• Recent Appointments: Pope Leo 14th appointed following the death of Pope Francis. He is from the USA.

• Government Approvals: The Indian government approved Starling for satellite internet services.

• Investment Initiatives: Vietnam launched a 10-year Golden Visa program to attract Indian investors and tourists.

• Pollution Mitigation: The Delhi government collaborated with IIT Kanpur for cloud seeding to reduce air pollution.

• Anniversaries: The 75th anniversary of Europe Day was celebrated on May 9th.

• Military Additions: The Indian Navy inducted the INS Arnala, its first shallow-water anti-submarine warfare corvette.

• Wildlife Studies: A scientific estimate suggests 477 snow leopards in Ladakh.

• Counter-Insurgency Operations: Chhattisgarh security forces killed 22 Naxalites in Operation Sankalp.

• Social Welfare Schemes: Haryana launched the Pandit Lakshmichandra Kalaakar Samajik Samman Yojana.

• Military Claims: Operation Sindhur resulted in a claim of destroying a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet (the claim is unverified).

• International Relations:

  • Israel launched Operation Guidance Arrows to completely destroy the Gaza Strip.
  • India used Israeli Harop drones to disable an air defense system in Lahore.
  • India signed a free trade agreement with England after three years of negotiations.
  • The auction of Piparhawa Buddhist relics in Hong Kong was postponed after intervention from the Indian Ministry of Culture.

• Military & Defense:

  • The commissioning ceremony for INS Tamala, an advanced steel frigate equipped with BrahMos missiles, took place in Russia.
  • The Indian Navy inducted INS Arnala, its first shallow-water anti-submarine warfare vessel.
  • Chhattisgarh security forces killed 22 Naxalites in Operation Sankalp.

• Domestic Developments:

  • The Archaeological Survey of India documented eleven ancient inscriptions related to the Satavahana dynasty in Telangana.
  • A nationwide civil defense mock drill, Operation Abhyas, was launched in Bengaluru.
  • Kerala launched the Jyothi scheme to educate migrant children.
  • The State Bank of India started the Staff Engagement Initiative, Next Leap, and Great to Greater campaigns.
  • Delhi government collaborated with IIT Kanpur for cloud seeding to reduce air pollution.
  • Haryana launched the Pandit Lakshmichandra Artist Social Honor Scheme.

• Other News:

  • World Red Cross Day was celebrated on May 8th.
  • The UN Bhutan Initiative assists terrorism victims.
  • Robert Prevost was appointed Pope Leo XIV after the death of Pope Francis; he is from the USA.* New Greenfield Airports: Approval granted for greenfield airports in Kota and Puri, Rajasthan.

• Inter-state Cheetah Corridor: India's first inter-state cheetah corridor established between Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park and Rajasthan's Mukundra Hills National Park.

• University Campus Agreements: York University (UK) and University of Western Australia to establish campuses in Navi Mumbai.

• Electric Bus Inauguration: 400 electric buses inaugurated in Delhi.

• Germany's New Chancellor: Friedrich Merz appointed as Germany's 10th Chancellor.

• Indian Army Operation: Operation Sindhur: Indian Army conducted airstrikes on nine terrorist structures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

• India's Global Economic Ranking (IMF Prediction): India projected to achieve 4th rank in global economic ranking by 2025 (based on GDP size).

• World Athletics Day: Celebrated on May 7th.

• CBI Director Extension: Praveen Sood received a one-year extension as CBI Director.

• Memorial Unveiling: Unveiling of Biju Patnaik's memorial at the Russian Embassy in New Delhi for his contribution to the war effort in Stalin's time.

• India-UK Free Trade Agreement: India and the UK finalized a free trade agreement after three years of negotiations.

• Global Space Exploration Summit: The Global Space Exploration Summit (GLEX25) was started in New Delhi by Union Minister Jitendra Singh.

• Auction Postponement: Auction of Peper Hawa Buddhist relics postponed in Hong Kong following intervention by the Ministry of Culture.

• Archaeological Discoveries: Archaeological Survey of India documented 11 ancient inscriptions related to the Satavahana dynasty in Telangana.

• INS Talwar Commissioning: Commissioning ceremony of INS Talwar, an advanced stealth frigate equipped with BrahMos missiles, held in Russia.

• Operation Guidance Cherets: Israel announced the launch of Operation Guidance Cherets, aiming to completely destroy the Gaza Strip.

• Harop Drones Use: Indian Army used Harop drones (of Israeli origin) to disable air defense systems in Lahore.

• Cricket Retirement Announcements: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced their retirement from Test cricket.

  • Sports:

    • Soumya Gurung was named the best female footballer for 2024-25 by the All India Football Federation.
    • The 72nd Miss World competition will be hosted in Hyderabad.
    • The seventh edition of the Khelo India Youth Games was inaugurated by PM Modi in Bihar.
    • Goa Football Club won the Kalinga Super Cup 25.
    • In the 19th Sudirman Cup, China won, and South Korea was the runner-up.

• Awards and Recognition:

  • The Washington Post received a Pulitzer Award for its breaking news reporting on the attempt on Trump's life.
  • India's rank in the 2023 UNDP Human Development Index is 130.

