperation in performing arts, visual arts, literature, heritage conservation, and creative industries.
  • Bilateral meetings are planned with other BRICS nations to discuss cultural partnerships and collaborative festivals.

Source: PIB

3. Yashoda AI Launched to Boost Women’s Digital Awareness

• What:
  • National Commission for Women (NCW) launched Yashoda AI – Your AI SAKHI for Shaping Horizons with Digital Awareness at Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University, Bareilly, to enhance AI literacy and digital awareness among women in India, especially from rural and semi-urban areas.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to empower women with knowledge in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital safety, enabling them to navigate the digital world confidently and responsibly.
• Tell me more:
  • The campaign is the first nationwide effort of its kind focused on women’s AI literacy and digital empowerment.
  • It includes discussions on AI-driven crimes, digital privacy, and safety strategies.
  • The initiative involves students, educators, and women from the police force to promote digital literacy, self-reliance, and leadership.
  • The campaign aligns with the vision of women-led development in a Viksit Bharat and promotes inclusive, responsible technology use.

Source: BS

4. India Becomes World’s Third-Largest Domestic Aviation Market

• What:
  • India has become the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market and is on track to become the third-largest air passenger market globally, as announced by Union Minister for Civil Aviation K. Ram Mohan Naidu at the Wings India 2026 curtain raiser event.
• Why:
  • The announcement highlights India’s ambition to lead in global aviation and to showcase the country’s progress and vision in the aviation sector.
• Tell me more:
  • Wings India 2026 will be held from January 28 to 31, 2026, at Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad.
  • The official theme for Wings India 2026 is “Indian Aviation: Paving the Future — from Design to Deployment, Manufacturing to Maintenance, Inclusivity to Innovation, and Safety to Sustainability.”
  • The Minister of State for Civil Aviation highlighted the UDAN scheme’s role in improving connectivity to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

Source: TH

5. Election Commission Issues New Poll Day Instructions

• What:
  • The Election Commission has issued instructions for providing a mobile deposit facility for voters outside polling stations and has rationalised norms for canvassing.
• Why:
  • The changes aim to enhance voter convenience and streamline poll day arrangements as per the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961.
• Tell me more:
  • Voters must deposit mobile phones in simple pigeonhole boxes or jute bags near the entrance of polling stations, and phones are not allowed inside.
  • Only mobile phones are allowed within 100 meters of the polling station, and they must be switched off.
  • Some polling stations can be exempted from this rule by the Returning Officer due to local circumstances.
  • Canvassing is not allowed within 100 meters of polling stations on poll day, and candidate booths for unofficial identity slips can be set up just beyond 100 meters.

Source: PIB

6. Dr. Jitendra Singh Inaugurates Sagar Bhavan and Polar Bhavan

• What:
  • Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated “Sagar Bhavan” and “Polar Bhavan,” two advanced research facilities at the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) in Goa.
• Why:
  • The new facilities aim to strengthen India’s polar and ocean research capabilities and support global climate and weather studies.
• Tell me more:
  • The inauguration coincided with NCPOR’s Silver Jubilee and included the launch of the “Science On Sphere (SOS)” 3D visualization platform and a virtual walkthrough of a new museum.
  • Polar Bhavan, the largest building on campus, covers 11,378 sq. m., cost ₹55 crore, and will host India’s first Polar and Ocean Museum.
  • Sagar Bhavan spans 1,772 sq. m., cost ₹13 crore, and includes -30°C ice core labs, storage units, and a metal-free clean room.
  • NCPOR maintains India’s research presence in Antarctica (Maitri, Bharati), the Arctic (Himadri), and the Himalayas (Himansh), and leads the Deep Ocean Mission.

Source: PIB

State News

1. Commemorative Stamp Announced for Tamil King Mutharaiyar

• Union Minister L. Murugan announced that a commemorative postage stamp honoring ancient Tamil king Perarasar Perumpidugu Mutharaiyar will be released next year in Tiruchirappalli.
• The announcement was made during the 1,350th birth anniversary celebrations of King Mutharaiyar.

Source: MSN

2. UP Launches India’s First Jungle Safari Vistadome Train

• Uttar Pradesh has launched a Vistadome coach service connecting Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary with Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, becoming the first state in India to offer a jungle safari by Vistadome train.
• The route integrates Dudhwa National Park, Katarniaghat, and Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary under the ‘One Destination Three Forests’ brand.

