NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Centre notifies guidelines for electric passenger vehicle manufacturing scheme: The Centre has released detailed guidelines for the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India (SPMEPCI) to attract global EV investments and boost India’s status as a green mobility and automotive manufacturing hub; companies must invest at least ₹4,150 crore within 3 years and meet domestic value addition (DVA) targets of 25% in 3 years and 50% in 5 years.The scheme allows import of up to 8,000 electric four-wheelers per year at a reduced 15% customs duty for 5 years, provided each vehicle has a minimum CIF value of $35,000; the total duty foregone is capped at ₹6,484 crore or the actual investment, whichever is lower.Eligibility is limited to global or Indian companies with minimum ₹10,000 crore in automotive manufacturing revenue and ₹3,000 crore in fixed assets, based on latest audited financials; a bank guarantee equal to the higher of ₹4,150 crore or the duty foregone must be provided.Investment in land is excluded, but costs on charging infrastructure will be allowed up to 5% of the committed investment; only specific expenditures like new plant/machinery, R&D, and essential buildings will count towards the investment threshold.
2. Rashtriya Boudhik Sampada Mahotsav 2025 Celebrated at CSIR-IIP, Dehradun: CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun, celebrated Rashtriya Boudhik Sampada Mahotsav (RBSM) 2025, under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav initiative to promote intellectual property (IP) awareness in India.The event included a traditional lamp lighting and Saraswati Vandana, opening remarks by Dr. Deepti Agrawal, and a keynote speech by Dr. Kapil Arya on Intellectual Property Rights and patent fundamentals, followed by an interactive session.N. Vishwanadham shared insights on the role of the Patent and Publication Committee (PPC) and innovations at CSIR-IIP, while an online quiz competition on IP was held to engage scientists and research scholars.
3. Amit Shah inaugurates new central forensic science laboratory building in Kolkata: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah inaugurated the newly constructed Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) building in Kolkata.The facility, built at a cost of ₹88 crore, is expected to bolster forensic capabilities across eastern and northeastern states including West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, Assam, and Sikkim.The new CFSL will strengthen forensic science support for criminal investigations, aiding a secure, transparent, and evidence-based justice system envisioned by the government under PM Narendra Modi.
4. FM Sitharaman inaugurates New DRI Headquarters: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the new headquarters building of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in New Delhi, reinforcing the government’s commitment to strengthening economic security infrastructure.The Minister described DRI as the key guardian of India’s economic frontier, emphasizing its critical role in safeguarding the nation from threats such as smuggling, drug trafficking, and illicit trade.Sitharaman underlined DRI’s contribution to national security, stating that the agency stands as a vital pillar in India’s broader security framework.
5. India’s First Vande Bharat Maintenance Depot Under Construction at Bhagat Ki Kothi, Jodhpur: A first-of-its-kind Vande Bharat maintenance depot is being constructed at Bhagat Ki Kothi in the Jodhpur Railway Division, with plans to service trains from across India using three pit lines over a 600-meter area.This is the first of four such proposed depots in the country and is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, according to Jodhpur Divisional Railway Manager Anurag Tripathi.The project aims to enhance train maintenance capabilities and includes proposals for a workshop and training centre, aligning with Indian Railways’ goal to modernize infrastructure since the launch of the first Vande Bharat Express on February 15, 2019.
6. Uttar Pradesh Government Approves 20% Reservation for Agniveers in Police and PAC Recruitment: The Uttar Pradesh government has approved a 20% reservation for Agniveers in recruitment for various posts in the state police force and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) to support those completing their short-term military service under the Agnipath scheme.This reservation applies to posts including constable (civil police), constable PAC, mounted police, and fireman, along with an age relaxation of up to three years for Agniveers applying for these positions.
7. India’s Census 2027: This census will be unique as it will be the first digital census in the nation’s history. It will also include a caste enumeration, development since caste data has not been collected in previous censuses. The last census took place in 2011, and the planned census for 2021 was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The upcoming census will be conducted in two phases. The first phase will involve house listing and housing schedules. This phase is expected to begin on June 16, 2025, with a completion date set for February 28, 2026. The second phase will focus on population enumeration and will commence on February 27, 2027, concluding on March 1, 2027. Special provisions will be made for regions like Ladakh and certain areas of Jammu and Kashmir, where the reference date will be October 1, 2026.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. India to build first-ever indigenous Polar Research Vessel with Norwegian firm: India’s Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) and Norway’s Kongsberg Oslo signed an MoU which paves the way for India to build its first ever Polar Research Vessel (PRV) indigenously.This MoU is a beacon of hope and progress, signalling India’s unwavering commitment to scientific advancement and sustainable development.The vessel will be equipped with the latest scientific equipment, enable researchers to explore the oceans’ depths, study marine ecosystems, and unlock new insights into our planet’s past, present, and future.
