NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. PM Modi Lays Foundation Stone for ₹1010 Cr City Gas Project in Alipurduar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of a City Gas Distribution (CGD) project worth over ₹1010 crore in Alipurduar, West Bengal.The project aims to supply Piped Natural Gas (PNG) to over 2.5 lakh households, 100+ commercial establishments and industries, and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) through 19 proposed CNG stations.This initiative will ensure an eco-friendly, reliable, and affordable fuel supply while also generating employment opportunities in the region.
2. Shivraj Singh Chouhan Launches ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ and Fish Vaccine at ICAR-CIFA, Bhubaneswar: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA-2025)’ at ICAR-CIFA, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, to promote advanced agricultural and fisheries technologies nationwide.A major highlight was the launch of “CIFA Argu VAX–I”, an innovative fish vaccine developed by ICAR-CIFA to combat parasitic infections and reduce economic losses in aquaculture.An exhibition showcased innovations from Self Help Groups (SHGs), KVK Khordha, and ICAR-CIFA, emphasizing community participation and grassroots innovation; VKSA-2025 will run from May 29 to June 12, 2025, across all districts.
3. NIRL and MAHAPREIT Join Hands to Establish a Green Energy: NLC India Renewables Limited (NIRL) signed a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) with MAHAPREIT in Mumbai to establish a new Joint Venture Company (JVC) for green energy development.The JVC will focus on developing up to 2000 MW of renewable energy projects in Phase I, including solar, wind, hybrid, floating solar, BESS, and pumped storage, with a long-term goal of scaling up to 5000 MW in Maharashtra.The equity structure of the JVC will be 74% held by NIRL and 26% by MAHAPREIT, with MAHAPREIT supporting land acquisition and grid connectivity, while NIRL will handle project planning, financing, and implementation.
4. PM Modi releases commemorative coin on 50 years of Sikkim Statehood: Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually addressed the “Sikkim@50: Where Progress meets purpose and nature nurtures growth” event in Gangtok, Sikkim.He also released a commemorative coin and stamp on the 50th anniversary of Sikkim’s statehood.Prime Minister Modi also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for various projects, such as a 500-bed district hospital in Namchi district and a passenger ropeway at Sangachoeling, Pelling in Gyalshing District.
5. Hitachi India Appoints N Venu as Its Managing Director: Hitachi India appointed N Venu as Managing Director, while Bharat Kaushal, the first Indian MD, was elevated to Executive Chairman.N Venu will continue his roles as MD & CEO of Hitachi Energy India and Region Head of South Asia at Hitachi Energy, focusing on expanding Hitachi’s footprint in India under the Inspire 2027 management plan.
6. 30 May – Goa Statehood Day: Goa Statehood Day is celebrated annually on May 30 to mark the day when Goa became the 25th state of India in 1987.Before statehood, Goa was a Union Territory after being liberated from Portuguese rule in 1961.The day commemorates Goa’s transition from a Union Territory to full statehood, recognising its cultural identity, political significance, and economic growth.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. 29 May – International Day of UN Peacekeepers: International Day of UN Peacekeepers is observed every year on 29 May.The day honours the dedication and sacrifices of UN peacekeepers who work to maintain global peace and security in conflict zones.Theme 2025 – The Future of PeacekeepingIt commemorates the start of the first UN peacekeeping mission in 1956 and pays tribute to thousands of military, police, and civilian personnel who serve under the UN flag.
2. 29 May – International Everest Day: International Everest Day is observed annually on May 29 to commemorate the historic first successful ascent of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953.The day honors the spirit of human endurance, courage, and adventure, celebrating the achievement of reaching the world’s highest peak at 8,848.86 meters.Declared officially by the Government of Nepal in 2008, it also recognizes the contributions of the Sherpa community and promotes awareness about mountaineering and environmental conservation.
3. 30 May – International Day of the Potato: International Day of the Potato is observed annually on May 30 to recognise the importance of the potato as a global food crop.Theme 2025 – Shaping history, feeding the futureThe day was declared by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in 2008 to raise awareness about the contribution of potatoes to food security, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture worldwide.Potatoes are one of the most widely grown root crops globally and play a vital role in combating hunger and malnutrition, especially in developing countries.
4. Global Glacier Melting Accelerates Amid Climate Crisis: Recent studies indicate that glaciers are melting faster than anticipated. This alarming trend coincides with the first United Nations conference on glaciers held in Tajikistan. The research suggests that limiting global warming to 1.5°C can preserve glacier ice compared to current trajectories. If climate policies remain unchanged, the world could warm by 2.7°C, leading to catastrophic glacier loss. Glaciers are retreating globally. A study involving 21 scientists from ten countries assessed over 200,000 glaciers. Even with stable temperatures, glaciers are projected to lose approximately 39% of their ice mass by 2100. The situation worsens with rising temperatures.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Aircraft Carriers: In recent discussions, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh brought into light the significance of aircraft carriers in naval warfare. He addressed officers on the INS Vikrant, emphasising its role as a very important asset for the Indian Navy. Aircraft carriers, particularly the INS Vikrant and its counterpart, INS Vikramaditya, are crucial for maintaining maritime dominance. These vessels are not only formidable in offensive capabilities but also serve as symbols of national power. An aircraft carrier is a large warship that functions as a seagoing airbase. It allows for the deployment and recovery of aircraft. The carrier is equipped with a flight deck for take-offs and landings. It also contains a hangar for storing aircraft. The primary offensive weapon of a carrier is its fighter aircraft, which provide air superiority over vast distances.