Source: BS

3. Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla Inaugurated 5th Shirui Lily Festival 2025 in Ukhrul

Source: ANI

4. Maharashtra Plans AI and Apps to Help Farmers

• What:
  • The Maharashtra government will use technology, including AI, Mahavistar App, and Digital Sheti Shala, to support farmers in the upcoming Kharif season.
• Why:
  • The aim is to help farmers get answers to farming questions, learn new techniques, and improve their produce using digital tools.
• Tell me more:
  • The Mahavistar App will provide information and videos on farming methods, crop stages, and real-time commodity prices, with AI and chatbot support.
  • Digital Sheti Shala will help farmers learn new farming techniques and get other important information.
  • The government will ensure timely supply of seeds and fertilisers, and all schemes are active as IMD has forecasted heavy rainfall.
  • A campaign is started to stop forcing farmers to buy extra products with fertilisers, and a system is set up to trace fake seeds and provide truthful seeds.
  • Farmers are encouraged to register seeds on the SATHI portal to help trace and act against bogus seeds.

Source: TH

5. Karnataka Appoints Tamannaah Bhatia as KSDL Brand Ambassador

• Karnataka government has appointed actress Tamannaah Bhatia as the brand ambassador for Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL), which makes Mysore Sandal Soap.
• Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL) is a state-run company.

Source: HT

6. Rising North East Investors Summit 2025 Attracts Record Investments

• What:
  • The Rising North East Investors Summit 2025 concluded with major investment announcements worth Rs 4.3 lakh crore and participation from over 80 countries.
• Why:
  • The summit aimed to position the Northeast as India’s future growth center by attracting investments and promoting global partnerships.
• Tell me more:
  • Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the summit, and Union Minister Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia delivered the valedictory address.
  • Major industrialists like Mukesh Ambani, Gautam Adani, and Anil Agarwal announced investments totaling over Rs 1.55 lakh crore.
  • Eight high-level task forces were created across sectors such as agriculture, tourism, infrastructure, and textiles to support development.
  • The summit featured B2G and B2B meetings, startup showcases, and exhibitions by central and state governments.

Source: PIB

7. Foundation Stone Laid for Integrated Aquapark in Tripura

• What:
  • Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh will lay the foundation stone for the Integrated Aquapark in Kailashahar, Tripura, and inaugurate a one-day Fish Festival in Agartala.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to support inclusive and sustainable development in the fisheries sector under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
• Tell me more:
  • The Integrated Aquapark is being set up with an investment of ₹42.4 crore under PMMSY.
  • The aquapark will provide services such as hatcheries, feed mills, cold storage, processing, training, and marketing under one roof.
  • Certificates and sanction orders, including Kisan Credit Cards (KCC), will be distributed to eligible fishers and fish farmers.

Source: NOA

8. First International Buyer-Seller Meet Held in Bihar

• What:
  • The Ministry of Food Processing Industries, with the Government of Bihar, APEDA, and TPCI, hosted the first International Buyer-Seller Meet (IBSM) in Bihar at Gyan Bhawan, Patna.
• Why:
  • The event aimed to connect Bihar’s MSMEs, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) with international and domestic buyers to boost exports and economic growth.
• Tell me more:
  • IBSM saw participation from over 70 international buyers from 20 countries and more than 50 domestic and 20 institutional buyers.
  • Over 500 B2B meetings were held, creating export leads for products like GI-tagged makhana, Shahi litchi, Zardalu mango, and Katarni rice.
  • A MoU was signed between APEDA, the Government of Bihar, and UAE-based Lulu Group to improve the shelf life and export of Bihar’s litchis.
  • The event included a public exhibition with over 120 exhibitors and a capacity-building programme for entrepreneurs, FPOs, SHGs, and food processors.

Source: pib

9. e-Zero FIR System Launched for Cybercrime Complaints

• What:
  • The Ministry of Home Affairs has launched the e-Zero FIR initiative through the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) to streamline cybercrime case registration and speed up investigations and money recovery.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to make it easier for cyber fraud victims to file complaints and recover lost money by automatically converting eligible complaints into FIRs.
• Tell me more:
  • All cyber financial fraud complaints filed via the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) or helpline 1930 will be automatically converted into FIRs under the new system.
  • The pilot project started in Delhi, with plans to expand it nationwide.
  • The automatic FIR conversion applies to cases above ₹10 lakh and will later include all cyber financial fraud cases.
  • The system integrates NCRP, Delhi Police’s e-FIR mechanism, and NCRB’s Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS).

