18th-19th May 2025

1. Highlights of Union Minister Bhupender Yadav’s Visit to Nepal from May 15 to 17, 2025
2. FAO’s GRFC 2025: Nearly 300 Million People Faced Acute Hunger in 2024
3. India, Maldives sign 13 MoUs for projects under Indian grant assistance
4. TCS Partners with Mongolia’s Khan Bank for Digital Banking Modernisation
5. IndianOil UTT & JioStar Sign 3-Year Broadcast Deal to Boost Table Tennis in India
6. Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2025: Featured 94 Indians; Includes Gukesh D, Ananya Pandey and Ishaan Khatter
7. IDBI Bank Sold Entire 21.14% Stake in PIPDIC to Govt of Puducherry for Rs.18.83 Crore
8. ISRO’s PSLV-C61 Mission Carrying EOS-09 Satellite Fails Due to Third-Stage Anomaly
9. China Launched 12 AI-Satellites to build World’s 1st Supercomputer in Orbit
10. Indian GM Praggnanandhaa Wins 1st GCT at Superbet Chess Classic Romania 2025
11. India Secures SAFF U-19 Championship Title 2025 by Defeating Bangladesh in AR
12. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen Won F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix 2025 Title
13. Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri Awardee – Dr. Saroj Ghose Passes Away
14. International Museum Day 2025 – May 18
15. World AIDS Vaccine Day 2025 – May 18
16. International Day for Women in Maritime 2025 – May 18
17. World Fair Play Day 2025 – May 19
18. Haryana Launches AI-Powered Water Resource Atlas 2025 to Tackle Groundwater Depletion
19. China and Cambodia Launch “Golden Dragon-2025” to Boost Military Ties
20. Tripura Launches Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan to Empower Farmers
21. Sudan Appoints Kamil Idris as First PM Since 2023 Civil War
22. Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki Erupts: Red Alert Issued Over Volcanic Ash Cloud
23. BMP-2 Sarath vs M2 Bradley: Infantry Fighting Vehicles Compared
24. World’s Largest Snake Discovered in the Amazon: The Northern Green Anaconda
25. RBI Cancels HCBL Co-operative Bank Licence Over Capital Shortfall
26. “World Bee Day 2025: Nourishing Ecosystems, Securing Our Food Future”
27. Former Atomic Energy Commission Chairman M.R. Srinivasan No More
28. Padma Vibhushan Astrophysicist Jayant Narlikar Passes Away
29. Tamil Nadu Endangered Species Conservation Fund
30. RS-28 Sarmat vs Minuteman III: The Ultimate ICBM Face-off
31. Operation Olivia: A Marine Conservation Success by the Indian Coast Guard
32. GeM Celebrates 8th Anniversary with Inclusive Procurement Milestones
33. 70 Firms Apply Under ₹23,000 Crore Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme
34. India Eliminates Trachoma as Public Health Problem, Recognised by WHO
35. Om Birla Launches Assistive Device Initiative for Persons with Disabilities
36. “India Charts New Sea Route for North-East via Myanmar, Skipping Bangladesh”
37. Shaurya vs Agni-V: India’s Strategic Missile Systems Compared
38. Supreme Court Grants Full Pension to All High Court Judges in Landmark Ruling
39. OpenAI Introduces Codex to Automate and Accelerate Coding Tasks
40. Carlos Alcaraz Clinches First Italian Open Title in Style
41. India Opens Nuclear Energy Sector to Private Operators with Liability Reform
42. ISRO’s PSLV-C61/EOS-09 Mission Faces Setback Due to Stage-3 Glitch

National News

1. India Participates in First Sagarmatha Sambaad in Nepal

• What:
  • Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change of India visited Nepal from 15-17 May 2025 in Kathmandu to attend the first edition of “Sagarmatha Sambaad” on the theme ‘Climate Change, Mountains and the Future of Humanity’.
• Why:
  • The visit aimed to represent India at the global dialogue, reaffirm India’s commitment to regional climate action, and strengthen cooperation with Nepal in environmental conservation.
• Tell me more:
  • Sagarmatha Sambaad is a global forum started by the Government of Nepal to discuss important global, regional, and national issues.
  • The Indian Minister held bilateral meetings with Nepal’s Minister for Forests and Environment and the Minister for Foreign Affairs to review progress and discuss further cooperation.
  • The Minister also met the Prime Minister of Nepal and visited cultural reconstruction projects supported by India after the 2015 earthquake.

