29th May 2025

1. Veteran Leader Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa Passes Away at 89
2. International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers 2025
3. World Hunger Day 2025: Empowering Communities for Sustainable Food Security
4. Kami Rita Sherpa Scales Mount Everest for Unprecedented 31st Time
5. Philippines Offers Visa-Free Entry to Indian Tourists under New Categories
6. Anil Kumble Appointed Karnataka Forest Department Ambassador
7. India Takes Flight with E-Hansa: Indigenous Electric Aircraft Initiative Launched
8. INS Tarini Completes World Voyage: A Triumph of Nari Shakti and Seamanship
9. BSNL Posts Back-to-Back Profits for First Time in 18 Years
10. India Post Launches ‘Know Your DIGIPIN’ and ‘Know Your PIN Code’ to Modernise Address Infrastructure
11. India Secures Record $81.04 Billion in FDI in FY 2024–25
12. India’s Coal Imports Decline by 7.9% in FY 2024-25
13. India Champions WHO’s Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034
14. Prime Minister Attends Padma Awards Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan
15. DRDO Launches Advanced Quantum Technology Research Centre in Delhi
16. India Unveils Its Most Powerful Single-Unit Electric Locomotive
17. Union Minister Rajnath Singh Approves Execution Model for the AMCA programme
18. MoR Approves New Train Service Between Agartala and Guwahati
19. MoAFW Approves 3 New Crop Varieties from PDKV
20. ILO-NASK Report 2025: One in Four Jobs at Risk of being Transformed by GenAI
21. Life insurance sector in India to grow at 10.5% against global average of 5%
22. Pet Food Brand ‘Drools’ Becomes India’s Fourth Unicorn of 2025
23. India Records USD 81.04 Billion FDI Inflow in FY25
24. MoP&PGP Announced NaeG 2025 Recognising 19 Initiatives Across India
25. Adille Sumariwalla Honoured with Asian Athletics Leadership Gold Pin in South Korea
26. Citigroup Appoints Prashant Thakker as Head of Corporate Bank for South and Southeast Asia
27. Intelsat Receives IN-SPACe Approval to Offer Direct Satellite Broadcast Services in India
28. India Tops Medal Tally at ISSF Junior World Cup 2025 in Suhl with 11 Medals
29. ‘Test Cricket: A History’ by Tim Wigmore’s Book Chronicles 150 Years of Test Cricket
30. World Hunger Day 2025 – May 28
31. World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025 – May 28

National News

1. India Launches ‘Know Your DIGIPIN’ and ‘Know Your PIN Code’ Portals

• What:
  • The Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, launched the ‘Know Your DIGIPIN’ and ‘Know Your PIN Code’ digital platforms.
• Why:
  • These portals aim to improve India’s geospatial and postal infrastructure and support the National Geospatial Policy 2022.
• Tell me more:
  • DIGIPIN is a geo-coded, grid-based digital address system developed with IIT Hyderabad and NRSC, ISRO, allowing precise location identification.
  • The ‘Know Your DIGIPIN’ portal lets users find their DIGIPIN using geolocation or latitude and longitude, helping with accurate service delivery and logistics.
  • DIGIPIN is available for government and individuals for wide-scale use, and all resources are open-source on GitHub.
  • The ‘Know Your PIN Code’ portal uses a geo-referencing exercise to map postal boundaries, enabling users to find the correct PIN Code and provide feedback.

Source: ET

2. India Supports New WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy

• What:
  • India welcomed the adoption of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025-2034 at the 78th World Health Assembly and highlighted its efforts to integrate traditional medicine with modern healthcare.
• Why:
  • The aim is to promote evidence-based traditional practices in India and globally, and to support universal health coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Tell me more:
  • India’s integrated approach includes Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, and Siddha alongside modern medicine.
  • India has shown leadership in the previous WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy and supports the new framework.
  • The WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre was established in Jamnagar, Gujarat, in 2022 with India’s support.
  • The Ministry of Ayush and WHO also signed a donor agreement for a traditional medicine module under the International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI).

Source: ET

State News

1. New Agartala-Guwahati Train Service Approved by Railways

• What:
  • The Ministry of Railways has approved a new train service between Agartala and Guwahati (Narangi) for public convenience.
• Why:
  • The new service aims to improve connectivity and make travel easier for people in the Northeast region.
• Tell me more:
  • The approval was confirmed by Tripura West MP Biplab Kumar Deb, who received a letter from Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
  • Tripura received its first electric locomotive in February as part of efforts to introduce more electric trains in the Northeast.
  • Meghalaya became the first Northeastern state to have electric trains in early 2023, with the Mendipathar-Dudhnoi service.
  • Tripura already has long-distance trains to cities like Kolkata, Delhi, and Mumbai, but these trains use diesel engines up to Badarpur in Assam before switching to electric.

