27th May 2025

1. From 7,516 km to 11,099 km: India’s New Coastal Length Explained
2. India’s First Vistadome Jungle Safari Train Launched in Uttar Pradesh
3. Government Retains 8.25% Interest Rate on EPF for FY2024-25
4. Google Unveils Beam: The Future of 3D Video Communication
5. Google’s AI Matryoshka: Layered Intelligence and Looming Privacy Concerns
6. India Surpasses Japan to Become the World’s 4th Largest Economy
7. India Boosts Polar & Ocean Research with New State-of-the-Art Hubs in Goa
8. Six African Nations Sign MoU to Eliminate Kala-Azar
9. Harvard’s SEVP Ban Triggers Panic Among Indian Students Planning US Education in Fall 2025
10. Kanak Budhwar Shines: Gold in 10m Air Pistol at ISSF Junior World Cup
11. India Partners with WHO to mainstream Ayush Globally
12. NLC India Limited Unveiled New Mascot “Neyon” During its 69th Raising Day Celebrations
13. NITC Joins HERITAGE Network and Signs MoUs with European Universities
14. LIMA 2025 held in Malaysia; India Showcases Indigenous Defence Technologies
15. Axis Bank & super.money Launched Co-Branded RuPay Credit Card for UPI Payments
16. ABSLI Partners with Equitas SFB to Expand Life Insurance Access
17. Jarosite: A Natural Geological Clock for Mars Exploration
18. KIBG 2025: Manipur Tops Medal Tally with 14 Medals
19. McLaren’s Lando Norris Wins His First F1 Monaco GP 2025
20. Tottenham Hotspur Clinches UEFA Europa Title after 17 years, defeated Manchester United
21. World Football Day 2025 – May 25
22. International Missing Children’s Day 2025 – May 25
23. World Thyroid Day 2025 – May 25

National News

1. India’s Coastline Length Re-verified as 11,098.81 km

• What:
  • The length of India’s coastline has been officially re-verified as 11,098.81 km, replacing the earlier figure of 7,516.60 km used since the 1970s.
• Why:
  • The revision was done to standardise measurement methods, use modern mapping technology, and include all coastal features and offshore islands for accuracy.
• Tell me more:
  • The new figure was calculated by the National Hydrographic Organisation (NHO) and accepted by all coastal states and union territories after detailed review and meetings.
  • The coastline was measured at the High-Water Line using 2011 Electronic Navigation Charts, WGS-84 datum, and a mapping scale of 1:250,000 or lesser.
  • The count of offshore islands and islets has been finalised as 1,298, and their coastlines are included in the total length.
  • Earlier estimates were lower due to smaller-scale maps and manual methods that missed bays, inlets, and island peripheries.
  • The new methodology and figure were accepted after coordination among multiple central and state agencies, with a review cycle set for every 10 years.

Source: GOV

2. India, WHO Sign Agreement on Traditional Medicine Module

• What:
  • The Ministry of Ayush and the World Health Organization (WHO) signed an agreement to start work on a dedicated Traditional Medicine module under the International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI).
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to globally standardize and recognize therapies from Ayurveda, Yoga, Siddha, and Unani, making Ayush practices more accessible and integrated into global healthcare.
• Tell me more:
  • The new module will include treatments like Panchakarma, Yoga therapy, Unani regimens, and Siddha procedures.
  • This will support transparent billing, fair pricing, easier insurance coverage, better hospital management, and improved health research for Ayush services.
  • India has contributed $3 million to WHO’s work on traditional medicine and ICHI.
  • The ICHI module complements WHO’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), ensuring both diseases and interventions are scientifically classified.

Source: PIB

3. NIT Calicut Joins HERITAGE Network for Academic Collaboration

• What:
  • National Institute of Technology Calicut (NITC) has become a member of the HERITAGE Network, a consortium for academic cooperation between India and Europe in engineering, science, design, and technology.
• Why:
  • The membership aims to enhance NITC’s international partnerships, promote collaborative research, and support joint educational programs with European institutions.
• Tell me more:
  • The induction was formalized at the General Assembly of the Indian and European Universities Consortium on 14 May 2025 at TU Dresden, Germany.
  • NITC was represented by Director Prof. Prasad Krishna and senior officials focused on international relations and collaborations.
  • The HERITAGE Network facilitates academic exchange, joint research, and annual workshops on key topics.
  • The network also acts as a policy advisory body to promote global higher education collaborations.

Source: NITC

International News

1. East African Nations Sign MoU to Eliminate Kala-azar

• What:
  • Chad, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to eradicate visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) at an event organised by the African Union and WHO during the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva.
• Why:
  • The agreement aims to eliminate kala-azar, a deadly neglected tropical disease, by increasing investment, developing effective strategies, and improving regional cooperation.
• Tell me more:
  • Over 70% of the global kala-azar burden is in East Africa, with half of the affected being children under 15.
  • The MoU includes targets and timelines for elimination, and calls for new oral treatments and medical innovation.
  • In June 2024, East African countries developed a framework for disease elimination.
  • Cameroon, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, and Tanzania joined to support cross-border cooperation on other neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
  • As of May 2025, 56 countries have eliminated at least one NTD globally, with recent successes in Africa.