SPORTS
1. Shubman Gill Named Brand Ambassador for Oakley’s “Artifacts from the Future” Campaign in India: Oakley has appointed Indian cricketer Shubman Gill as its brand ambassador and the face of its “Artifacts from the Future” campaign in India.Shubman Gill is recognized as one of the most promising young talents in international cricket, making him a fitting choice for Oakley’s campaign.The “Artifacts from the Future” campaign showcases Oakley’s iconic designs, blending futuristic style with five decades of signature innovation, aimed at 2075.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo Becomes First Player to Score 800 Club Goals: Cristiano Ronaldo became the first footballer to score 800 goals in club football, achieving this milestone at the age of 40 during Al-Nassr’s recent Saudi Pro League match.Ronaldo won the Saudi League top scorer award again this season, scoring 25 goals after a remarkable 35 goals last season.With 800 goals scored across five clubs, including an incredible 450 goals for Real Madrid, Ronaldo’s record surpasses all, including Lionel Messi’s 753 club goals.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. DHRUVA Initiative: The DHRUVA initiative is a groundbreaking digital policy introduced by the Department of Posts in India. Launched in 2025, it aims to reshape how address information is structured and utilised across the nation. DHRUVA stands for Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address. This initiative builds on the earlier Digital Postal Index Number (DIGIPIN) system, enhancing the effectiveness of address data as a critical component of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). DHRUVA is designed to transform address information into a key pillar of governance and service delivery. The initiative allows secure, real-time sharing of verified address data among citizens, businesses, and government entities. It promotes interoperability and standardisation of address formats, ensuring that various sectors can effectively collaborate.
2. Tianwen-2 Asteroid Mission: China has embarked on a pioneering space mission named Tianwen-2. Launched on 28 May 2025, this mission aims to retrieve samples from the near-Earth asteroid 469219 Kamoʻoalewa. This asteroid is unique as it acts as a quasi-satellite of Earth, orbiting between 15 to 39 million kilometres away. The mission is step in China’s growing role in space exploration. The Tianwen-2 mission has clear objectives. It aims to study the asteroid closely and collect approximately 100 grams of material. The mission will use a suite of 11 sophisticated instruments, including cameras and spectrometers, to conduct in-depth analysis.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. IEPFA and SEBI Launch ‘Niveshak Shivir’ Pilot to Resolve Unclaimed Dividend Issues: The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, in collaboration with SEBI, is launching a pilot initiative called ‘Niveshak Shivir’, with the first camp scheduled for June 1, 2025, in Pune.The initiative aims to provide a one-stop solution for investors by addressing issues like unclaimed dividends and shares, KYC updates, nomination, and resolving pending IEPFA claims directly at the event.Niveshak Shivir promotes direct interaction between investors, companies, and Registrars and Transfer Agents (RTAs), eliminating intermediaries and offering on-the-spot grievance redressal through dedicated kiosks.
2. Jio BlackRock AMC Gets SEBI Nod to Launch Mutual Fund Business: Jio BlackRock Asset Management, a 50:50 joint venture between Jio Financial Services and BlackRock, has received final SEBI approval to launch its mutual fund business in India, with Sid Swaminatha appointed as MD & CEO.The fund house, set to become the 48th AMC in India, will focus on innovative, data-driven investment products, competitive and transparent pricing, and aims to democratize mutual fund investing for retail investors across the country.As per SEBI norms, operations must begin within six months; the venture will leverage BlackRock’s global expertise and Jio’s domestic reach to target India’s rapidly growing mutual fund industry, which had ₹70 lakh crore AUM as of April-end.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Raja Kumari Becomes First Indian-Origin Musician to Win American Music Award: Rapper and singer-songwriter Raja Kumari became the first Indian-origin musician to win an American Music Award (AMA) at the 51st AMA held in Los Angeles.She won for the song “Renegade (We Never Run)” from Arcane League of Legends: Season 2, a collaboration with UK artist Stefflon Don and Dominican-Brazilian artist Jarina de Marco.Two Indian Peacekeepers to Receive Posthumous Dag Hammarskjöld Medal at UN for Supreme
2. Sacrifice in Peacekeeping Missions: Indian peacekeepers Brigadier Amitabh Jha and Havildar Sanjay Singh will be posthumously awarded the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal for their supreme sacrifice in UN peacekeeping missions, on the occasion of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers (May 29) at the UN Headquarters in New York.Brigadier Amitabh Jha served with the UNDOF in the Golan Heights managing ceasefire arrangements, while Havildar Sanjay Singh was deployed with MONUSCO in the Democratic Republic of Congo, working in conflict-affected regions.The Dag Hammarskjöld Medal, established in 1997, honors military, police, and civilian personnel who died while serving in UN peacekeeping operations, named after the second UN Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld, who died in 1961 during a peace mission.
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