- The Government of India launched chip-based e-passports in May 2025 to enhance traveler security. Equipped with an RFID chip, they store biometric data, making passports harder to forge. The rollout followed a pilot phase that began on April 1, 2024, under Passport Seva Programme Version 2.0.
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- The Maharashtra Government launched ‘Adishakti Abhiyan’ on May 7, 2025, with ₹10.50 crore to empower women. It tackles malnutrition, maternal mortality, domestic violence, sexual harassment, and child marriage. Committees at multiple levels ensure implementation, with Adishakti Awards recognizing outstanding efforts.
- Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin declared May 5 as Traders’ Day to recognize traders’ contributions. Key measures include ₹5 lakh financial aid, self-certification for small businesses, and 24/7 shop operations. No fees for small name boards, and traders are encouraged to name shops in Tamil to promote local identity.
- On May 8, 2025, Nitin Gadkari announced that India is now the third-largest automobile manufacturer globally. He made the statement at the 4th International BBB Summit and Expo on Bioenergy Value Chain in New Delhi. Gadkari highlighted India’s rising vehicle production, growing demand, and efforts to reduce fossil fuel imports.
- The Delhi government approved a ₹3.21 crore cloud-seeding project to combat air pollution in NCR. IIT Kanpur will oversee planning, aircraft deployment, and chemical dispersal, with trials starting in May–June 2025. Five trials will cover 100 sq. km, assessing cloud seeding’s effectiveness in reducing airborne pollutants.
- The Coal Ministry signed the Coal Gasification Plant Development and Production Agreement (CGPDPA) on May 9, 2025, promoting clean energy. Selected companies include Jindal Steel and Power, New Era Cleantech Solution, and Greta Energy and Metal under the ₹8,500 crore scheme. The agreement targets 100 million tonnes of coal gasification by 2030.
- On May 8, 2025, India and Chile signed the Terms of Reference (ToR) for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The agreement expands upon the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), covering digital services, investment, MSME collaboration, and critical minerals.
- India listed its first mortgage-backed Pass Through Certificates (PTCs) on NSE on May 5, 2025. Issued by RMBS Development Company Ltd, backed by LIC Housing Finance, with a ₹1,000 crore issue size. The PTCs have a 7.26% coupon rate, nearly 20-year tenure, and AAA (SO) ratings from CRISIL & CARE Ratings. This move strengthens housing finance, boosts securitization, and enhances liquidity in India’s debt market.
- Kotak Mahindra Bank launched the Solitaire Credit Card on May 7, 2025, exclusively for High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNIs). This invite-only metal card offers unlimited lounge access, zero forex mark-up, and luxury hotel benefits. Users earn 10 Air Miles per ₹100 spent on travel bookings via Kotak Unbox, enhancing global spending.
- The CK Birla Group rebranded as The CKA Birla Group on May 5, 2025, reflecting its shift toward technology and global expansion. With 170 years of legacy, the group aims to evolve from an industrial conglomerate to a future-focused enterprise. The rebranding introduces a new visual identity and messaging, emphasizing innovation and leadership. C.K. Birla remains Chairman, with Amita Birla as Co-Chairman, guiding the group's strategic direction.
- TPG acquired a 35% stake in SCHOTT Poonawalla from Serum Institute of India (SII) on May 6, 2025. SCHOTT Pharma retains 50% ownership, while SII holds a minority stake, enhancing drug delivery solutions. This partnership strengthens global pharmaceutical supply chains, supporting biotech and injectable medicine advancements.
- On May 7, 2025, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and Hafele India signed an MoU in New Delhi to boost India’s manufacturing ecosystem. The agreement supports startups, MSMEs, and entrepreneurs through local sourcing, mentorship, and investment opportunities. Hafele India committed $2.5 million to an Indian appliance startup and extended purchase orders to MSMEs.
- Airtel Africa partnered with SpaceX’s Starlink on May 6, 2025, to expand satellite internet services across Africa. Starlink’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites will improve high-speed broadband access in underserved regions. 9 out of Airtel Africa’s 14 markets have secured operating licenses, with approvals pending for the remaining five.