Source: TOI

10. Kerala Becomes First State to Make Robotics Mandatory in Class 10

• What:
  • Kerala has become the first state in India to make robotics education compulsory for all 4.3 lakh class 10 students starting from the new academic year on June 2.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to equip students with future-ready skills and promote practical learning through robotics.
• Tell me more:
  • Robotics is included as the sixth chapter, “The World of Robots,” in the class 10 ICT textbook.
  • KITE, the technical arm of Kerala’s General Education Department, is leading this initiative.

Source: IE

International News

1. World Hydrogen Summit 2025 Held in Rotterdam

• What:
  • The World Hydrogen Summit & Exhibition 2025, the industry’s most influential event, is being held in Rotterdam.
• Why:
  • The summit aims to assess progress toward industry and decarbonisation goals, foster new partnerships, and drive the next wave of hydrogen project developments.
• Tell me more:
  • The event is organised by the Sustainable Energy Council and RX Global, in partnership with the Dutch Government, Province of South Holland, City of Rotterdam, and Port of Rotterdam.

Source: WHS

2. Saudi Arabia Launches TOURISE Global Tourism Platform

• What:
  • Saudi Arabia launched the global tourism platform ‘TOURISE’ to create a partnership between public and private sectors and set a roadmap for tourism.
• Why:
  • The platform aims to bring together public and private sectors to shape the future of tourism for the next 50 years.
• Tell me more:
  • TOURISE was launched by Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb at a press conference in Riyadh.
  • The TOURISE Summit will be held in Riyadh from November 11 to 13. TOURISE Awards will be presented at the summit.
  • The platform will have a high-profile global advisory board with leading members from the tourism sector.
  • World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) President and CEO Julia Simpson called TOURISE a critical and perfect partner.

Source: BS

3. Algeria Joins New Development Bank as New Member

• What:
  • The New Development Bank (NDB), set up by BRICS nations, has admitted Algeria as a new member after Algeria deposited its instrument of accession.
• Why:
  • The move aims to expand NDB’s global membership and enhance its role in financing development projects for member countries.
• Tell me more:
  • NDB President Dilma Rousseff welcomed Algeria, highlighting its economic and strategic importance.
  • NDB finances infrastructure and sustainable development projects and serves as a platform for collaboration among member countries.
  • Since 2015, NDB has approved over 120 investment projects totaling $40 billion in areas like clean energy, transport, and digital infrastructure.

Source: TH

4. Golden Dome: US Unveils New Missile Defense Plan

• What:
  • President Donald Trump has announced the “Golden Dome,” a new missile defense system to protect the United States from advanced missile threats, including ballistic, cruise, and hypersonic missiles.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to strengthen US security by providing a comprehensive shield against evolving missile threats from other countries.
• Tell me more:
  • The Golden Dome will use space-based interceptors, advanced tracking technologies, and laser weapons.
  • The system is inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome and will be led by General Michael Guetlein of the US Space Force.
  • The project is expected to cost up to $175 billion and be completed in three years.
  • The system will use AI-driven networks for adaptive protection across the nation.

Source: TOI

Banking and Economy

1. Vivriti Asset Management Receives $20 Million from OeEB

• What:
  • Vivriti Asset Management secured an additional $20 million in senior debt commitments for its Vivriti India Retail Assets Fund (VIRAF) from the Development Bank of Austria (OeEB).
• Why:
  • The funding aims to help VIRAF scale investments in small ticket loans to micro and small enterprises (MSEs) and individuals, with a focus on women entrepreneurs.
• Tell me more:
  • The latest investment brings total commitments in VIRAF to $165 million.
  • The fund is moving closer to its target size of $250 million.
  • VIRAF was launched in March 2023 at GIFT City. VIRAF is an asset-backed securitization fund supporting small loans.

