NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Government to Launch ‘Depot Darpan’ Portal for Real-Time Monitoring of Food Storage Warehouses: The Ministry of Consumer Affairs will launch the “Depot Darpan” portal and mobile app enable real-time monitoring of food storage depots, aiming to improve quality, safety, and transparency in warehousing.Depot Darpan will use geo-tagged data, automated ratings, and supervisory validation to assess infrastructure and operational efficiency, with each depot receiving a star rating based on performance.The platform integrates smart technologies such as CCTV, IoT sensors (for CO₂, humidity, fire hazards, etc.), and AI tools like ANPR, FRS, and automated bag counting to enhance security and operational control.Around 2,278 warehouses—managed by FCI, CWC, and other agencies—will be covered under the initiative, empowering officials with mobile-based monitoring and automated performance insights.
2. Prakash Magdum Appointed as MD of National Film Development Corporation: Prakash Magdum has been appointed as the Managing Director of the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC).Prior to his appointment at NFDC, Magdum served as the Additional Director General of the Press Information Bureau (PIB) and the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) in Ahmedabad, contributing significantly to public information.
3. FMCG major Marico extends CEO Saugata Gupta’s tenure for two years: Home-grown FMCG major Marico has extended the tenure of its Managing Director & CEO, Saugata Gupta, for two more years, from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2028.The decision was made during a Board of Directors meeting held on May 2, 2025.The board also approved the continuation of Harsh Mariwala as Non-Executive Director, following the Nomination and Remuneration Committee’s recommendation.
4. FSIB recommends Sanjay Joshi as CMD of Oriental Insurance Company: The Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB) recommended Sanjay Joshi for the position of Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) at Oriental Insurance Company Limited (OICL).Recently, the government appointed Executive Director Amit Misra as the acting CMD of the company for a three-month period starting 1 March 2025.Joshi is currently serving as General Manager at United India Insurance Company. A direct recruit officer from the 1989 batch, he has worked in the general insurance sector for over 30 years, holding roles as branch and divisional head across multiple regional offices.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Dr. Jitendra Singh set to inaugurate Global Space Exploration Summit GLEX 2025: The 12th Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX 2025) will be held from 7th to 9th May 2025 in New
2. Delhi, with the theme “Reaching New Worlds: A Space Exploration Renaissance.”Over 1,800 attendees, including 233 international delegates from 36 countries, will participate; a record 1,275 research abstracts were submitted from 57 countries, with 64% from India.The event will feature plenary sessions by global space leaders from ESA, ISRO, USA, China, Japan, and UAE, along with an astronaut outreach program featuring 10 astronauts, including Rakesh Sharma and Hazzaa AlMansoori.Jointly organised by IAF, ISRO, and ASI, GLEX 2025 will also showcase a space exhibition with stalls from 22 top organisations, including Indian startups and global space companies.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. India to provide $200 loan to Angola to modernise its Armed Forces: India has agreed to provide Angola with a $200 million line of credit (loan) to modernise its armed forces. This was announced during Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço’s visit to India on 3rd April 2025.Angola will use the amount to buy defence equipment, transport vehicles, ammunition, and other assets from the Indian public and private sector defence companies.Angola has also expressed interest in getting India’s help in modernising and servicing Angolan Russian weapon systems, such as SU-30 fighter jets.
2. Indian Armed Forces launch ‘OPERATION SINDOOR’ on nine terror targets of Pakistan & PoK: Indian Armed Forces launched ‘OPERATION SINDOOR’, post-midnight, hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed.The operation was focused, measured, and non-escalatory, with no Pakistani military facilities targeted, showcasing India’s restraint and strategic intent.Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally monitored the entire operation overnight, reinforcing the government’s commitment to holding those responsible for the Pahalgam attack accountable.
SPORTS
1. China wins the 19th Sudirman Cup 2025: Badminton powerhouse China has won the BWF Sudirman Cup for the fourth consecutive time, beating South Korea 3-1 in the final of the 19th edition of the Sudirman Cup 2025.It was the 14th title win for the Chinese in the Sudirman Cup’s history. Only three countries, China, Indonesia, and South Korea, have won the Sudirman Cup.The Indian team failed to qualify for the quarter-finals and finished 9th amongst the 16 teams participating in the tournament.The Sudirman Cup is a biennial mixed-team badminton competition organised by the Badminton World Federation (BWF). China hosted the 19th edition of the Sudirman Cup Finals in Xiamen.The Chinese team defeated Japan, while South Korea defeated Indonesia to reach the final. This was the Chinese team’s 16th consecutive final.