- China won its 14th Sudirman Cup title on May 4, 2025, at Fenghuang Gymnasium, Xiamen, China. The BWF Sudirman Cup 2025 is a biennial mixed team badminton championship. China defeated South Korea 3-1 in the final to claim the title.
- The Haryana Government launched the ‘Pandit Lakhmi Chand Kalakar Samajik Samman Yojana’ on May 5, 2025, to support senior artists. Eligible artists aged 60+ with 20+ years of contribution receive ₹10,000 or ₹7,000 per month, based on income. Applicants are verified through Parivar Pehchan Patra (PPP), ensuring assistance reaches deserving individuals.
- The Seatrade Maritime Logistics Middle East (SMLME) 2025 was held from May 6 to May 8, 2025, at Dubai World Trade Centre, UAE. Organized by Informa Markets, it focused on maritime safety, sustainability, logistics, and innovation. Key highlights included the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) opening a new office in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, marking 25 years in the UAE.
- Paras Defence (India) and HevenDrones (Israel) formed a joint venture (JV) on May 5, 2025, to build hydrogen-powered drones in India. These next-gen drones offer longer endurance and modular payloads, enhancing defence and homeland security. Paras Defence manages manufacturing and sales, while HevenDrones provides technology and prototypes.
- The Quad nations—India, Australia, Japan, and the US—conducted a Tabletop Exercise (TTX) from April 28 to May 2, 2025, in Honolulu, Hawaii. The exercise launched the Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network (IPLN) to enhance civilian disaster response in the Indo-Pacific region.
- India celebrates Rabindranath Tagore’s 164th birth anniversary on May 9, 2025, honoring his contributions to literature, music, and philosophy. West Bengal hosts cultural events, including Rabindra Sangeet performances at Jorasanko Thakurbari and Visva-Bharati University.
- World Red Cross Day is observed on May 8, 2025, honoring Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers for their humanitarian work. The theme, "Keeping Humanity Alive," highlights efforts in disaster relief, medical aid, and conflict assistance.
- Maharana Pratap Jayanti 2025 is celebrated on May 9 (Julian calendar) or May 29 (Hindu calendar), marking his 485th birth anniversary. He was the Rajput ruler of Mewar, known for resisting Mughal emperor Akbar, especially in the Battle of Haldighati (1576).
- World Thalassaemia Day 2025 is observed on May 8 to raise awareness about thalassaemia, a genetic blood disorder. The theme, "Together for Thalassaemia: Uniting Communities, Prioritising Patients," emphasizes early diagnosis and treatment access. Established in 1994 by the Thalassaemia International Federation (TIF), it honors George Englezos, son of TIF’s founder.
- Titan Company Ltd announced on May 8, 2025, that Ajoy Chawla will succeed C.K. Venkataraman as MD from January 1, 2026. Chawla, currently CEO of Titan’s Jewellery Division, has driven 2.5X growth in sales and profits since 2019. Venkataraman will retire on December 31, 2025, after 35 years at Titan, following Tata Group’s superannuation policy.
- Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the 267th pope on May 8, 2025, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. He is the first American pope, originally from Chicago, chosen by a conclave of over 130 cardinals.
Questions:
Q.1 What day has Tamil Nadu declared as “Traders’ Day”?a) May 1
b) June 1
c) May 5
d) April 15
Answer: c) Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin declared May 5 as Traders’ Day to honor the contribution of traders to the economy.
Q.2 The Coal Gasification Plant Development and Production Agreement (CGPDPA) aims to achieve how much coal gasification by 2030?
a) 50 million tonnes
b) 75 million tonnes
c) 100 million tonnes
d) 125 million tonnes
a) 50 million tonnes
b) 75 million tonnes
c) 100 million tonnes
d) 125 million tonnes
Answer: c) The agreement targets 100 million tonnes of coal gasification by 2030."
