- Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) became the world’s first renewable IPP to achieve water positivity on May 9, 2025. Certified by Intertek, AGEL conserved water equivalent to 467 Olympic-sized pools, benefiting 1.23 lakh people. Robotic cleaning technology saves 546 million liters of water annually, boosting sustainability in clean energy. AGEL achieved this milestone one year ahead of its FY26 target, setting new global benchmarks.
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- Sarvam AI launched Bulbul v2, an advanced text-to-speech (TTS) model, on May 7, 2025. It supports 11 Indian languages, delivering natural accents and real-time synthesis for diverse applications. Features include multi-language, code-mixed text support, and fine control over pitch, pace, and loudness.
- The Punjab government approved nine anti-drone systems on May 9, 2025, to combat narco-terrorism along the Pakistan border. With a ₹51.4 crore investment, they will be deployed across six border districts to prevent drug smuggling and arms trafficking. These systems will work alongside Border Security Force (BSF) units, enhancing surveillance capabilities.
- India and New Zealand completed the first phase of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks in New Delhi from May 5 to May 9, 2025. Discussions covered tariff disparities, dairy trade, skilled workforce movement, and trade facilitation. The second round is set for July 2025, aiming for a tenfold increase in bilateral trade over the next decade.
- The US and UK announced a breakthrough trade deal on May 8, 2025, under President Donald Trump and PM Keir Starmer. The 27.5% tariff on British car exports to the US was reduced to 10%, benefiting 100,000 vehicles annually. The US eliminated the 25% tariff on British steel and aluminum, securing jobs in those industries.
- Muthoot Microfin received a strong ESG score of 72.2 on May 6, 2025, earning the CareEdge-ESG 1 rating. It outperformed the industry median of 56.8, showcasing excellence in governance, sustainability, and social impact. Key strengths include women empowerment, financial inclusion, and climate risk management initiatives. The company pledged to achieve Net Zero by 2040.
- Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) data (April 2025) shows 97% of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and Restructured Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) claims (₹1,34,353 crore of ₹1,38,401 crore) settled. Goa, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu achieved 100% settlement. Andhra Pradesh has the highest pending claims (₹1,842 crore), followed by Maharashtra and Rajasthan. Lowest settlement ratios in Sikkim (51%), Andhra Pradesh, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands (75%).
- The Tapti Basin Mega Recharge Project was formalized through an MoU signed on May 10, 2025, in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The agreement was signed between Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav and Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis. It aims to address water scarcity, provide permanent irrigation to over 3.57 lakh hectares, and enhance groundwater recharge. With a total cost of ₹19,244 crores, it is expected to receive 90% central funding for implementation.
- The CMS Consumption Report 2025 was released on May 6, 2025, by CMS Info Systems. It analyzes cash withdrawal trends, revealing Bihar, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh led growth in FY25. The report highlights consumer spending patterns, including the impact of digital payments.
- FIFA confirmed eight host cities for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, marking its first South American edition. The tournament will run from June 24 to July 25, 2027, with matches held in Rio, São Paulo, Brasília, and five other cities. Brazil aims for its first women’s world title, with the opening match and final venues yet to be finalized.
- Virat Kohli has retired from Test cricket, concluding a legendary 14-year career. He played 123 Tests, scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, with 30 centuries. As captain, he led India in 68 Tests, securing 40 wins, making him India’s most successful Test captain.
- Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) delivered ‘Arnala’, India’s first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), to the Indian Navy on May 8, 2025. Built with 88% indigenous content, it strengthens India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative in naval defense. Designed for coastal ASW operations, mine laying, and maritime surveillance, enhancing sub-surface warfare capabilities.
- The 20th Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF20) was held from May 5 to May 9, 2025, at the UN Headquarters in New York, US. With the theme "Valuing Forest Ecosystems in National Policy and Strategy," it aimed to strengthen global forest governance and climate resilience. India showcased forest conservation efforts, including the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) and Aravalli Green Wall restoration.
- The IMF Executive Board Meeting on May 9, 2025, was chaired by Kristalina Georgieva, with representatives from 190 member countries. It approved $2.3 billion aid for Pakistan under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). India abstained from voting, citing concerns over Pakistan’s economic mismanagement and military influence on financial decisions.
- The Smart Bio-Optimized Farming Agrosmart (SBOF Agrosmart) app was launched on May 6, 2025, in Belagavi, Karnataka. It provides AI-powered, real-time agricultural solutions to optimize farming practices. Features include IoT-driven analytics, government scheme access, and a multilingual chatbot for farmer support. The app aims to modernize agriculture by enhancing productivity through data-driven insights.
- World Lupus Day is observed on May 10 to raise awareness about lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease. The 2025 theme, "Make Lupus Visible," highlights the need for early diagnosis and better treatment. Over 5 million people worldwide live with lupus, facing unpredictable flare-ups and possible organ damage.
- The Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives during WWII is observed on May 8-9. May 8 (VE Day) marks Nazi Germany’s surrender in 1945, while May 9 (Victory Day) is observed in Russia and Eastern Europe. 2025 commemorates the 80th anniversary of the war’s end, reinforcing global peace and reconciliation efforts.
- Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as Pope Leo XIV on May 8, 2025, becoming the first American Pope. Born in Chicago, USA, he also holds Peruvian citizenship and was Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. He addressed crowds at St. Peter’s Basilica, emphasizing peace, justice, and unity.
- The Nicaraguan newspaper La Prensa won the UNESCO Press Freedom Prize 2025 on May 7, 2025, in Brussels, Belgium. Honored for its courageous journalism, it continues reporting despite leaders being imprisoned and assets seized.
- Jochen Mass, former F1 driver and Le Mans champion, passed away at 78 on May 4, 2025, in Cannes, France. He won the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix with McLaren and the 1989 24 Hours of Le Mans with Sauber.
Questions:
Q.1 Which company became the world’s first renewable Independent Power Producer (IPP) to achieve water positivity on May 9, 2025?a) Tata Power
b) Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL)
c) Reliance Energy
d) Suzlon Energy
Answer: b) Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) conserved water equivalent to 467 Olympic-sized pools, using robotic cleaning technology, and achieved this milestone one year ahead of its FY26 target.
Q.2 Which country will host the 2027 Women’s World Cup?
a) Brazil
b) Argentina
c) Germany
d) Australia
a) Brazil
b) Argentina
c) Germany
d) Australia
Answer: a) Brazil was confirmed by FIFA as the host for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, making it South America's first edition.