Source: DTE

2. Harvard Barred from Admitting International Students for 2025

• What:
  • The U.S. Department of Homeland Security revoked Harvard University’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), stopping it from admitting international students for the upcoming academic year.
• Why:
  • The action was taken due to alleged “hostile” conditions for Jewish students and Harvard’s refusal to share protest-related surveillance and disciplinary records with authorities.
• Tell me more:
  • Over 7,000 international students at Harvard, including nearly 800 Indians, are affected and must transfer or risk losing visa status.
  • The move impacts current, incoming, and working students under OPT/STEM OPT, with legal status and work authorization at risk.
  • Harvard has denied the allegations, filed a legal complaint, and is seeking a temporary restraining order to restore its SEVIS certification.
  • Termination from SEVIS can lead to unlawful presence and loss of work rights for students.
  • The situation is unprecedented and the outcome depends on the court’s decision regarding Harvard’s legal challenge.

Source: IE US

Banking and Economy

1. EPFO Interest Rate Fixed at 8.25% for 2024-25

• What:
  • The government has ratified an 8.25% interest rate for Employees Provident Fund (EPF) subscribers for the financial year 2024-25.
• Why:
  • The decision aims to provide stable and competitive returns to over 7 crore EPFO subscribers and reflects strong confidence in EPFO’s investment profile.
• Tell me more:
  • The Central Board of Trustees recommended the 8.25% rate, which was approved by the finance ministry.
  • The 8.25% rate is higher than the 8.15% given in 2022-23 and matches the rate fixed for 2023-24.
  • EPF interest is tax-free up to a specified limit, making it attractive for salaried individuals.
  • The 8.1% rate in 2021-22 was the lowest since 1977-78, when it was 8%.

Source: TOI

2. Google Unveils ‘Beam’ AI Video Communication Platform

• What:
  • Google has launched “Google Beam,” an AI-powered video communication platform that transforms traditional 2D video calls into immersive 3D experiences using advanced camera arrays and video models.
• Why:
  • The platform aims to make virtual communication feel as natural and meaningful as face-to-face meetings, supporting Google’s push into extended reality and AI-driven digital interaction.
• Tell me more:
  • Beam uses six cameras and state-of-the-art video technology to create realistic 3D communication.
  • The technology is part of Google’s “Project Starline,” marking a pivotal evolution in immersive communication.
  • Google has also improved real-time speech translations in Google Meet, matching voice, tone, and facial expressions during translation.
  • These translation features are currently available in English and Spanish for Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in beta, with more languages and wider rollout planned.
  • In India, such tools could benefit sectors like online education, telehealth, and remote work by enabling richer, more human-like interactions.

Source: ET

3. Google I/O 2025 Focuses on AI-Centric Ecosystem

• What:
  • Google’s 2025 I/O developer conference highlighted a shift towards an AI-centric future, with all products and platforms being rebuilt around advanced artificial intelligence.
• Why:
  • The aim is to create a more intelligent, autonomous, and personalised experience for users, developers, and enterprises by deeply integrating AI across Google’s ecosystem.
• Tell me more:
  • Google is rearchitecting its entire product range to be interconnected and powered by a central AI.
  • CEO Sundar Pichai stated that AI is being adopted faster than ever and will be available to everyone, everywhere.
  • The new approach brings up important questions about data use, privacy, and the handling of copyrighted material in AI models.
  • The transformation is designed to benefit all types of users by making Google’s services smarter and more responsive.

Source: TH

4. India Overtakes Japan, Becomes Fourth Largest Economy

• What:
  • India has become the world’s fourth largest economy, surpassing Japan, with a GDP of around USD 4 trillion.
• Why:
  • This achievement is due to India’s strong economic growth, favourable global and domestic conditions, and ongoing reforms.
• Tell me more:
  • India’s nominal GDP for 2025 is expected to be USD 4.19 trillion, slightly higher than Japan’s.
  • India was the fifth largest economy till 2024; only the US, China, and Germany are now ahead.
  • India’s per capita income has doubled from USD 1,438 in 2013-14 to USD 2,880 in 2025.
  • The IMF projects India’s economy to grow at 6.2% in 2025-26, supported by private consumption, especially in rural areas.
  • The NITI Aayog’s “Viksit Bharat @ 2047” paper aims for India to become a USD 30 trillion high-income economy by 2047.
  • The World Bank defines high-income countries as those with per capita income above USD 14,005 (2024-25).