Source: pib

2. Government Receives 70 Applications for Electronics Scheme

• What:
  • The government received 70 applications for the Rs 23,000-crore electronics component manufacturing scheme, with most applicants being small and medium enterprises.
• Why:
  • The scheme aims to address the demand-supply gap in the electronic component sector and boost domestic manufacturing.
• Tell me more:
  • Applications were opened on May 1 for the Rs 22,805-crore scheme, and 80% of applications are from small and medium enterprises.
  • The scheme covers sub-assemblies like camera modules and multi-layered PCBs, as well as parts and capital goods for electronics manufacturing.
  • Application windows for categories A, B, and C are open for three months, while category D items can apply for two years.
  • The scheme classifies products into four categories, including display modules, camera modules, bare components, and flexible PCBs.
  • The demand-supply deficit for electronic components is expected to reach USD 248 billion by 2030 if not addressed.

Source: ET

3. Supreme Court Orders Uniform Pension for Retired HC Judges

• What:
  • Supreme Court ordered that all retired High Court judges, regardless of recruitment source, will get a uniform basic pension of Rs 13.5 lakh per annum.
• Why:
  • The decision aims to remove pension disparities and ensure a dignified retired life for all retired High Court judges.
• Tell me more:
  • The order applies to judges from both the district judiciary and the bar, and erases state-wise pension differences.
  • Retired Chief Justices of High Courts will get a pension of Rs 15 lakh per year.
  • District judges covered under the new pension scheme will get back their contributions with dividends.
  • Family pension for widows of both ad hoc and permanent judges will be identical.
  • The court said discrimination based on source of entry is against Article 14 of the Constitution.

Source: TOI

4. India Plans to Open Nuclear Energy Sector for FDI

• What:
  • India is preparing to allow up to 49% foreign direct investment (FDI) in its nuclear energy sector, starting with a 26% cap and possible increase after review.
• Why:
  • The move aims to boost nuclear power generation capacity and involve private and foreign players in meeting future energy goals.
• Tell me more:
  • The nuclear sector is currently closed to FDI and fully government-controlled, but legal amendments are being planned to enable private participation.
  • The government targets increasing nuclear capacity from 8 GW to 40 GW by 2035 and aims for at least 100 GW by 2047.
  • Amendments to the Atomic Energy Act and Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act are being finalized to support this shift.
  • A Rs 20,000 crore Nuclear Energy Mission will focus on research and development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), with at least five indigenous SMRs planned by 2033.
  • Foreign agencies like Russia’s Rosatom and France’s EDF have shown interest in collaborating on SMR technology.

Source: TOI

State News

1. Haryana Launches AI-Based Water Resource Atlas 2025

• What:
  • Haryana Water Resources Authority has launched the Haryana Water Resource Atlas 2025, an AI-powered geospatial platform for water management.
• Why:
  • The platform aims to address Haryana’s water crisis by providing real-time data to support conservation and better management.
• Tell me more:
  • The atlas is developed by Haryana Space Applications Centre and is accessible to the public online.
  • It offers real-time insights on groundwater, surface water, canal systems, aquifers, recharge zones, and cropping patterns.
  • Data is integrated from satellite imagery, GPS surveys, meteorological inputs, and various government agencies.
  • Over 76% of Haryana’s blocks are classified as “critical” or “over-exploited” in groundwater usage.
  • The project was developed in-house without extra financial costs or external funding.
  • The atlas is Haryana’s first AI-based geospatial water platform.

Source: HT

2. Tripura Launches Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan Campaign

• What:
  • Tripura government announced the launch of the central government’s Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan campaign in the state from May 29.
• Why:
  • The campaign aims to boost agricultural production, enhance farmers’ income, and reduce costs in agriculture.
• Tell me more:
  • Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan is a nationwide campaign covering 723 districts and was announced by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
  • Awareness will be raised in villages and gram panchayats about state and centrally sponsored schemes for farmers.
  • There will be one state coordinator and district coordinators for the campaign in Tripura.
  • Scientists from ICAR and Krishi Vigyan Kendra will be involved in the campaign.

Source: IE

3. Tamil Nadu Launches Endangered Species Conservation Fund

• What:
  • Tamil Nadu government launched the Tamil Nadu Endangered Species Conservation Fund with a ₹50 crore rolling corpus to protect lesser-known endangered species.
• Why:
  • The fund aims to create new schemes for conserving endangered and critically endangered species, especially those unique to Tamil Nadu and the Western Ghats.
• Tell me more:
  • The first phase will have ₹5 crore from the state, with more funding expected from other sources.
  • The fund will support recovery programs for species like Nilgiris wart frog, White-spotted bush frog, Anamalai flying frog, and Blue frog.
  • Pangolins, Nilgiri marten, and several rare plant species are also targeted for urgent conservation.
  • Tamil Nadu ranks fifth in pangolin trafficking, with 125 cases reported between 2018 and 2022.
  • The fund is the first of its kind in India and will include time-bound, species-specific programs.