Source: HBL

2. QuickPay Gets RBI Nod for Payment Aggregator License

• What:
  • QuickPay, the fintech platform of Quicktouch Technologies, has received in-principle approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for a Payment Aggregator license under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
• Why:
  • The approval allows QuickPay to move closer to becoming fully operational under RBI supervision and marks a key milestone in India’s digital payments sector.
• Tell me more:
  • QuickPay must complete compliance requirements before starting full operations as a payment aggregator.
  • The company will carry out technical and operational validations as per RBI guidelines.
  • The approval is seen as support for building a world-class digital payments platform in India.
  • The Payment Aggregator license is governed by the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.

Source: ET

3. IPPB and Aditya Birla Capital Partner to Offer Loans

• What:
  • India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) and Aditya Birla Capital Limited (ABCL) have announced a strategic partnership to provide a wide range of loan products to IPPB customers across India.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to improve access to credit and financial inclusion by leveraging IPPB’s network and Aditya Birla Capital’s lending solutions.
• Tell me more:
  • IPPB will act as a referral service for Aditya Birla Capital’s personal loans, business loans, and loans against property.
  • Customers can access loans through Aditya Birla Capital’s digital platforms with quick approvals, minimal documentation, and easy disbursement.
  • The system uses AI and data analytics to offer personalized financial solutions.
  • IPPB will be a lead referral partner on a non-risk participation basis, with credit sanction decisions made solely by ABCL.

Source: PIB

4. SBM Bank India, ICICI Prudential Life in Bancassurance Tie-up

• What:
  • SBM Bank India and ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company have partnered to offer a range of life insurance products to SBM Bank’s customers.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to expand insurance access and provide customers with solutions for protection, savings, and retirement planning.
• Tell me more:
  • The tie-up will provide term insurance, long-term savings, and wealth creation products to SBM Bank’s customers.
  • SBM Bank India has 22 branches across the country, including a new branch in Tivri, Naigaon, Maharashtra.
  • As of March 31, 2025, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance managed assets worth ₹3.09 lakh crore and had a total in-force sum assured of ₹39.43 lakh crore.
  • Insurance penetration in India was 3.7% in 2023-24, below the global average of 7%.

Source: ET

5. IndusInd Bank Partners with AIC STPINEXT for Startup Support

• What:
  • IndusInd Bank has signed an agreement with AIC STPINEXT to provide early-stage startups and MSMEs with financial solutions and structural support.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to help startups manage their finances easily and support their growth through tailored banking products and expert guidance.
• Tell me more:
  • IndusInd Bank will offer a specialized Current Account with no quarterly average balance requirement for startups associated with STPI/STPINEXT.
  • The bank will provide expert guidance and conduct workshops on financial management, equity infusion, ESOPs, and funding.
  • AIC STPINEXT is a special purpose vehicle of Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

Source: BS

6. slice Small Finance Bank is New Name for North East SFB

• What:
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has renamed North East Small Finance Bank Limited to ‘slice Small Finance Bank Limited’ in the Second Schedule of the RBI Act, 1934.
• Why:
  • The renaming aims to reflect the bank’s new brand identity as it expands nationwide while staying rooted in the Northeast.
• Tell me more:
  • The bank will continue to operate under the brand name ‘slice’ and is informing all stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition.
  • Existing passbooks, cheque books, and debit cards will remain valid unless the bank states otherwise.
  • IFSC codes will generally remain unchanged unless the bank notifies customers about a change.
  • The bank will gradually issue updated materials with the new name and branding, and customers will be given adequate time to switch.

Source: ET

Reports and Indices

1. State of the World’s Animal Health Report 2025

• What:
  • The first State of the World’s Animal Health report by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) shows that infectious animal diseases are spreading to new areas and species, with 47% able to infect humans.
• Why:
  • The report aims to warn about the growing risks of animal diseases to agriculture, food security, public health, and the environment.
• Tell me more:
  • Major outbreaks in 2024 and early 2025 are linked to changing climate, more international trade, and new patterns of disease.
  • African Swine Fever (ASF) had a major jump in October 2024, traveling over 1,800 km to Sri Lanka, with first outbreaks in Montenegro and Albania.
  • Avian influenza has killed or led to the culling of over 630 million birds in two decades and is now affecting more mammals.
  • Bluetongue virus, foot and mouth disease (FMD), and lumpy skin disease also saw new outbreaks in several countries.
  • Vaccination, hygiene, and biosecurity are key to prevention, but vaccine access is still uneven worldwide.
  • ASF was first found in Georgia in 2007 and now affects Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Americas.

