- On May 11, 2025, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) launched five Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) testbeds for the cement industry under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. These testbeds aim to capture carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions and convert them into synthetic fuels, urea, soda ash, and concrete aggregates.
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- On May 11, 2025, the Uttar Pradesh government added 12 new products to its One District, One Product (ODOP) list, raising the total count to 74. This move aims to boost local industries, employment, and exports, further strengthening the state's economy.
- On May 12, 2025, the Union government approved 2.8 million tonnes of Food Corporation of India (FCI) rice for ethanol production, increasing the total allocation to 5.2 million tonnes for the 2024-25 ethanol supply year. This move supports India's 20% ethanol blending target by 2025-26 while raising concerns over food security and grain diversion for biofuels.
- On May 12, 2025, Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) launched India’s longest rail flyover girder at Kalamboli, Maharashtra. The 110.5-meter Open Web Steel Girder, weighing 1,500 tonnes, was installed on the JNPT–Nilje section of WDFC. This radially shifted girder enhances freight efficiency and reduces conflicts with passenger routes.
- On May 10, 2025, the Uttar Pradesh government launched Mukhyamantri Suposhan Abhiyan to combat child malnutrition in eight aspirational districts. The initiative provides 400 calories and 15-20 grams of protein daily via Take-Home Ration for 3 to 6-year-olds. A ₹254.83 crore budget benefits 11.13 lakh children, offering flavoured milk, fruits, and millet-chikki nutribars.
- On May 12, 2025, the Delhi Police launched the ‘Nayi Disha’ initiative to reintegrate school dropouts into education. Officers identify and support dropouts, connecting them with schools, open education, or skill-building programs. The initiative involves NGOs and social workers, ensuring counselling and vocational training. Its goal is to reduce juvenile crime by providing learning and employment pathways for at-risk youth.
- On May 16, 2025, the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) received approval to open its first international campus in Dubai at Expo City, Dubai. This expansion aligns with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, promoting globalization of Indian higher education.
- On May 17, 2025, Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated and laid the foundation for development projects worth ₹708 crore in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The projects include roads, drainage systems, healthcare centers, solar panels, and sewage treatment. The Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation, GUDA, and District Administration contributed towards infrastructure enhancements.
- On April 11, 2025, UNESCO and the G20 partnered to train civil servants for ethical AI governance in the public sector, hosting a workshop in Gqeberha, South Africa. The initiative focuses on AI skill development, ensuring transparency, accountability, and fairness in governance.
- On May 15, 2025, HDFC Bank launched the ‘Biz+ Current Account’, catering to Indian businesses at various growth stages. It offers four variants—Biz Lite+, Biz Pro+, Biz Ultra+, and Biz Elite+—to support setup, growth, expansion, and diversification. Key features include cash handling, digital banking platforms, relationship manager support, and business protection insurance.
- On May 16, 2025, the RBI imposed fines on Deutsche Bank AG (₹50 lakh) and Yes Bank Limited (₹29.60 lakh) for regulatory non-compliance. Deutsche Bank was penalized for deficiencies in central repository management, while Yes Bank failed to meet financial disclosure norms. These penalties highlight RBI's strict oversight to ensure compliance in banking operations.
- On May 8, 2025, Indian Bank launched IND SECURE (444 days) and IND GREEN (555 days) FD schemes with interest rates up to 7.90%. Both accept deposits from ₹1,000 to less than ₹3 crore and are available until September 30, 2025. The bank also revised its FD interest rates, now ranging from 2.80% to 7.15%.
- India’s merchandise exports rose by 9.03% in April 2025, reaching $38.49 billion, as per data released on May 15, 2025. Growth was driven by electronics and engineering goods, while imports surged 19.12% to $64.91 billion, widening the trade deficit to $26.42 billion.
- India’s forex reserves rose by $4.5 billion, reaching $690.62 billion for the week ending May 9, 2025. The increase was mainly due to a $4.518 billion rise in gold holdings, now valued at $86.337 billion. Foreign currency assets (FCA), the largest component, stood at $581.373 billion. This boost strengthens India’s economic stability and external sector resilience.
- On May 12, 2025, Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) signed an MoU with Drydocks World in Mumbai to develop ship repair and offshore fabrication clusters across India. The collaboration aims to boost India’s maritime sector, enhance ship repair capabilities, and support Maritime India Vision 2030.