Source: IE

International News

1. Kami Rita Sherpa Scales Mount Everest for 31st Time

• What:
  • Nepali Sherpa guide Kami Rita climbed Mount Everest for the 31st time, breaking his own record.
• Tell me more:
  • Kami Rita, aged 55, reached the 8,849-metre peak while guiding a 22-member Indian army team.
  • He used the traditional southeast ridge route and was accompanied by 27 other Sherpas.
  • Kami Rita has climbed Everest every year since 1994, except for three years when the mountain was closed.
  • More than 8,000 people have climbed Mount Everest since 1953.

Source: RT

2. Philippines Announces Visa-Free Entry for Indian Tourists

• What:
  • The Philippines has introduced a new visa-free policy for Indian citizens for short visits to boost tourism and strengthen ties with India.
• Tell me more:
  • Indian passport holders can visit the Philippines without a visa for up to 14 days, provided they meet entry requirements such as a valid passport, hotel reservations, proof of funds, and a return ticket.
  • Indian citizens with a valid visa or permanent residency in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, Japan, Singapore, or Schengen area countries can stay visa-free for up to 30 days.
  • The Philippines has launched an e-visa system for longer stays or non-tourism purposes, making the process faster and more convenient.
  • The country is preparing to launch a digital nomad visa for remote professionals working for foreign companies.

Source: TOI

Banking and Economy

1. BSNL Reports Second Consecutive Profitable Quarter

• What:
  • Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) posted a net profit of Rs 280 crore for the fourth quarter ending March 31, 2025, marking its second straight profitable quarter after nearly two decades.
• Tell me more:
  • BSNL Chairman Robert J Ravi stated that the company aims to redefine telecom excellence in public service, not just chase profits.

Source: IE

2. India’s FDI Inflows Reach Record High in FY 2024–25

• What:
  • The Government reported Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows of USD 81.04 billion (provisional) in FY 2024–25, a 14% increase from the previous year.
• Why:
  • The rise in FDI is due to an investor-friendly policy, regular reforms, and efforts to make India a competitive global investment destination.
• Tell me more:
  • The services sector received the highest FDI equity in FY 2024–25 with 19% share, followed by computer software and hardware (16%) and trading (8%).
  • FDI in the services sector rose by 40.77% to USD 9.35 billion, and manufacturing FDI grew by 18% to USD 19.04 billion.
  • Maharashtra led with 39% of total FDI equity inflows, followed by Karnataka (13%) and Delhi (12%).
  • Singapore was the top source country with 30% share, followed by Mauritius (17%) and the United States (11%).

Source: PIB

3. India’s Coal Imports Fall by 7.9% in FY 2024-25

• What:
  • Coal imports in India dropped by 7.9% to 243.62 million tonnes in FY 2024-25, saving about $7.93 billion in foreign exchange.
• Why:
  • The reduction aims to decrease reliance on imported coal and boost self-sufficiency in domestic coal production.
• Tell me more:
  • Imports for the Non-Regulated Sector (excluding power) fell by 8.95% year-on-year.
  • Coal-based power generation increased by 3.04%, but imports for blending by thermal power plants fell sharply by 41.4%.
  • Domestic coal output grew by 5% during FY 2024-25 due to initiatives like Commercial Coal Mining and Mission Coking Coal.

Source: PIB

4. India’s Life Insurance Market to Grow at 10.5% Annually

• What:
  • A report by Allianze Global Insurance predicts India’s life insurance market will grow at 10.5% per year over the next decade, outpacing the global average of 5%.
• Why:
  • The growth is driven by rising economic activity in India and government policies supporting insurance.
• Tell me more:
  • Most of the growth will be in the life insurance segment, with India expected to become the second largest market in Asia, overtaking Japan.
  • More than half of the additional premium pool in the next decade will be generated in Asia, led by China and India.
  • India increased the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) limit in insurance to 100% from 74% to attract more investment.
  • The government infused Rs. 17,450 crore into Public Sector General Insurance Companies (PSGICs) between 2019-20 and 2021-22 to support reforms and profitability.

Source: ET

5. Nestlé Acquires Stake in Drools, India’s Third Unicorn of 2025

• What:
  • Nestlé SA has acquired a minority stake in Indian pet food company Drools Pet Food Pvt. Ltd., valuing Drools at over $1 billion and making it India’s third unicorn of 2025.
• Why:
  • The investment supports Nestlé’s strategy to expand into premium categories and highlights growing investor interest in India’s pet care sector.
• Tell me more:
  • Drools will continue to operate independently after the investment.
  • This is Drools’ second major fundraise, following a $60 million investment by L Catterton in June 2023.
  • The Indian pet care market is valued at $3.5 billion and is expected to reach $7 billion by 2028.
  • Drools sells across 40,000 retail outlets, exports to 22 countries, and operates six manufacturing units in India.

