Current Affairs

Goa Declared Fully Literate under ULLAS Scheme on Statehood Day

On 30 May 2025, during the 39th Statehood Day celebrations at Dinanath Mangeshkar Kala Mandir in Panaji, Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant declared Goa a fully literate state under the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram (New India Literacy Programme). This milestone makes Goa the second state in India to cross the 95% literacy benchmark, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 goal of achieving full literacy by 2030. Mizoram has become the first state in India to achieve full functional literacy, on 20 May 2025.

Despite the PLFS Report 2023–24 citing Goa’s literacy at 93.60%, the state’s own survey found that it had surpassed the threshold for full literacy.

The achievement was made possible through a Whole-of-Government approach, involving departments like Panchayats, Municipal Administration, Social Welfare, and Women & Child Development. Swayampurna Mitras and field workers helped identify non-literates, assist learners, and raise awareness.

The ULLAS scheme, launched in 2022 and active till 2027, targets adults aged 15 and above, and includes five components:

  • Foundational Literacy and Numeracy
  • Critical Life Skills
  • Basic Education
  • Vocational Skills
  • Continuing Education

So far, over 2.4 crore learners and 41 lakh volunteer teachers have registered on the ULLAS Mobile App, and 1.77 crore learners have appeared for literacy assessments.

Goa’s success under the “Jan-Jan Sakshar” spirit demonstrates the power of volunteerism, inclusive education, and community-driven literacy campaigns, serving as a model for other states to follow in building a Viksit Bharat by 2030.

Asian Athletics Championships: Gulveer Breaks Record in Men’s 5000m

On May 30, 2025, India had a spectacular outing at the Asian Athletics Championships, with multiple medals and national records:

  • Gulveer Singh won his second gold, taking the men’s 5000m title in a Championship Record time of 13:24.78, beating the previous 2015 record. He had earlier won the 10,000m gold.
  • Pooja, an 18-year-old high jumper, clinched gold with a 1.89m leap, a U-20 national record and only the second Indian woman to medal in this event after Bobby Aloysius.
  • Nandini Agasara claimed gold in women’s heptathlon, scoring 5941 points.
  • Parul Chaudhary set a new national record in the women’s 3000m steeplechase with 9:12.46, earning silver.
  • Animesh Kujur reached the final of the men’s 200m after clocking 20.81s in the semifinal.

India now stands second in the medal tally with 18 medals (8 Gold, 7 Silver, 3 Bronze), trailing China which leads with 24 medals (15 Gold, 8 Silver, 3 Bronze).

Historic First: Women Cadets Commissioned at NDA’s 148th Passing Out Parade

On 30 May 2025, the National Defence Academy (NDA), Pune conducted the Passing Out Parade of its 148th course at Khetarpal Ground, marking a historic milestone with the commissioning of the first-ever batch of women cadets into the Indian Armed Forces.

The event was graced by General V.K. Singh (Retd.), Governor of Mizoram and former Chief of Army Staff, along with NDA Commandant Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar. General Singh described the occasion as a matter of national pride and a step forward in gender inclusion and military modernization.

Honours awarded at the event:

  • 🥇 President’s Gold Medal – Cadet Prince Raj
  • 🥈 Silver Medal – Cadet Udayveer Singh Negi
  • 🥉 Bronze Medal – Cadet Tejas Bhat
  • 🏆 Chief of Staff Banner – Golf Squadron

The parade was attended by dignitaries, families, and senior military officials, celebrating both tradition and a new chapter in the NDA’s legacy.

President Murmu Confers National Florence Nightingale Awards 2025

On 30 May 2025, President Droupadi Murmu conferred the National Florence Nightingale Awards to 15 exceptional nursing professionals at Rashtrapati Bhavan, recognizing their outstanding contributions to India’s healthcare system.

The awardees included Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), Lady Health Visitors (LHVs), and Registered Nurses from both government and voluntary sectors, acknowledged for their dedication, compassion, and resilience.

Union Health Minister JP Nadda, along with Ministers of State Prataprao Jadhav and Anupriya Patel, attended the ceremony. Nadda praised the awardees as pillars of India’s healthcare system.

The award, instituted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, includes:

  • A Certificate of Merit
  • A medal
  • A cash prize of ₹1 lakh

The government has recently passed the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Act to modernize nursing education and regulation. Additionally, the setup of 157 nursing colleges aims to strengthen India’s healthcare capacity and prepare a skilled nursing workforce.

