NATIONAL NEWS

Centre Launches ₹1.5 Lakh Cashless Treatment Scheme

The Central Government has launched the Cashless Treatment of Road Accident Victims Scheme, 2025, offering free trauma care up to ₹1.5 lakh for those injured in road accidents across India.

The scheme, effective from May 5, 2025, aims to ensure timely and affordable emergency treatment during the critical first seven days following an accident.

Eligibility includes all individuals injured in motor vehicle-related accidents on any Indian road.

Objective is to reduce fatalities by ensuring immediate trauma care, to remove financial barriers to emergency treatment and to create a standardized emergency healthcare system nationwide.

India’s First Inter-State Cheetah Corridor to Link Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan

In a major step towards wildlife conservation, India’s first inter-state cheetah corridor is set to be developed across Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, spanning a total area of 17,000 sq km.

The initiative will connect Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh with the Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan.

This corridor aims to provide a safe and continuous passage for cheetahs, supporting the broader goals of Project Cheetah, India's mission to reintroduce the species.

Cheetahs were declared extinct in India in 1952.

Project Cheetah began with translocation of cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa to Kuno National Park in 2022.

The corridor will support the long-term success of this pioneering large carnivore reintroduction project in Asia.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh is currently under process to formalize this landmark initiative.

Navi Mumbai to Host India's First EduCity

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced the development of India's first EduCity in Navi Mumbai, aimed at hosting offshore campuses of prestigious global universities.

This initiative, in line with the National Education Policy 2020, seeks to integrate international education institutions into India’s academic infrastructure.

CIDCO has signed agreements with the University of York (UK) and University of Western Australia, each valued at ₹1,500 crore, for the establishment of their campuses.

The EduCity will create a dynamic educational environment, attracting international talent, fostering research, and contributing to local job creation.

Navi Mumbai is set to become a global hub for higher education, aligning with Maharashtra's goal to elevate its international presence.

An AI-powered Film City project is also part of the initiative, promising a ₹3,000 crore investment and the creation of over 12,500 jobs (direct and indirect).

CIDCO is actively negotiating with more universities, with plans for three more universities pending approval from the UGC.

This initiative will establish Navi Mumbai as a key player in global education and research while reducing the need for Indian students to go abroad for top-tier education.

 

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Telangana Hosts Miss World 2025

Telangana will host the 72nd Miss World pageant from May 10 to 31, 2025, in Hyderabad, featuring delegates from 120 countries and live broadcasts in over 150 nations.

The state government is leveraging this global event to shine a spotlight on Telangana’s tourism potential, cultural heritage, and investment opportunities in hospitality and entertainment.

The event aims to boost foreign tourist arrivals (1.55 lakh in 2024) by showcasing UNESCO sites (Ramappa Temple), Nizam-era monuments, and eco-tourism destinations across Telangana.

It is expected to attract global investments in tourism, culture, and hospitality, while generating employment and media attention.

It provides a platform for Telangana to engage in cultural exchange, highlighting its traditions, arts, and heritage crafts.

Comprehensive protocols have been established by the Telangana DGP to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the event.

 

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Indian Scientists Develop Innovative Metal-Free Catalyst for Hydrogen Fuel Production

Researchers have developed a cost-effective, metal-free porous organic catalyst for efficient hydrogen (H2) production by harvesting mechanical energy.

This development aims to reduce global warming and reliance on fossil fuels by promoting sustainable energy solutions, specifically green hydrogen.

Green hydrogen (H2) is a clean and renewable energy source with no direct carbon emissions, producing only water as a by-product when used in fuel cells.

The Government of India launched the National Green Hydrogen Mission to drive large-scale production, research, and innovation in the H2 sector, positioning India as a global leader in the H2 economy.

Water splitting is a key method for H2 production, which requires catalysis due to its energetically uphill nature.

Piezocatalysis is a promising method for H2 production, using piezoelectric materials to harvest mechanical energy and generate charge carriers that catalyze water splitting.

The research, led by Professor Tapas K. Maji from JNCASR, focuses on the development of a Covalent Organic Framework (COF) for piezocatalytic water splitting.

 

DEFENCE

India Launches Operation Sindoor To Avenge The Pahalagam Terror Attack

The Indian Armed Forces have launched an airstrike code-named ‘Operation Sindoor’ on the terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK).

It was a joint operation of the Indian Air Force, Indian Army and the Indian Navy and was monitored by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The strike, which was conducted on the night of May 6-7, 2025, was in retaliation for the Pahalgam terrorist attack of 22 April 2025, in which terrorists killed 26 tourists.

The Resistance Front claimed responsibility for the attack. The Resistance Front is believed to be the front of the proscribed Pakistani terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba, which was involved in the Mumbai terrorist attack of 2008.