Source: IE

4. Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra Inaugurated in Kota

• What:
  • Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurated the Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra (PMDK) in Kota, Rajasthan, and distributed assistive devices to differently abled beneficiaries.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to empower persons with disabilities by enhancing mobility and self-reliance through access to assistive devices and support services.
• Tell me more:
  • PMDK is spearheaded by Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
  • The Kota centre focuses on serving visually impaired individuals and offers prosthetics, orthotics, Braille appliances, and mobility aids.
  • The centre also provides vocational training to promote employment and entrepreneurship among beneficiaries.
  • Currently, 45 PMDKs are operational across India, with a target of 100 centres by June.

Source: DD

International News

1. China Launches First Phase of Space-Based Supercomputing

• What:
  • China has launched the first 12 satellites of its space-based supercomputing network, aiming for real-time, in-orbit data processing with AI-powered systems.
• Why:
  • The mission aims to build a network of thousands of satellites to enable real-time data processing in space and accelerate AI development.
• Tell me more:
  • The satellites were launched aboard a Long March 2D rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre.
  • Each satellite can handle 744 trillion operations per second and is linked via ultra-fast laser connections transferring data at up to 100 gigabits per second.
  • The initial cluster delivers 5 peta operations per second of computing power and 30 terabytes of onboard storage.
  • These satellites are equipped with an AI model featuring 8 billion parameters and can process raw data directly in orbit.
  • The constellation will eventually have 2,800 satellites, targeting a total computing capacity of 1,000 peta operations per second.

Source: BS

2. India Eliminates Trachoma as Public Health Problem

• What:
  • World Health Organization has validated India as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem.
• Why:
  • The achievement reflects India’s commitment to ending suffering caused by trachoma and improving public health.
• Tell me more:
  • Trachoma is a leading cause of blindness globally and was responsible for 4% of blindness cases in India in 2005.
  • India initiated a trachoma control project in 1963, expanded interventions, and integrated efforts with the National Program for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment.
  • Prevalence of trachoma in India dropped to 0.008% by 2018, and surveys in 2024 confirmed elimination targets were met.
  • India joins Nepal, Myanmar, and 19 other countries globally in eliminating trachoma as a public health problem.
  • India has developed a post-validation surveillance plan to sustain the elimination, including surgery, community awareness, and hygiene promotion.

Source: WHO

3. OpenAI Launches Codex AI Coding Agent for Developers

• What:
  • OpenAI has launched Codex, its most advanced AI coding agent, as a research preview for ChatGPT Pro, Enterprise, and Team subscribers.
• Why:
  • Codex is designed to help developers by automating coding tasks, fixing bugs, running tests, and improving software engineering workflows.
• Tell me more:
  • Codex uses the latest o3 AI reasoning model, fine-tuned for software engineering, and works as a “virtual coworker” in the cloud.
  • It operates in a sandboxed environment with GitHub integration, executes tasks in isolated containers, and shows its step-by-step workflow with terminal log citations.
  • Codex can handle multiple tasks in parallel, read and edit files, and execute commands like test harnesses and linters.
  • Developers can customize Codex’s actions using an “AGENTS.md” file in their repositories.
  • Codex is currently free for eligible users, but OpenAI will introduce rate limits and credit-based pricing soon, with plans to expand access further.

Source: BT

Banking and Economy

1. TCS to Modernize Khan Bank’s Core Banking Platform

• What:
  • Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has partnered with Mongolia’s Khan Bank to upgrade its core digital banking platform using the TCS BaNCS Global Banking Platform.
• Why:
  • The goal is to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and enhance customer experience through digital transformation.
• Tell me more:
  • Khan Bank serves over 82% of Mongolia’s population with 548 branches across the country.
  • TCS BaNCS will be used to modernize key functions like customer information, trade finance, treasury, international payments, and loans.
  • The platform will support real-time monitoring, risk analysis, advanced reporting, and a wide range of asset classes.
  • TCS BaNCS aims to help Khan Bank quickly launch new products and expand digital services.