President Droupadi Murmu Inaugurates Literary Conference at Rashtrapati Bhavan

On 29 May 2025, President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated a two-day Literary Conference at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre in New Delhi. She emphasized the richness of India’s linguistic diversity, noting that its many languages and dialects reflect the spirit of Indianess.

President Murmu spoke on the evolving nature of literature, stating that while the context of love and compassion may change, the core emotional values remain constant. She underlined that modern literature must go beyond didacticism and encourage dialogue and engagement.

The event, organized by the Ministry of Culture and the Sahitya Akademi, aims to spark constructive conversations on themes like:

  • Poets’ Meet
  • Feminist Literature of India
  • Change in Literature vs. Literature of Change
  • New Directions of Indian Literature in Global Perspective

The conference will conclude with a special session on the legacy of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar.

During the event, President Murmu also accepted credentials from envoys of six countries: Thailand, Costa Rica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Turkiye, Bangladesh, and Kazakhstan.

Three High Court Judges Elevated to Supreme Court

On 29 May 2025, The central government has approved the Supreme Court Collegium’s recommendation to elevate three High Court judges to the Supreme Court of India.
The appointed judges are:

  • Justice NV Anjaria, Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court
  • Justice Vijay Bishnoi, Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court
  • Justice AS Chandurkar, Judge of the Bombay High Court

The announcement was made by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal via a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating that the President of India has signed off on the appointments after consultation with the Chief Justice of India, BR Gavai.

The Collegium had made the recommendation during its meeting on 26 May 2025.

Career Highlights:

  • Justice NV Anjaria: Began his practice at Gujarat High Court in 1988; became a permanent judge in 2013; appointed Chief Justice of Karnataka HC in 2024.
  • Justice Vijay Bishnoi: Started his legal career in 1989; became permanent judge of Rajasthan HC in 2015; appointed CJ of Gauhati HC in 2024.
  • Justice AS Chandurkar: Began practicing in 1988; became Additional Judge of Bombay HC in 2013.

Asian Athletics Championships 2025 – Golds for Sable, Yarraji, and 4x400m Relay Team

At the 26th Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, South Korea, on 29 May 2025, Indian athletes delivered a stellar performance, winning three gold medals in a single day, pushing India’s overall medal tally to 14.

  • Avinash Sable won gold in the men’s 3,000m steeplechase with a season-best time of 8:20.92, becoming the first Indian man in 36 years to win this event at the Asian Championships.
  • Jyothi Yarraji claimed gold in the women’s 100m hurdles, clocking 12.96 seconds, setting a new championship record and defending her title.
  • The women’s 4x400m relay team — Jisna Mathew, Rupal Chaudhary, Kunja Rajitha, and Subha Venkatesan — won gold with a season-best time of 3:34.18.

In total for the day, India bagged 3 golds, 2 silvers, and 1 bronze, reinforcing its strong presence at the championship.

MSP Hiked for 14 Kharif Crops for 2025–26 Season

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved an increase in Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for 14 Kharif crops for the 2025–26 marketing season. The move aims to enhance farmers’ income, encourage crop diversification, and reduce import dependence.

Key MSP Increases (Per Quintal):

  • Nigerseed: ₹820 (highest increase)
  • Ragi: ₹596
  • Cotton: ₹589
  • Sesamum: ₹579
  • Paddy (staple crop): ₹69
  • Tur (Arhar): ₹450
  • Urad: ₹400
  • Moong: ₹86
  • Groundnut: ₹480
  • Sunflower seed: ₹441
  • Soybean: ₹436

India’s Crop Calendar:

  • Kharif: Sown in June-July, harvested in Oct-Nov
  • Rabi: Sown in Oct-Nov, harvested Jan onwards
  • Summer: Grown between Rabi and Kharif seasons

The MSP hike is part of a broader strategy to promote pulses, oilseeds, and nutri-cereals (Shree Anna), supporting both nutritional security and farmer welfare.