The Indian Air Force used its Rafale fighter jets to target nine targets of a terrorist camp in Pakistan and POJK. The Indian aircraft did not cross the border and fired the SCALP cruise missile, HAMMER Bombs and loitering munitions.

INS Sharda Reaches Maafilaafushi, Maldives for HADR Exercise

INS Sharda has arrived at Maafilaafushi Atoll, Maldives, for a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise scheduled from 04 to 10 May 2025.

This deployment underscores India’s commitment to regional cooperation and strong defense and maritime ties between India and the Maldives.

The exercise aligns with India's "MAHASAGAR" vision, which stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.

The vision emphasizes collaborative efforts to ensure peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region.

The HADR exercise aims to improve interoperability between the Indian Navy and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).

The exercise is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the partnership between India and the Maldives, particularly in responding to natural disasters and other humanitarian challenges.

 

RANKS, INDICES & REPORTS 

Human Development Index 2025

India has made significant strides in the Human Development Index (HDI), climbing to 130th position in 2023, up from 133rd in 2022.

According to the UNDP Human Development Report 2025, this improvement highlights notable advances in gender equality and health, although challenges persist, especially concerning inequality and gender gaps.

India’s HDI value is reduced by 30.7% due to inequality, one of the highest losses globally.

Female labor force participation and political representation remain low.

However, recent constitutional changes, such as one-third legislative seats reserved for women, offer hope for future systemic improvements.

Iceland secured top position in the list and Norway secured second position.

India’s HDI Rank (130) is shared with Bangladesh. Nepal ranks 145, and Bhutan ranks 125.

China ranks 78, while Sri Lanka is at 89 in the high human development category.

 

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Chancellor of Germany

Freidrich Merz of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party has been elected as the 10th Chancellor of Germany.

Freidrich Merz was elected as German Chancellor by the Bundestag (German Parliament) on 6th May 2025. Friedrich Merz was elected in the second round of voting in the Bundestag after failing to secure the required majority in the first round.

For the first time after World War II, a German Chancellor has been elected in the second round of voting in the Bundestag.

Freidrich Merz succeeded Olaf Scholz, whose coalition government lost the 2025 Bundestag general election.

Friedrich Merz leads a three-party coalition government of the CDU, Christian Social Union (CSU), and Social Democrats (SPD).

The German Chancellor (equivalent to the Indian Prime Minister) shall be a citizen of Germany and at least 18 years old. The candidate need not be a member of the Bundestag.

India’s Representative on International Monetary Fund Board

Parameswaran Iyer, an executive director at the World Bank, has been temporarily appointed as India’s nominee director on the International Monetary Fund (IMF)

His appointment is in light of the vacancy left by K.V. Subramanian's termination as India’s executive director at the IMF.

The vacancy occurred when V. Subramanian's term as the IMF executive director was terminated six months early (effective April 30, 2025).

The IMF Executive Board meeting on May 9, 2025, will discuss critical issues such as a $1.3 billion loan under the climate resilience programme and the first review of a $7 billion bailout package for Pakistan.

The IMF Executive Board consists of 25 executive directors (EDs) elected by member countries or groups of countries.

India is part of a four-country constituency at the IMF, alongside Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan.

 

SPORTS

23rd Kumar Surendra Singh Shooting Championship

Amanpreet Singh of Punjab secured the gold medal in the 25m Centre Fire Pistol event with a score of 587 at the 23rd Kumar Surendra Singh Shooting Championship, held at the Madhya Pradesh Academy.

The 22-year-old edged past Mandeep Singh by two points to claim the top spot.

Sahil Choudhary won the bronze, finishing ahead of seasoned shooters like Olympian Gurpreet Singh, Harpreet Singh, and Olympic silver medallist Vijay Kumar.

Centre Fire Pistol (Men’s):

Gold: Amanpreet Singh – 587

Silver: Mandeep Singh – 585

Bronze: Sahil Choudhary – 584

Standard Pistol (Men’s & Junior):

Mukesh Nelavalli of Andhra Pradesh won double gold with a score of 575 in both men’s and junior events.

Suraj Sharma secured silver in both categories with 574.

Top shooters like Gurpreet Singh and Vijay Kumar added significance to the event, showcasing the depth of talent in Indian shooting.

 

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Athletics Day

World Athletics Day 2025 is celebrated on May 7.

This Day is observed to raise awareness about Athletics.

This day was launched to honor the sportsperson who has the responsibility to pride the nation.

The International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) has launched the project "Athletics for a Better World". Athletics is the cumulation of various sports events like running, jumping, marathons, etc.

This day was first observed in 1996 and it was launched by International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) President Primo Nebiolo.

The World Athletics Federation and International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) organized sports events in all schools and colleges every year.

The International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) was founded in 1912 to organize various sports events and athletics.

In 2001, the name of the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) was changed to the International Association of Athletics Federations. And in 2019, the name was again changed to World Athletics.