- On May 10, 2025, Spanish firm GMV launched LUPIN, a GPS-like navigation system for the Moon, under a European Space Agency (ESA) programme. LUPIN uses satellite signals for real-time lunar positioning, aiding rovers and astronauts in exploration. The system was tested in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, ensuring accuracy in harsh lunar terrain.
- On May 16, 2025, Neeraj Chopra competed in the Doha Diamond League at Suhaim bin Hamad Stadium, Qatar in the men’s javelin throw event. He achieved a historic 90.23m throw, finishing second, while Germany’s Julian Weber won with 91.06m.
- On May 16, 2025, R Praggnanandhaa won the Superbet Chess Classic Romania in Bucharest, securing his first Grand Chess Tour title. He triumphed in a blitz playoff against Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and Alireza Firouzja. This victory solidifies his position among the world’s elite chess players.
- On May 16, 2025, Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy launched the new website steel.gov.in. of the Ministry of Steel at Udyog Bhavan, New Delhi. The site features a user-friendly interface, multilingual support, and enhanced cybersecurity measures. It adheres to GIGW guidelines, ensuring accessibility and transparency for industry stakeholders.
- The International Day of Living Together in Peace is observed annually on May 16 to promote peace, tolerance, inclusion, and solidarity. Established by the UN General Assembly in 2017, it encourages dialogue and reconciliation among individuals and nations. The 2025 theme, "Unity in Diversity", focuses on building a culture of peace through collaboration.
- Endangered Species Day is observed on the third Friday of May, which falls on May 16, 2025. The 2025 theme, "Celebrate Saving Species," highlights conservation successes and ongoing efforts. Events include educational programs, wildlife protection initiatives, and global awareness campaigns.
- World Hypertension Day is observed on May 17 to raise awareness about high blood pressure, a leading global health concern. The 2025 theme, "Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer!", highlights early detection and management.
- Armed Forces Day is observed on the third Saturday of May, falling on May 17, 2025. Established in 1949, it honors active-duty service members across all branches. Events include parades, military displays, and public tributes to recognize their dedication.
- On May 15, 2025, the government appointed Dinesh Pant and Ratnakar Patnaik as Managing Directors of LIC, effective from June 1, 2025. Pant, previously Executive Director (Actuarial) and Appointed Actuary, will serve until May 31, 2027. Patnaik, formerly Chief Investment Officer, will hold the role until March 31, 2028.
- On May 13, 2025, Neeraj Chopra was conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army, effective from April 16, 2025. This recognition acknowledges his sporting excellence and national service, joining the ranks of MS Dhoni and Kapil Dev, who received similar honors.
- On May 15, 2025, Dr. Arunabha Ghosh was appointed as the South Asia Envoy for COP-30, set to take place in Belém, Brazil, in November 2025. He is among eight international envoys, ensuring South Asian perspectives are represented in climate discussions.
- On May 16, 2025, the 58th Jnanpith Award was presented to Gulzar and Jagadguru Rambhadracharya at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. Gulzar, celebrated for his Hindi and Urdu literary contributions, could not attend due to health reasons. Jagadguru Rambhadracharya, a Sanskrit scholar, has authored over 240 books, including four epics.
- On May 16, 2025, Nagaland’s government released the PMAY-U Coffee Table Book in Kohima, highlighting urban housing progress. The book was unveiled by Zhaleo Rio, Advisor for Municipal Affairs & Urban Development. It visually showcases success stories, challenges, and transformations under PMAY-U.
Questions:
Q.1 Who among the following received the 58th Jnanpith Award in 2025?a) Gulzar and Jagadguru Rambhadracharya
b) Gulzar and Amitav Ghosh
c) Javed Akhtar and Rambhadracharya
d) Shashi Tharoor and Gulzar
Answer: a) Gulzar (Hindi/Urdu) and Rambhadracharya (Sanskrit) were jointly awarded.
Q.2 What is the purpose of the Mukhyamantri Suposhan Abhiyan launched in UP?
a) To promote organic farming
b) To combat child malnutrition
c) To provide free textbooks
d) To build new schools
a) To promote organic farming
b) To combat child malnutrition
c) To provide free textbooks
d) To build new schools
Answer: b) The scheme targets 11.13 lakh children in aspirational districts with Take-Home Ration (THR) providing 400 calories and 15-20g protein daily.