India’s Industrial Growth Slows to 2.7% in April 2025

India’s industrial production growth slowed to 2.7% in April 2025, down from 3% in March, according to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

Sector-wise Performance (April 2025):

  • Manufacturing: +3.4%
  • Electricity Generation: +1.1%
  • Mining: -0.2% (a reversal from +0.4% in March)

Use-Based Classification (YoY growth April 2025 vs April 2024):

  • Capital Goods: +20.3%
  • Intermediate Goods: +4.1%
  • Infrastructure/Construction Goods: +4%
  • Consumer Durables: +6.4%
  • Consumer Non-Durables: -1.7%
  • Primary Goods: -0.4%

Despite positive growth in key sectors like capital and consumer durables, contractions in mining, consumer non-durables, and primary goods weighed down overall industrial output.

Elon Musk Resigns as Chief of Government Efficiency Department (DOGE) of US

Elon Musk stepped down as chief of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) on May 28, 2025, thanking U.S. President Donald Trump for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending. Musk emphasized that DOGE will continue to grow as a long-term reform initiative.

His resignation came a day after publicly criticizing Trump‘s major spending bill, saying it undermines the department’s cost-cutting efforts. Musk stated, “A bill can be big or it can be beautiful. But it cannot be both.”

Despite being a key Trump ally and campaign donor in 2024, Musk increasingly faced internal conflicts and admitted DOGE had become a scapegoat for broader administrative issues. While DOGE cut tens of thousands of jobs and downsized departments, Musk began distancing himself in April, acknowledging unmet goals.

His focus also shifted back to his companies, as Tesla faced attacks and SpaceX suffered mission failures, including the Starship explosion over the Indian Ocean during its ninth test flight.

India Wins Gold in 4x400m Mixed Relay at Asian Athletics Championships 2025

India successfully defended its 4x400m mixed relay title at the Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, South Korea, on 28 May 2025. The team — Rupal Choudhary, Santhosh Kumar Tamilarasan, Vishal TK, and Subha Venkatesan — won gold with a time of 3:18.12, ahead of China and Sri Lanka. This is India’s third mixed relay medal, following gold in 2023 and silver in 2019.

In other events, Rupal Choudhary also won silver in the women’s 400m (52.68s), while Vithya Ramraj placed fifth. Pooja earned silver in the women’s 1500m (4:10.83), with Lili Das narrowly missing the podium in fourth.

Income Tax Return Filing Due Date Extended to 15th September 2025

On 27 May 2025, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) announced an extension of the deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for the financial year. The new deadline is now 15th September 2025, extended from the earlier 31st July.

This decision was made to accommodate significant revisions in ITR forms, system upgrades, and issues related to TDS credit reflection. The CBDT stated that the extension aims to ensure a smoother and more accurate filing process and address stakeholder concerns effectively.

Padma Awards 2025: 69 Eminent Personalities Honoured at Rashtrapati Bhavan

On 27 May 2025, President Droupadi Murmu conferred Padma Awards to 69 distinguished individuals at the second Civil Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. The awards included:

  • Padma Vibhushan – 3 recipients
  • Padma Bhushan – 9 recipients
  • Padma Shri – 57 recipients

Padma Vibhushan Awardees:

  • Justice (Retd.) Jagdish Singh Khehar – Public Affairs
  • Kumudini Lakhia – Arts
  • Sharda Sinha (posthumously) – Folk Music

Padma Bhushan Awardees:

  • Jatin Goswami, Kailash Nath Dixit, Sadhvi Ritambhara – Various fields
  • Bibek Debroy (posthumously) – Economics

Padma Shri Awardees:

  • Ajay Bhatt – Inventor of USB technology (Science & Engineering)
  • Dr. Neerja Bhatla – Research in cervical cancer prevention
  • Sant Ram Deswal – Literature & Education
  • Manda Krishna Madiga, Syed Ainul Hasan, Prashant Prakash, Nagendra Nath Roy – Various fields
  • Hugh Gantzer and Colleen Gantzer (posthumously) – Joint recipients

The Padma Awards, among the highest civilian honors in India, are conferred across disciplines such as art, social work, public affairs, science, medicine, education, sports, and civil service. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Union Ministers also attended the ceremony.

Earlier in April, 71 Padma Awards were conferred at the first investiture ceremony for 2025.

Asian Athletics Championships 2025: Gulveer Singh Wins Gold in 10,000m

On 27 May 2025, India’s Gulveer Singh won the gold medal in the Men’s 10,000-metre race at the Asian Athletics Championships held in Gumi, South Korea, with a time of 28 minutes 38.63 seconds.