Source: BS

2. IDBI Bank Sells Entire Stake in PIPDIC to Puducherry Government

• What:
  • IDBI Bank has sold its entire 21.14% shareholding in Pondicherry Industrial Promotion Development and Investment Corporation Ltd. (PIPDIC) to the Government of Puducherry for ₹18.83 crore.
• Why:
  • The sale was carried out as part of IDBI Bank’s decision to transfer its stake in PIPDIC to the Government of Puducherry.
• Tell me more:
  • PIPDIC is an associate company of IDBI Bank and the Government of Puducherry.
  • PIPDIC is involved in industrial promotion and development in Puducherry.

Source: HBL

3. RBI Cancels Licence of HCBL Co-operative Bank

• What:
  • Reserve Bank of India cancelled the licence of Lucknow-based HCBL Co-operative Bank due to inadequate capital and poor earning prospects.
• Why:
  • The bank’s financial position was weak and it could not pay its depositors in full, making its continuance harmful to public interest.
• Tell me more:
  • The bank stopped banking operations from the close of business on May 19.
  • The Commissioner and Registrar of Cooperative, Uttar Pradesh, has been asked to wind up the bank and appoint a liquidator.
  • On liquidation, depositors can claim up to Rs 5 lakh per depositor from Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC).
  • 98.69% of depositors are eligible to receive their full deposit amount from DICGC.
  • DICGC has already paid Rs 21.24 crore of insured deposits as of January 31, 2025.
  • The bank failed to meet certain requirements of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

Source: BS

Reports and Indices

1. Global Report on Food Crises by the Global Network Against Food Crises

• What:
  • Acute food insecurity and child malnutrition increased for the sixth year in a row in 2024, affecting over 295 million people in 53 countries and territories, as reported in the Global Report on Food Crises.
• Why:
  • The rise in hunger and malnutrition is mainly due to conflict, economic shocks, climate extremes, and forced displacement, with reduced humanitarian funding worsening the crisis.
• Tell me more:
  • 22.6% of the assessed population faced acute hunger in 2024, up by 13.7 million from 2023.
  • Catastrophic hunger (IPC/CH Phase 5) reached 1.9 million people, the highest since tracking began in 2016.
  • Nearly 38 million children under five were acutely malnourished across 26 nutrition crises, with critical situations in Gaza, Mali, Sudan, and Yemen.
  • Forced displacement affected nearly 95 million people in crisis-hit countries, out of 128 million displaced globally.
  • Climate extremes, especially due to El Niño, caused droughts and floods in 18 countries, impacting over 96 million people.

Source: FAO

Source: BS

Defence News

1. Indian Coast Guard’s Operation Olivia Protects Olive Ridley Turtles

• What:
  • Indian Coast Guard’s Operation Olivia helped over 6.98 lakh Olive Ridley turtles nest safely at Rushikulya river mouth in Ganjam district.
• Why:
  • The operation aims to protect endangered Olive Ridley turtles at key nesting sites along the coastline.
• Tell me more:
  • Operation Olivia runs annually from November to May, focusing on nesting grounds like Gahirmatha beach and Rushikulya.
  • Gahirmatha beach sees about 8 lakh Olive Ridley turtles nesting each year.
  • The Coast Guard conducted over 5,387 surface patrols and 1,768 aerial surveillance missions, detaining 366 vessels involved in illegal fishing.

Source: TOI

Awards

1. Indian Professionals Shine in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2025

• What:
  • Several Indian professionals have been included in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2025 list, which recognises 300 individuals under the age of 30 from the Asia-Pacific region.
• Why:
  • The list highlights young leaders for their contributions and innovation across various fields in challenging business conditions.
• Tell me more:
  • India had the highest representation with 94 entries, followed by Australia, China, Japan, and South Korea.
  • The list covers ten categories, including technology, entertainment, healthcare, social impact, and manufacturing.
  • Indian actor Ananya Panday was recognised for her work in entertainment and as Chanel’s first Indian brand ambassador.
  • Other Indian names include actor Ishaan Khatter, musician Anuv Jain, and entrepreneurs from sectors like spacetech, alternative leather, hair care, and rural jobs.