2. Stefan Schaffer Appointed CEO of Deutsche Bank’s India GCC: Deutsche Bank has appointed Stefan Schaffer as the new CEO of its India Global Capability Centre (GCC), a major technology and innovation hub for the bank.Schaffer succeeds Dilipkumar Khandelwal, who stepped down to explore opportunities in the startup ecosystem after leading key technological transformations in India.In addition to his role as CEO of India GCC, Schaffer will also serve as the Global CIO for Corporate Functions and Head of Global Technology Centers at Deutsche Bank.
3. Annalena Baerbock Elected President of 80th UN General Assembly Session: German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has been elected as the President of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).She becomes the first German woman to hold this prestigious position in the history of the UNGA.Baerbock’s presidency is expected to focus on climate action, multilateralism, and global peacebuilding efforts.The 80th UNGA session will begin in September 2025, bringing together world leaders to address pressing global challenges.
4. Karol Nawrocki Wins Polish Presidential Election: Karol Nawrocki, a nationalist opposition candidate and eurosceptic historian, won Poland’s presidential election with 50.89% of the votes, narrowly defeating pro-European candidate Rafal Trzaskowski.Nawrocki, backed by the Law and Justice party (PiS), is expected to uphold conservative policies and oppose liberal reforms including changes to abortion laws and judicial
5. Liberal Lee Jae-myung wins South Korea’s Presidential election: South Korea’s opposition leader Lee Jae-myung is set to become the next president after winning a snap election by a significant margin, defeating incumbent President Kim Moon-soo.Lee’s victory comes six months after the previous leader declared martial law, a period marked by political turmoil and chaos in the country.
6. Bangladesh Introduces New Currency Notes Without Mujib: The newly issued notes include denominations of Tk 1000, Tk 50, and Tk 20. They feature motifs of Hindu and Buddhist temples, artwork by Zainul Abedin, and the national martyrs’ memorial. The design excludes human portraits, marking a departure from traditional currency that prominently displayed Mujib. The Bangladesh Bank indicated that these notes will initially be available from its headquarters in Dhaka. Since Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, Mujibur Rahman has been a central figure in the nation’s identity. His portrait has adorned all banknotes until now. The new series aims to highlight the country’s cultural landmarks, signalling a shift in national narrative under Yunus’s administration. This change is perceived as an attempt to diminish Mujib’s legacy amidst rising political tensions.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Shailendra Nath Gupta Takes Charge as Director General of Defence Estates: Shailendra Nath Gupta, a 1990-batch Indian Defence Estates Service officer, assumed the role of Director General of Defence Estates.Before this appointment, Shri Gupta served in various capacities, including CEO of multiple Cantonment Boards, Defence Estate Officer, staff officer, Director Defence Estates (Central Command), and Principal Director Defence Estates (Eastern Command).The Directorate oversees the management and maintenance of approximately 18 lakh acres of defence land across India, operating through six commands, 38 Defence Estates Circles, and 61 Cantonment Boards.
2. India-Norway Maritime Cooperation in 2025: A Memorandum of About (MoU) was signed between Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) and Norway’s Kongsberg. This agreement marks the first step towards building India’s indigenous Polar Research Vessel (PRV). The vessel will be equipped with advanced scientific tools. It aims to facilitate research in polar and oceanic environments, contributing to global scientific knowledge and climate change efforts. The MAHASAGAR initiative builds on India’s SAGAR vision. SAGAR stands for Security and Growth for All in the Region. MAHASAGAR aims for mutual and holistic advancement in maritime security and growth. It focuses on economic cooperation, capacity building, and environmental sustainability. The initiative seeks to leverage India’s extensive coastline and maritime heritage for regional prosperity.
3. France’s Nuclear Sharing Proposal and European Defence: Recent developments have positioned France at the forefront of European security discussions. On May 14, 2025, President Emmanuel Macron indicated France’s willingness to consider the stationing of its nuclear weapons in other European countries. This statement emerges amidst heightened security concerns due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Macron’s proposal aligns with France’s ambition for “European strategic autonomy,” aimed at enhancing the European Union’s independent defence capabilities. Nuclear sharing refers to arrangements where a nuclear-armed state places its nuclear weapons in allied non-nuclear states. The United States has implemented this model within NATO for decades, deploying B61 tactical nuclear bombs in five member countries. This strategy aims to reinforce alliance solidarity while sharing nuclear risks.