Earlier in the day, Servin Sebasthiyan secured India’s first medal of the tournament by winning bronze in the men’s 20 km race walk, clocking 1 hour, 21 minutes, and 13.6 seconds. Wang Zhaozhao of China won gold, and Kento Yoshikawa of Japan took silver in the same event. Another Indian athlete, Amit, finished fifth in the race walk.

PM Modi Inaugurates Advanced Locomotive Manufacturing Plant in Dahod, Gujarat

On 26 May 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a state-of-the-art Locomotive Manufacturing Plant in Dahod, Gujarat, marking a major boost to India’s railway infrastructure and freight capacity. He also flagged off the first electric locomotive produced at the facility.

Accompanied by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, PM Modi emphasized that the Dahod plant, aligned with his vision for world-class travel infrastructure, will manufacture 9,000 HP electric locomotives for both domestic use and export.

These advanced locomotives, equipped with regenerative braking systems, will enhance freight efficiency and promote energy conservation.

Mahendra Gurjar Sets World Record in F42 Javelin at Para Athletics Grand Prix

On 26 May 2025, Indian para athlete Mahendra Gurjar made history by setting a new world record in the men’s F42 javelin throw with a distance of 61.17 meters at the Nottwil World Para Athletics Grand Prix in Switzerland. The 27-year-old broke the previous record of 59.19 meters, held by Brazil’s Roberto Floriani Edenilson since 2022.

Gurjar’s record came on his third attempt, following throws of 56.11m and 55.51m. The F42 category is for athletes with moderate movement impairment in one leg.

Despite competing in a combined event with athletes from categories F40, F57, F63, and F64, Gurjar won gold in F42 and set the world record in that classification.

Earlier, on 23 May, Gurjar also won gold in the long jump T42 category with a 5.59m leap — his debut in the event — and is now Asia’s top-ranked athlete in that category.

In the same Grand Prix, Sumit Antil, a double Paralympics gold medallist, won gold in the F64 javelin event with a throw of 72.35m. The F64 category includes athletes with moderate leg impairments or limb loss.

However, it’s notable that the F42 category is not included in the 2023 Asian Para Games or the 2024 Paris Paralympics.

Nicusor Dan Assumes Presidency of Romania After Winning 2025 Election

On 26 May 2025, Nicusor Dan assumed office as the President of Romania after winning the presidential runoff election held on 18 May, where he secured 53.6% of the votes. He defeated George Simion, the leader of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians, and succeeded interim President Ilie Bolojan.

In his inaugural address, the 55-year-old independent candidate emphasized the importance of reform within the framework of the rule of law, urging citizens to apply positive pressure on institutions and promising to stay receptive to public voices.

According to the Romanian Constitution, presidential elections are held every five years, with a limit of two consecutive terms.
Romania, located in southeastern Europe, is the twelfth-largest country in Europe with a population of approximately 1.9 crore (19 million).

Monsoon 2025 Arrives Early: Promising Outlook for Agriculture

The Southwest Monsoon 2025 made an early onset in Kerala on May 24, arriving eight days ahead of schedule, one of the earliest in recent years. It has already progressed into Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, and parts of Northeast India, bringing heavy rainfall to coastal regions.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts an above-normal monsoon, raising hopes for record kharif crop production. The early onset is attributed to favorable atmosphere-ocean interactions, including the Madden-Julian Oscillation, and neutral El Niño and Indian Ocean Dipole conditions.

While the monsoon is expected to benefit agriculture and water availability, concerns remain over urban flooding, especially in Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai. The monsoon’s further progress will be crucial in determining its overall economic and environmental impact.

World Football Day : May 25

World Football Day is celebrated annually on May 25th to honor the global influence of football (soccer) and its power to unite people across cultures and backgrounds. The United Nations officially declared this day in 2024, marking the 100th anniversary of the first international football tournament with global representation, held on May 25, 1924, during the Paris Olympics.

The day recognizes football as more than a sport—it is a universal language that promotes peace, social inclusion, health, and development. The UN highlights football’s role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals, empowering communities, and fostering tolerance, cooperation, and well-being worldwide.

India Becomes World’s Fourth-Largest Economy, Set to Overtake Germany

India has become the world’s fourth-largest economy, surpassing Japan, according to NITI Aayog CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam on 24 May 2025. India’s GDP now stands at $4.3 trillion, as per IMF data, placing it behind only the US ($30.5 trillion), China ($19.2 trillion), and Germany. India is expected to overtake Germany within 2.5 to 3 years to become the third-largest economy.