Source: BS

Important Days

1. International Museum Day 2025 – May 18

• Theme: The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities

Source: ICOM

2. World AIDS Vaccine Day 2025 – May 18

3. International Day for Women in Maritime 2025 – May 18

4. World Fair Play Day 2025 – May 19

• Theme: Choose Play – Everyday

Source: UN

5. World Bee Day 2025 – May 20

• Theme: Bee inspired by nature to nourish us all

Source: FAO

Sports

1. Ultimate Table Tennis Partners with JioStar for Three Years

• What:
  • Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) has signed a three-year agreement with JioStar as the Official Broadcast & Streaming Partner until 2027.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to increase the reach of table tennis in India by providing exclusive live, multilingual coverage on television and digital platforms.
• Tell me more:
  • UTT Season 6 matches will be shown on Star Sports 2 (opening day), Star Sports Khel, Star Sports Tamil, and streamed on JioHotstar in English, Hindi, and Tamil.
  • The league features 48 players across eight teams, including top Indian and international players.
  • The Dempo Goa Challengers, led by Harmeet Desai, are the defending champions.

Source: ET

2. Praggnanandhaa Wins Superbet Chess Classic in Romania

• What:
  • Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa won the Superbet Chess Classic in Bucharest, Romania after a tiebreak.
• Tell me more:
  • The Superbet Chess Classic is part of the Grand Chess Tour.
  • The tiebreak involved three players: Praggnanandhaa, Firouzja, and Vachier-Lagrave.
  • D Gukesh is the current World Champion and participated in this tournament.
  • The next event of the tour will be held in Croatia.

Source: NOA

3. India Wins SAFF U19 Football Championship 2025

• Indian men’s football team won the SAFF U19 Championship 2025 by defeating Bangladesh 4-3 on penalties at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh.

Source: OC

4. Verstappen Wins 2025 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix

• Max Verstappen won the 2025 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola, securing his 59th career victory after holding off Lando Norris.

Source: ET

5. Alcaraz Defeats Sinner to Win 2025 Italian Open

• What:
  • Carlos Alcaraz defeated world No. 1 Jannik Sinner 7-6 (5), 6-1 in the final of the Italian Open, claiming his third title of the 2025 season.
• Tell me more:
  • The Italian Open is a major clay court tournament leading up to the French Open.
  • Jannik Sinner is the current world No. 1 and Australian Open champion.
  • Adriano Panatta is the only Italian to have previously won the Italian Open in 1976.

Source: OC

Memorandum of Understanding

1. India Signs 13 MoUs to Boost Ferry Services in Maldives

• What:
  • India signed 13 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Maldives to enhance ferry services with a grant of MVR 100 million under the High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) Phase III.
• Why:
  • The agreements aim to improve maritime connectivity and support community livelihoods in the Maldives.
• Tell me more:
  • The total grant for the 13 projects is MVR 100 million (about Rs 55.28 crore).
  • The MoUs were signed by the Maldivian Minister of Foreign Affairs, the High Commissioner of India to the Maldives, and the Maldivian Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation.
  • The ferry network now connects 81 islands across 9 atolls, with the project expected to finish by the end of this year.
  • The projects are part of HICDP Phase III, announced during the Maldivian President’s state visit to India in October.

Source: ET

Miscellaneous

1. Saroj Ghose, Pioneer of Indian Science Museums, Passes Away

• Saroj Ghose, known for establishing science centres and museums in India, died in Seattle, US, at the age of 89.
• Ghose was the founding director general of the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) from 1979 to 1997.

Source: TOI

2. Indonesia Raises Alert for Mount Lewotobi Volcano

• Indonesian authorities raised the alert level of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki to the highest after a surge in volcanic eruptions.

Source: BS

3. Northern Green Anaconda Discovered in Amazon

• What:
  • Scientists discovered a new species called the Northern Green Anaconda (Eunectes akayima) in the Amazon rainforest, which is now the world’s largest and heaviest snake.
• Tell me more:
  • The Northern Green Anaconda can grow up to 7.5 meters long and weigh up to 500 kilograms.
  • It was first found in 2024 in the Bameno region of Baihuaeri Waorani Territory, Ecuadorian Amazon.
  • The species is an apex predator, able to hunt large animals like deer, capybaras, caimans, and even jaguars.
  • DNA analysis shows a 5.5% genetic difference from the southern Green Anaconda, with a split about 10 million years ago.
  • The discovery was made while filming a National Geographic series, with help from the Waorani people.

Source: IE

4. M R Srinivasan, Architect of India’s Nuclear Power, Passes Away

• M R Srinivasan, former Atomic Energy Commission chairman and key figure in India’s nuclear power programme, died in Ooty at the age of 95.

Source: TOI

5. Jayant Narlikar, Renowned Astrophysicist, Passes Away at 87

• Jayant Vishnu Narlikar, celebrated astrophysicist and founding director of IUCAA, died in Pune at the age of 87.
• He played a key role in creating the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA).

Source: ET

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