4. Indian Navy and EUNAVFOR Joint Naval Exercise: The Indian Navy is set to conduct a joint naval exercise with the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR). This exercise will involve ships and aircraft from both sides. It aims to enhance interoperability and combat non-traditional maritime threats. The collaboration is step towards reinforcing maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region. The joint exercise follows a port visit by the Spanish frigate ESPS Reina Sofia and the Italian frigate ITS Antonio Marceglia to Mumbai. This visit marked the first of its kind under the European Union’s aegis. It marks the ongoing discussions between Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and EU President Ursula von der Leyen about international peace and security.
SPORTS
1. PKL legend Pardeep Narwal retires at 28: Pardeep Narwal, the most successful player in Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) history, announced his retirement from the sport after going unsold during the PKL 12 players auction. The 28-year-old announced during a live session with a sports broadcaster.Throughout his career, Narwal amassed a record-breaking 1801 raid points, averaging 9.47 raid points per match.He played a pivotal role in guiding Patna Pirates to three consecutive PKL titles during his five-season tenure with the team, cementing his place in league history.
2. Thailand Open 2025: Deepak, Naman Tanwar clinch Gold as India return with eight medals: In the 4th Thailand Open International Boxing Tournament, Deepak and Naman Tanwar spearheaded India’s campaign, securing two golds as part of an impressive eight-medal haul.Deepak clinched the gold with a 5:0 win over Abdurakhimov Javokhir of Uzbekistan in the 75 kg final, while Naman got the better of China’s Han Xuezhen 4:1 in the 90 kg category.In the women’s 80+kg final, Kiran went down 2:3 to Kazakhstan’s Yeldana Talipova in a keenly fought bout to settle for a silver.Five Indian women boxers, Tamanna (51kg), Priya (57kg), Sanju (60kg), Saneh (70kg), and Lalfakmawii Ralte (80kg), came up with strong performances to win bronze medals.
3. Royal Challengers Bengaluru Win Maiden IPL Title: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won the Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy for the first time, defeating Punjab Kings by 6 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium in AhmedabadRCB scored 190/9 batting first, with Virat Kohli top-scoring 43 runs and captain Rajat Patidar contributing 26 runs; Krunal Pandya’s exceptional bowling (2 wickets for 17 runs) earned him the Player of the Match award.In the season awards, Sai Sudarshan (Gujarat Titans) won the Orange Cap for most runs, Prasidh Krishna (Gujarat Titans) received the Purple Cap for most wickets, and Surya Kumar Yadav (Mumbai Indians) was named Most Valuable Player (MVP).
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. District De-Addiction Centres: The Government of India is taking steps to combat substance abuse by establishing District De-Addiction Centres (DDACs) in 291 identified gap districts. These districts lack adequate infrastructure for treating and rehabilitating individuals struggling with substance dependence. This initiative is part of the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction, spearheaded by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. DDACs will serve as treatment and rehabilitation centres. Each centre will include administrative space, treatment facilities, and areas for outreach programmes. The capacity of these centres will accommodate either 15 or 30 patients at a time. Specific norms will govern their operations to ensure effective treatment.
2. Antarctic Ice Sheet Nears Tipping Point: Hysteresis refers to a system’s inability to return to its original state after a change in conditions. In the context of the Antarctic Ice Sheet, once a certain temperature threshold is crossed, the ice sheet continues to melt irrespective of future temperature reductions. This self-perpetuating process poses risks for global sea levels. To study the ice sheet’s long-term behaviour, researchers employed advanced computer models. These models simulated the ice sheet’s responses during historical interglacial and glacial periods over the last 800,000 years. This extensive timeframe helps scientists understand the potential future of the Antarctic Ice Sheet under current climatic conditions.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. India-US Agricultural Trade Relations and Tariff Reforms: India’s agricultural exports to the US include traditional items like frozen shrimp, basmati rice, and spices. Conversely, its imports mainly consist of high-value commodities such as almonds and pistachios. The ongoing negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement are crucial. The US is India’s largest trading partner, making this relationship very important for both nations. The NITI Aayog paper suggests India should selectively reduce tariffs on non-sensitive imports. For instance, US apples currently attract a 50% import duty. Reducing this could encourage better trade relations. Similarly, tariff adjustments on almonds and pistachios are recommended to facilitate a balanced trade environment. To improve global competitiveness, India must bridge productivity gaps. This can be achieved through embracing technology, market reforms, and enhancing logistics. The development of competitive value chains is also essential. Such reforms will strengthen India’s position in global agricultural markets.
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