The IMF projects India will remain the fastest-growing major economy, with a growth rate exceeding 6% annually over the next two years. India’s GDP has doubled from $2.1 trillion in 2015, and is projected to reach $5.5 trillion by 2028. Meanwhile, Germany is expected to see zero growth in 2025, making it vulnerable in the global economic race due to trade tensions.

Jafar Panahi Wins Palme d’Or at 78th Cannes Film Festival

Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi won the Palme d’Or at the 78th Cannes Film Festival on 15 May 2025 for his film It Was Just an Accident. The festival featured 22 films in its main competition. Panahi, known for his criticism of the Iranian government, received a standing ovation and emphasized freedom of expression in Iran during his speech. Japanese director Hayakawa Chie’s film Renoir was nominated but did not win. Cannes is one of the world’s top film festivals, along with Venice and Berlin.

RBI Approves Record ₹2.68 Lakh Crore Surplus Transfer to Central Government for FY 2024-25

On 23 May 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved a record surplus transfer of over ₹2.68 lakh crore to the Central Government for the financial year 2024-25. The decision was made during a board meeting chaired by RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra in Mumbai.

The Board of Directors also reviewed both domestic and global economic conditions and approved the RBI’s Annual Report and Financial Statements.

The surplus was calculated under the revised Economic Capital Framework, which mandates maintaining the Contingent Risk Buffer (CRB) between 5.50% and 7.50% of the RBI’s balance sheet. For 2024-25, the CRB has been raised to 7.50%.

This is the highest-ever dividend transfer by the RBI, intended to support government finances amid continuing economic challenges.

Supreme Court Directs Cadre Review of CAPFs Within Six Months

On 24 May 2025, the Supreme Court of India directed that a long-pending cadre review be conducted for all Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs)—including the ITBP, BSF, CRPF, CISF, and SSB—within six months. This review was originally due in 2021 but had been delayed.

A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan instructed the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) to take appropriate action within three months of receiving the action-taken report from the Ministry of Home Affairs concerning cadre review, service rules, and recruitment rules.

The court issued these directions in response to pleas seeking Non Functional Financial Upgradation (NFFU), cadre restructuring, and the removal of IPS officer deputation in CAPFs.

The Court emphasized the critical role of CAPFs in ensuring border security and handling internal security, and highlighted the challenges involved in coordination with state governments and police forces.

Singapore’s New Cabinet Sworn In After PAP’s Strong Election Win

On 23 May 2025, Singapore’s new Cabinet was sworn in after the People’s Action Party (PAP) achieved a strong victory in the recent general election, winning 87 out of 97 seats and securing 65.57% of the popular vote.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who took office in May 2024 following Lee Hsien Loong, emphasized his administration’s commitment to adapting to global change, boosting the economy, and strengthening international relations.

The reshuffled Cabinet includes several Indian-origin leaders in prominent roles:

  • K. Shanmugam remains Minister for Home Affairs and is now also Coordinating Minister for National Security.
  • Vivian Balakrishnan continues as Foreign Minister.
  • Indranee Rajah stays in the Prime Minister’s Office.
  • Murali Pillai has been promoted to Senior Minister of State for Law and Transport.
  • Janil Puthucheary is now Senior Minister of State for Education, Sustainability, and the Environment.

The election results reflect increased public support for the PAP compared to the 2020 elections, where it secured 61.24% of the vote.

Rising North East Investors Summit 2025

The Rising North East Investors Summit 2025, held in New Delhi on May 23-24, aims to attract global and domestic investments into India’s North Eastern Region (NER). Organized by MDoNER, NEC, and FICCI, the event provides a platform for investors, policymakers, and business leaders to explore opportunities in sectors like tourism, agro-processing, IT, infrastructure, and renewable energy.

With ministerial sessions, B2B & B2G meetings, and startup showcases, the summit fosters collaboration and positions Northeast India as a hub for sustainable development and strategic investments. The event is expected to drive economic growth, strengthen alliances, and unlock the region’s vast potential.