Source: ET MS

5. Axis Bank, super.money Launch Lifetime-Free RuPay Credit Card

• What:
  • Axis Bank has partnered with super.money to launch a new lifetime-free co-branded RuPay credit card, offering high rewards and UPI-enabled convenience.
• Why:
  • The card aims to give users maximum value on everyday spending by combining credit card perks with the ease of UPI payments.
• Tell me more:
  • The card provides 3% cashback on UPI-based ‘Scan & Pay’ transactions via the super.money app, and 1% cashback on other eligible spends.
  • The card is available in both digital and physical formats with no joining or annual fees.
  • It supports UPI, POS terminals, online purchases, and ATM withdrawals, and is issued on the RuPay network.

Source: BS

6. Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance Partners with Equitas SFB

• What:
  • Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance Company Limited (ABSLI) has partnered with Equitas Small Finance Bank to offer life insurance products through the bank’s branches.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to increase access to life insurance, especially in semi-urban and rural areas, and support the goal of “Insurance for All by 2047.”
• Tell me more:
  • Equitas customers can now buy ABSLI’s protection, savings, and retirement plans, including the Salaried Term Plan, Nishchit Aayush Plan, and Assured Savings Plan, at bank branches.
  • The collaboration uses Equitas’ strong network in underserved communities to expand insurance reach.
  • The partnership is expected to help the insurance industry move closer to universal coverage by 2047.

Source: HBL

Defence News

1. Indian Defence PSUs Showcase Strength at LIMA 2025 Malaysia

• What:
  • Several Indian defence PSUs, including Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, are participating in the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA 2025) in Malaysia from May 20-24.
• Why:
  • The participation aims to display India’s defence industry capabilities, strengthen bilateral defence ties, and support the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and Malaysia.
• Tell me more:
  • Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth is leading the Indian delegation and will inaugurate the Indian pavilion at LIMA 2025.
  • Indian assets such as Dornier aircraft and an Indian naval ship are also taking part in the exhibition.
  • Other PSUs like Bharat Dynamics Limited, BEML, and Gliders India Limited, along with private defence companies, are participating.
  • LIMA is one of the largest maritime and aerospace exhibitions in the Asia-Pacific, held biennially since 1991.

Source: TOI

Important Days

1. NLCIL Celebrates 69th Raising Day with New Initiatives

• What:
  • Neyveli Lignite Corporation India Limited (NLCIL) celebrated its 69th Raising Day, unveiling a new mascot “Neyon”, inaugurating smart office technology, and honouring contributors.
• Why:
  • The celebrations aimed to recognise the company’s long service in the energy sector, pay tribute to key contributors, and inspire employees with new initiatives.
• Tell me more:
  • A formal function was held at Lignite Hall, where former CMDs were felicitated and a new lion mascot “Neyon” was introduced as the brand ambassador.
  • A book titled ‘The Guiding Light – NLCIL Ethics Book’ was released to promote ethics among employees.
  • NLCIL has served the energy sector for nearly seven decades.

Source: IE

2. World Football Day 2025 – May 25

Source: UN

3. International Missing Children’s Day 2025 – May 25

4. World Thyroid Day 2025 – May 25

Sports

1. Manipur Tops Inaugural Khelo India Beach Games 2025

• What:
  • The first Khelo India Beach Games 2025 concluded in Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, with Manipur winning the most medals.
• Why:
  • The event aimed to promote beach sports in India and provide a platform for athletes from across the country.
• Tell me more:
  • Manipur secured 14 medals (5 gold, 6 silver, 3 bronze), finishing first due to more silver medals than other states with equal golds.
  • Maharashtra, Nagaland, Haryana, and Jammu and Kashmir were also in the top five, with Nagaland making its first top-three finish in a Khelo India event.
  • Over 1,000 athletes from 30 states and UTs competed in six medal sports and two demonstration events.
  • Pencak silat, an Indonesian martial art, accounted for 28 of the 46 gold medals, with Manipur winning four golds in this sport.
  • The Games used a team championship format, with medals from individual athletes adding to their state or UT’s tally.

Source: OC

2. Monaco Grand Prix 2025

• McLaren’s Lando Norris (British motorsports racing driver) won the Monaco Grand Prix for the first time.

Source: BBC

Miscellaneous

1. Jarosite Mineral from Gujarat Could Date Mars Events

• What:
  • Researchers in India have found that the mineral jarosite, sampled from Kachchh in Gujarat, could be used as a natural geological clock on Mars.
• Why:
  • The study aims to help future Mars missions date events like dust storms, floods, and volcanic ash using jarosite’s ability to record radiation over time.
• Tell me more:
  • Jarosite contains potassium, iron, and sulphate, and is common on Mars.
  • The mineral can record events from the last 25,000 years, as Mars receives about 65 milligray of natural radiation per year.
  • The research used six jarosite veins from Gujarat’s arid, salty terrain, similar to Mars.

Source: TH

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