Source: ET

6. Intelsat Gets Approval to Provide Satellite Services in India

• What:
  • Intelsat has received approval from the Indian government to offer direct satellite coverage to domestic media organisations.
• Why:
  • The approval allows Intelsat to expand its operations and support content delivery and distribution for Indian broadcasters.
• Tell me more:
  • The authorisation was granted by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe).
  • Intelsat will operate four geostationary satellites covering India.
  • The satellites will provide C-band coverage across India and support services both within the country and beyond its borders.
  • Intelsat has already won new business from three of India’s largest media companies following the approval.

Source: ET

Reports and Indices

1. ILO Study Finds 1 in 4 Jobs Exposed to GenAI

• What:
  • A joint study by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Poland’s National Research Institute (NASK) found that 1 in 4 jobs worldwide is potentially exposed to generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), with most jobs likely to change rather than be fully automated.
• Why:
  • The study aims to help policymakers identify jobs at high risk of automation and those that will evolve due to GenAI.
• Tell me more:
  • The report uses “exposure gradients” to cluster occupations by their GenAI exposure and combines data from nearly 30,000 occupational tasks.
  • Clerical jobs face the highest exposure because GenAI can automate many of their tasks.
  • Highly digitised cognitive jobs in media, software, and finance are also increasingly exposed to GenAI.
  • In high-income countries, 9.6% of female employment is at the highest risk of automation, compared to 3.5% for men.

Source: HBL

Defence News

1. Electric Hansa Aircraft: India’s New Green Aviation Step

• What:
  • India has started developing the Electric Hansa (E-Hansa), a two-seater electric trainer aircraft by National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), Bengaluru.
• Why:
  • The project aims to promote green aviation using clean energy and reduce dependence on imported trainer aircraft.
• Tell me more:
  • E-Hansa is part of the broader HANSA-3 (NG) trainer aircraft program.
  • The aircraft is expected to cost around Rs 2 crore, about half the price of imported trainers.
  • NAL is developing the E-Hansa indigenously as a next-generation solution for pilot training.

Source: PIB

2. Navika Sagar Parikrama II Crew Completes Global Voyage

• What:
  • The Indian Navy’s Navika Sagar Parikrama II crew completed a circumnavigation of the globe aboard the sailing vessel Tarini, arriving in Goa on May 29, 2025.
• Why:
  • The expedition aimed to showcase India’s maritime strength, promote women’s empowerment, and highlight the Indian Navy’s commitment to excellence.
• Tell me more:
  • The crew, Lieutenant Commander Roopa A and Lieutenant Commander Dilna K, sailed in double-handed mode and covered 25,400 nautical miles across four continents, three oceans, and three Great Capes.
  • The journey started from Goa on October 2, 2024, and included stops at Fremantle (Australia), Lyttelton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Falkland Islands), and Cape Town (South Africa).
  • The expedition was conducted under the motto “Courageous Hearts, Boundless Seas” and stands as a symbol of national pride and maritime heritage.

Source: CNBC

3. DRDO Inaugurates Quantum Technology Research Centre in Delhi

• What:
  • Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) inaugurated the Quantum Technology Research Centre (QTRC) at Metcalfe House, Delhi.
• Why:
  • The centre aims to strengthen indigenous quantum technology capabilities for strategic and defence applications.
• Tell me more:
  • QTRC is equipped with advanced experimental setups for research in quantum domains, including lasers, single-photon sources, and quantum key distribution techniques for ultra-secure communication.
  • The centre focuses on developing technologies like ultra-small atomic clocks, atomic magnetometers, and solid-state quantum devices.
  • The Scientific Analysis Group (SAG) and Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL) of DRDO are leading research at the centre.
  • The inauguration was led by Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO.

Source: PIB

4. Defence Minister Approves New Execution Model for AMCA Jet

• What:
  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved the programme execution model for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India’s planned fifth-generation fighter jet.
• Why:
  • The new model aims to boost self-reliance in aerospace by allowing both public and private Indian companies to bid for manufacturing the AMCA.
• Tell me more:
  • Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) must now compete independently or partner with other firms to secure the contract, instead of receiving it directly.
  • The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under DRDO will design the aircraft and execute the programme through industry partnership.
  • The AMCA will be a 25-tonne, twin-engine jet with advanced stealth features, a large internal fuel tank, and an internal weapons bay.
  • The project cost is estimated at around Rs 15,000 crore, with AMCA Mk1 using GE 414 engines and Mk2 to be powered by a stronger, indigenously developed engine.