2. PM Modi Virtually Opens 7th Khelo India Youth Games 2025 Hosted by Bihar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 7th edition of the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 through a virtual address.For the first time, the state of Bihar is hosting this national-level sports event, scheduled from May 4 to May 15, 2025. While the majority of competitions will be held across different cities in Bihar, three events—gymnastics, shooting, and cycling—will take place in New Delhi.The opening ceremony took place at the Patliputra Sports Complex in Patna, with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar attending as the chief guest.This year’s official mascot is “Gajasimha”, a mythical hybrid of an elephant (Gaja) and a lion (Simha), symbolizing immense strength as per Ayurvedic traditions. The theme slogan for the games is “Khel ke rang, Bihar ke sang.”The 2025 edition features 27 competitive sports along with 1 demonstration event. Bihar will host events in Patna, Rajgir, Gaya, Begusarai, and Bhagalpur, welcoming nearly 5,000 athletes from 36 states and Union Territories.
3. Goa wins 2025 Kalinga Super Cup: FC Goa defeated Jamshedpur FC 3-0 in the final, winning the 5th edition of the Kalinga Super Cup football tournament 2025.The Kalinga Super Cup 2025 final was played at Bhubaneshwar, Odisha.FC Goa, also known as Gaurs, became the first team in the Kalinga Super Cup history to win it twice. It won the Kalinga Super Cup in 2019.FC Goa has also qualified for the playoff stages of next season’s Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League 2. If FC Goa fail to win that playoff game, they will play in the AFC Challenge League.The tournament name is Super Cup, but as the Odisha government sponsors it, it has been known as the Kalinga Super Cup since the 2024 edition. It is held at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. UIDAI successfully conducts Face Authentication pilot for NEET Exam.: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) successfully conducted a Proof of Concept (PoC) using Aadhaar-based face authentication during National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) UG 2025 in New Delhi, in collaboration with NIC and NTA.The PoC aimed to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of real-time, contactless face authentication for verifying candidate identity during large-scale exams.Aadhaar Face Authentication was integrated with NIC’s digital systems and NTA’s protocols at selected NEET centres, demonstrating high accuracy and operational efficiency.The initiative showcased the potential of biometric authentication to enhance exam security, prevent impersonation, and ensure a student-friendly verification process.
2. DRDO conducts maiden flight-trials of Stratospheric Airship Platform: DRDO conducted the first flight-trial of its Stratospheric Airship Platform at Sheopur, Madhya Pradesh, reaching an altitude of 17 km and flying for 62 minutes with a scientific payload.Developed by Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), Agra, the test validated envelope pressure control and emergency deflation systems, with onboard sensors collecting critical data for future simulation models.The total duration of the flight was about 62 minutes.The airship enhances India’s capabilities in earth observation, surveillance, and intelligence (ISR), marking a major stride in indigenous high-altitude lighter-than-air systems.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. India’s economic growth to remain steady at 6.6% in FY2025-26: Deloitte: India’s economic growth is expected to remain steady at 6.6 per cent in FY2025-26, as per Deloitte’s latest forecast.However, revised data shows that FY2023-24 recorded a strong 9.2 per cent growth.
2. Goldsikka Unveils AI-Powered Gold-Melting ATM: Goldsikka launched an AI-powered Gold-Melting ATM, allowing users to buy, sell, exchange, digitise, and monetise gold and gold jewellery without human interference.The machine includes an Augmented Reality (AR) feature, enabling customers to virtually try on jewellery before purchasing.Gold deposited in the ATM is melted, its purity tested, and the value displayed, with the customer receiving the amount transferred directly to their bank account in about 30 minutes.Security features include Aadhar and ID verification, with the ATM automatically reporting suspicious transactions to the police if a crime record is detected.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Subhasish Bose named Men’s Player of the Year at All India Football Federation Awards 2025: Subhasish Bose and Soumya Guguloth were honoured as the Men’s and Women’s Players of the Year, respectively for the 2024–25 season during the AIFF Awards 2025 held in Bhubaneswar.Khalid Jamil and Sujata Kar won Best Coaches in the men’s and women’s categories, while Vishal Kaith and Elangbam Panthoi Chanu were named Best Goalkeepers.Brison Fernandes and Toijam Thoibisana Chanu were recognised as the Most Promising Players of the Year, with AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey praising Odisha’s role in promoting football.
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