Source: DTE

2. Global Forest Watch (GFW) Report 2025

• What:
  • India lost 18,200 hectares of primary forest in 2024, a slight increase from 17,700 hectares in 2023, according to Global Forest Watch data.
• Why:
  • The report aims to highlight trends and causes of forest loss, helping track environmental changes and guide conservation efforts.
• Tell me more:
  • India lost 3,48,000 hectares of humid primary forest between 2002 and 2024, which is about 5.4% of its total humid primary forest area and 15% of total tree cover loss in the same period.
  • From 2019 to 2024, 1,03,000 hectares of humid primary forest were lost, making up 14% of tree cover loss in that period.
  • Since 2001, India lost about 2.31 million hectares of tree cover, a 7.1% decline, generating 1.29 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions.
  • Assam recorded the highest tree cover loss (3,40,000 ha), followed by Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur, and Meghalaya.

Source: IE

3. Henley & Partners’ World’s Wealthiest Cities by Millionaire Population Ranking in 2025

• What:
  • The World’s Wealthiest Cities Report 2025 by Henley & Partners ranks Mumbai and Delhi among the world’s top 50 wealthiest cities by millionaire population.
• Why:
  • The report highlights global wealth migration patterns and recognizes cities with high numbers of high-net-worth individuals.
• Tell me more:
  • New York tops the list with 384,500 millionaires, followed by the Bay Area (San Francisco and Silicon Valley) with 342,400 millionaires.
  • The United States has the highest number of cities in the top 50, with 11 cities listed.
  • Lisbon entered the top 50 for the first time in 2025, ranking 50th with 22,200 millionaires.

• Mumbai is ranked 27th globally with over 51,000 millionaires, 205 centi-millionaires, and 25 billionaires, showing 69% growth in millionaires over the past decade.
• Delhi is ranked 39th with 31,200 millionaires and 16 billionaires, recording 82% growth in millionaires over the last decade.
• Bengaluru is emerging as a significant centi-millionaire hub, with 43 centi-millionaires.

Source: IE

GDP Forecasts

1. ICRA Projects India’s GDP Growth at 6.9% for Q4 FY25

• What:
  • ICRA has projected India’s GDP growth at 6.9 percent for the quarter ended March 2025 and 6.3 percent for the entire 2024-25 fiscal year, which is lower than the National Statistics Office (NSO) estimate.
• Why:
  • The projection is meant to provide an independent assessment of economic growth, highlighting differences from official estimates and underlying economic trends.
• Tell me more:
  • NSO had projected 6.5 percent GDP growth for 2024-25, expecting 7.6 percent growth in the March quarter to meet this target.
  • ICRA expects a step-down in full-year GDP growth to 6.3 percent in FY25 from 9.2 percent in FY24 unless earlier quarter data is revised.
  • Private consumption and investment activity were uneven in Q4 FY25, partly due to tariff-related uncertainty.
  • Services sector exports showed double-digit growth, while merchandise exports contracted in Q4 FY25 after expanding in the previous quarter.

Source: ET

2. Fitch Raises India’s Medium-Term GDP Growth Estimate

• What:
  • Fitch Ratings has revised India’s medium-term GDP growth potential upwards to 6.4 percent till FY2026, from its earlier estimate of 6.2 percent.
• Why:
  • The revision is due to higher estimates for labour force participation, which more than offset a lower contribution from labour productivity.
• Tell me more:
  • Fitch maintained a lower growth projection for China at 4.6 percent due to weaker capital deepening.
  • Fitch’s overall potential growth estimate for emerging markets is now 3.9 percent.
  • Fitch Ratings’ update covers ten emerging market economies in its Global Economic Outlook.

Source: BS

Defence News

1. Agnikul Cosmos Fires India’s First Electric Semi-Cryogenic Engine

• What:
  • Agnikul Cosmos successfully fired India’s first electric motor-driven semi-cryogenic engine.
• Why:
  • The test aims to achieve higher accuracy, rapid response, and readiness for firing a cluster of engines together.
• Tell me more:
  • The engine uses electric motor-driven throttling, allowing thrust to be controlled by changing motor speed.
  • The engine and many pump subsystems are 3D-printed and assembled at Rocket Factory-1.