Source: IE

Awards

1. Padma Awards Presented to 68 Individuals at Rashtrapati Bhawan

• What:
  • President Droupadi Murmu presented the Padma Awards to 68 individuals during the second Civil Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan.
• Why:
  • The awards honour exceptional service and notable contributions to society in various fields.
• Tell me more:
  • The Padma Awards include Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri, which are among India’s highest civilian honours.
  • The awards are given for achievements in art, literature, education, medicine, social work, science, public affairs, and sports.
  • A total of 139 Padma awardees were announced this year on the eve of Republic Day.

Source: DD1 DD2

2. National Awards for e-Governance 2025 Announced

• What:
  • The Government of India announced the National Awards for e-Governance (NAeG) 2025, recognizing 19 outstanding digital governance projects across six categories.
• Why:
  • The awards aim to encourage innovation and excellence in digital governance and expand digital service delivery to all levels, including grassroots.
• Tell me more:
  • This is the 22nd edition of the NAeG and the first time Gram Panchayats have been included.
  • Gold Awards (10) were given to projects like the Mining Tenement System, Multi-Hazard Early Warning Decision Support System, and Digi Yatra.
  • Silver Awards (6) recognized initiatives such as the eKhata system and Amin Management System.
  • Jury Awards (3) included Suakati Gram Panchayat in Odisha and the Clean Future project by Lalitpur Municipal Council.
  • Gold awardees receive ₹10 lakh and silver awardees ₹5 lakh to further their projects or support public welfare.

Source: ET

3. Manorama Vardhireddy Awarded Raja Ramanna Chair by DAE

• What:
  • Manorama Sunkara Vardhireddy, former chief scientist at CSIR-IICT, has been awarded the Raja Ramanna Chair by the Department of Atomic Energy for her contributions to materials science and research in chemical sensors and nanostructured materials.
• Why:
  • The award recognises her decades-long impactful work in developing sensors and advancing materials science.
• Tell me more:
  • Vardhireddy has a background in physics from Savitribai Phule Pune University and is known for pioneering research in chemical sensors.
  • She played a key role in developing sensors for detecting toxic and explosive gases, including a low-temperature H₂S sensor for nuclear reactors, a room-temperature hydrogen sensor, and a carbon monoxide sensor for defense personnel.
  • Her hydrogen sensor research was recognised as breakthrough research by Ames Laboratory, USA.

Source: TH

Important Days

1. International Day of UN Peacekeepers – May 29

• Theme: The Future of Peacekeeping

Source: UN

2. World Hunger Day – May 28

3. International Menstrual Hygiene Day – May 28

• Theme: #PeriodFriendlyWorld

Source: IE

Sports

1. Adille Sumariwalla Receives Asian Athletics Leadership Gold Pin

• What:
  • Adille Sumariwalla, Vice President of World Athletics and spokesperson for Athletics Federation of India, was honoured with the Asian Athletics Leadership Gold Pin at the Asian Athletics Association Congress.
• Tell me more:
  • The award was presented by AAA President General Dahlan Al Hamad.
  • The ceremony took place ahead of the Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, South Korea.
  • Sumariwalla is a former president of the Athletics Federation of India.
  • The Asian Athletics Leadership Gold Pin is a special recognition by the Asian Athletics Association.

Source: N18

2. ISSF Junior World Cup 2025

• What:
  • Tejaswini won the women’s 25m pistol event at the ISSF Junior World Cup 2025 in Suhl, Germany, helping India top the medals table with 11 medals.
• Why:
  • The win contributed to India finishing first in the junior ISSF World Cup medals tally.
• Tell me more:
  • India secured three gold, four silver, and four bronze medals, ahead of the People’s Republic of China.
  • Tejaswini scored to win gold, defeating Alina Nestsiarovich, while Miriam Jako of Hungary won bronze.
  • The Suhl meet was the first Junior ISSF World Cup of the year, featuring under-21 Olympic and non-Olympic shooting events.
  • Razia Dhillon won silver in women’s skeet, Shambhavi Shravan Kshirsagar and Kanak won gold in 10m air rifle and 10m air pistol respectively, and Adriyan won silver in men’s 50m prone with a junior national record and bronze in 50m rifle 3 positions.

Source: OC

Appointments

1. Anil Kumble Appointed Brand Ambassador for Karnataka Forests

• Former cricketer Anil Kumble has been appointed as the brand ambassador for the Karnataka Forest and Wildlife Department.

Source: IT

2. Citigroup Appoints Prashant Thakker as Head of Asia South Corporate Bank

• Citigroup has appointed Prashant Thakker as the head of the corporate bank for South- and Southeast Asia, effective immediately.
• Citi’s Asia South markets include India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

Source: ET

Miscellaneous

1. Passing of Veteran Akali Dal Leader Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa

• Veteran Shiromani Akali Dal leader and former Union Minister Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa passed away at the age of 89 in a private hospital in Mohali.

Source: ET

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