Gallantry Awards 2025: President Murmu Confers Kirti and Shaurya Chakras to 39 Bravehearts

On 22 May 2025, President Droupadi Murmu honored 39 gallantry award recipients during the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2025 at Rashtrapati Bhawan, recognizing their extraordinary courage and sacrifice in service to the nation. A total of six Kirti Chakras and 33 Shaurya Chakras were conferred upon personnel from the Armed Forces, CAPF, and State/UT Police, with 11 awards given posthumously.

The Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra are among India’s highest peacetime gallantry awards, awarded for acts of exceptional bravery and selflessness. Notable posthumous recipients of the Kirti Chakra included Rifleman Ravi Kumar, Colonel Manpreet Singh, DSP Himayun Muzzammil Bhat, and Naik Dilwar Khan, all recognized for their valor during counter-terror operations, particularly in Jammu & Kashmir.

The Shaurya Chakra recipients included Major Vijay Verma, Deputy Commandant Vikrant Kumar, and Inspector Jeffrey Hmingchullo among others. Seven Shaurya Chakras were awarded posthumously, including to Major Aashish Dhonchak and Captain Deepak Singh.

Personnel displayed heroism in counter-terrorism operations, anti-piracy missions, internal security, and disaster management. Highlights included:

  • Indian Navy officers like Commodore Sharad Sinsunwal led successful anti-piracy and firefighting operations.
  • Indian Air Force officers such as Wing Commander Vernon Desmond Keane executed life-saving aerial rescues.
  • CRPF personnel, including Deputy Commandant Lakhveer and posthumous awardee Constable Pawan Kumar, played crucial roles in anti-Maoist operations.

This ceremony underscored the bravery, professionalism, and dedication of India’s security forces in ensuring national security across land, sea, and air.

UK Returns Chagos Islands to Mauritius; Diego Garcia Base Leased Back for 99 Years

On 22 May 2025, the United Kingdom signed an agreement transferring sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, resolving a long-standing territorial dispute. In return, the UK will lease back the Diego Garcia military base for $136 million per year for at least 99 years, ensuring continued operation of the US-UK base, which is vital for British security and counter-terrorism efforts.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the base’s importance to national safety and intelligence operations. The Chagos Islands, formerly part of British Indian Ocean Territory, were separated from Mauritius in 1965, and inhabitants were forcibly removed for the construction of the US base.

India welcomed the treaty, calling it a milestone in the decolonization of Mauritius and a step towards upholding international law and sovereignty. India reaffirmed its support for Mauritius’s legitimate claim and committed to enhancing maritime security and stability in the Indian Ocean region.

India Accelerates National EV Charging Grid under PM E-Drive

India has launched a major push toward clean mobility with the rollout of the PM E-Drive scheme, backed by a ₹2,000 crore investment. The initiative aims to set up 72,000 public EV charging stations across India, covering metro cities, highways, airports, toll plazas, and industrial corridors.

The announcement came after an inter-ministerial meeting chaired by Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, with officials from key ministries. The program supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a global leader in sustainable transport and energy security.

BHEL (Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited) is being considered as the nodal agency to handle demand aggregation and develop a unified EV super app, which will offer real-time booking, payment integration, and progress tracking.

The EV grid will span 50 national highway corridors and focus on high-traffic zones. The government sees this project as a cornerstone for green economic growth, Make in India manufacturing, and job creation, while paving the way for net-zero mobility.

Gujarat Records 891 Asiatic Lions in 2025 Census – A Conservation Milestone

Gujarat has completed its 16th lion population census, revealing 891 Asiatic lions as of May 2025. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced the results, praising Project Lion and the Forest Department’s dedication. The census covered 35,000 sq km across 58 talukas in 11 districts over four days (May 10–13), involving 3,254 personnel.

The survey, conducted in two phases, shows a growing lion population and spread beyond Gir Forest, indicating success in habitat connectivity. Preliminary data shows 196 adult males, with the rest including females, cubs, and sub-adults.

Golden Dome Missile Defence Shield Announced by President Trump

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a $175 billion “Golden Dome” missile defense shield aimed at protecting the United States from long-range missile threats, including those from China and Russia. Inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome but envisioned on a much larger scale, the Golden Dome will integrate hundreds of satellites to detect, track, and potentially intercept incoming missiles.

General Michael Guetlein of the U.S. Space Force has been appointed to lead this ambitious initiative. The system will complement existing U.S. missile defenses and is expected to be completed by January 2029, though experts question the feasibility of that timeline and cost.

Trump also mentioned that Canada has shown interest in joining the project.

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