Source: ET

2. Samtel Avionics Partners with ATSC for RMAF Support

• What:
  • Samtel Avionics has announced a strategic collaboration with Malaysia-based ATSC to jointly support the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s fleet, especially the Su-30MKM aircraft, with advanced avionics, repair, and overhaul services.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to provide repair, upgrade, technical services, and post-sales support for aircraft display systems and avionics components of RMAF aircraft.
• Tell me more:
  • ATSC and Samtel will work together in Malaysia for repair, upgrade, and support of Su-30MKM and other RMAF aircraft.
  • ATSC will procure avionics, display systems, and test equipment for RMAF aircraft from Samtel.
  • The collaboration will help ATSC become a centre of excellence for MRO services, spares, upgrades, and technical support.
  • Samtel will also support local capability development through knowledge transfer and sustained engagement.

Source: ET

Science and Technology

1. Super-fast Sodium-ion Battery Developed by JNCASR

• What:
  • Scientists at Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) in Bengaluru have developed a super-fast charging sodium-ion battery that can charge up to 80% in six minutes and last over 3000 cycles.
• Why:
  • The new battery aims to provide an affordable, fast, and safe alternative to lithium-ion batteries and help India become self-reliant in energy storage technology.
• Tell me more:
  • The battery uses a NASICON-type cathode and a novel anode material engineered with nanotechnology and aluminium addition.
  • Sodium is cheap and abundantly available in India, unlike lithium which is scarce and mostly imported.
  • The battery has been tested and validated using electrochemical cycling and quantum simulations.
  • The research was led by Prof. Premkumar Senguttuvan and Ph.D. scholar Biplab Patra at JNCASR, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology.

Source: PIB

Important Days

1. International Day to End Obstetric Fistula – May 23

• Theme: Her Health, Her Right: Shaping a Future without Fistula

Source: UN

2. International Day of the Markhor May 2025 – May 24

• The UN General Assembly proclaimed 24 May the International Day of the Markhor, for the first time, in 2024.
• The markhor is a large wild Capra species native to South Asia and Central Asia, mainly within Pakistan, the Karakoram range, parts of Afghanistan, and the Himalayas. It is listed on the IUCN Red List as Near Threatened since 2015.

Source: UN

3. World Schizophrenia Awareness Day 2025 – May 24

4. Commonwealth Day 2025 in India – May 24

• Commonwealth Day, observed globally on various dates and on May 24 in India, commemorates the shared history and values of nations formerly part of the British Empire.
• Commonwealth Day 2025 was celebrated at the global level on 10 March.
• Theme: ‘Together We Thrive’
• This year also marks the 60th anniversary of the Commonwealth Secretariat, the executive arm of the association.
• India became a member of the Commonwealth in 1950, as per the London Declaration of Krishna Menon.

Source: CWG ETV

Memorandum of Understanding

1. Amity University Online and Hockey India Sign MoU for Athlete Education

• What:
  • Amity University Online has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hockey India to provide educational opportunities and scholarships to hockey players at international, national, and state levels.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to help hockey players pursue higher education without affecting their sports careers.
• Tell me more:
  • The CHAMPS initiative offers up to 100% scholarships for hockey players.
  • Players will get free access to a three-month Certificate Course in Sports Psychology to improve mental conditioning.
  • The MoU was signed by Bhola Nath Singh (Hockey India) and Ajit Chauhan (Amity University Online) in Noida.
  • Indian Women’s Hockey Team Captain Salima Tete and defender Jyoti are the first beneficiaries, enrolling in Sociology and MBA Marketing.
  • The scholarship is open to active Hockey India players at district, state, national, and international levels for various undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
  • This is the first time a national sports federation in India has launched such a comprehensive educational support system for athletes.

Source: MSN ANI

Appointments

1. Ram Mohan M K Appointed as New MPEDA Director

• What:
  • Ram Mohan M K has been appointed as the new Director of the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA).
• Tell me more:
  • Ram Mohan M K is an alumnus of CMFRI’s postgraduate programme in mariculture, affiliated to Cochin University of Science and Technology.
  • He holds a PhD from ICAR–CIFE, Mumbai.
  • Since joining MPEDA in 2003, he has worked in marketing, quality assurance, infrastructure development, and served as Resident Director in Tokyo.
  • He is a member of the Director Boards of MIDCON, Seafood Park India Ltd., and Lakshadweep Development Corporation Ltd.

Source: TH

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