• Politics and International Relations:

  • Angola became the 123rd member of the International Solar Alliance.
  • The US ordered the reopening of the Alcatraz prison, closed since 1963.
  • India stopped the flow of water from the Baglihar dam to Pakistan; the dam is on the Chenab River.
  • The Indian Navy's INS Shardul conducted a joint humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) exercise with the Maldives.
  • The Indian Army conducted airstrikes on terrorist structures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir under Operation Sindur.
  • According to the IMF, India will achieve the fourth position in the global economic ranking by GDP size in 2025.

• Infrastructure and Development:

  • The foundation stone of India's first AI-based data center park was laid in Chhattisgarh's Nava Raipur.
  • A stampede occurred during the Shree Leiharai Yatra festival in Goa.
  • Kota and Puri will have new greenfield airports.
  • The length of India's coastline has been revised to 11,988.1 km by the Ministry of Shipping.

• Culture and Heritage:

  • Madhya Pradesh's Bhagoria tribal dance, Gond tribal painting, and Narmada Parikrama have been included in the national heritage list.
  • The Thrissur Pooram festival is held in Kerala.
  • 400 electric buses were inaugurated in Delhi.

• Other:

  • York University (UK) and the University of Western Australia will establish campuses in Navi Mumbai.
  • A cross-state cheetah corridor connecting Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park and Rajasthan's Mukundra Hills National Park is being developed.
  • Friedrich Merz became Germany's 10th Chancellor.
  • A memorial for Biju Patnaik was unveiled at the Russian Embassy in New Delhi for his contribution to the Stalingrad battle.
  • India concluded a free trade agreement with England after three years of negotiations.
  • The Global Space Exploration Summit (GLEx25) was started by Union Minister Jitendra Singh.

• New Missile Range: The foundation stone for the new DRDO missile test range, Navdurga, was laid in Andhra Pradesh.

• ADB Annual Meeting: The 58th annual meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) was held in Milan.

• Trans Media Entertainment City: India's first trans media entertainment city will be established in Andhra Pradesh.

• Best Female Footballer: Soumya Guglot was named the best female footballer for the year 2024-25 by the All India Football Federation.

• New Rice Varieties Launched: Two genome-edited rice varieties, DRR 100 Kamala and Maru Taro, were launched by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

• Passing of Yoga Sadhak: Baba Shivanda, a Padma Shri awardee (2022), passed away at the age of 128 in Varanasi.

• International Solar Alliance: Angola became the 123rd member of the International Solar Alliance.

• Reopening of Alcatraz Prison: The US ordered the reopening of the infamous Alcatraz prison, closed since 1963.

• Baglihar Dam Water Flow: India stopped the flow of water from the Baglihar dam to Pakistan. The dam is located on the Chenab River.

• Miss World 2024: Hyderabad will host the 72nd Miss World competition.

• Age-Friendly City: Kochi was recognized by the WHO as an age-friendly city.

• Khelo India Youth Games: PM Modi inaugurated the 7th edition of the Khelo India Youth Games in Bihar.

• AI-Based Data Center Park: The foundation stone for India's first AI-based data center park was laid in Chhattisgarh's Nava Raipur.

• Shri Leri Fair Accident: A stampede occurred at the Shri Leri Fair in Goa.

• Kalinga Super Cup: Goa Football Club won the 25th Kalinga Super Cup.

• National Heritage List Additions (Madhya Pradesh): Bhagoria tribal dance, Gond tribal paintings, and the Narmada Parikrama were added to the national heritage list.

  • India's Ranking in World Press Freedom Index: India ranked 151st in the 2023 World Press Freedom Index.

• Australian Prime Minister Re-elected: Anthony Albanese was re-elected as the Prime Minister of Australia.

• US Approval of Hawk Eye 360 Technology Sale to India: The USA approved the sale of Hawk Eye 360 technology to India.

• UK Bans Transgender Women in Women's Cricket: The UK imposed a ban on transgender women participating in women's cricket.

• New Missile Testing Range in Andhra Pradesh: Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone for a new DRDO missile testing range, Navdurga, in Andhra Pradesh.

• ADB's 58th Annual Meeting Location: The 58th annual meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) was held in Milan.

• India's First Transmedia Entertainment City: India's first transmedia entertainment city will be established in Andhra Pradesh.

• AIFF's Best Women's Footballer: Soumya Guglot was named the best women's footballer for 2024-25 by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

• Launch of India's First Two Genome-Edited Rice Varieties: India launched its first two genome-edited rice varieties, DRR 100 Kamla and Maru Tejo.

• Death of Padma Shri Awardee Baba Shivanda: Yoga practitioner Baba Shivanda, a 2022 Padma Shri awardee, passed away at the age of 128.

• Angola Joins International Solar Alliance: Angola became the 123rd member of the International Solar Alliance.

• Reopening of Alcatraz Prison: The USA ordered the reopening of the infamous Alcatraz prison, closed since 1963.

• India Halts Water Flow to Pakistan from Baglihar Dam: India stopped the flow of water from the Baglihar dam to Pakistan.

• IMF Fiscal Monitor Report: Sudan has the highest debt-to-GDP ratio, according to a recent IMF report.

• Pakistan's Loan Strategy: Pakistan secured an IMF loan by claiming a war situation, then declared a ceasefire after receiving the funds. The loan will reportedly fund one year's supply of food staples.

• Project SECURE: England launched Project SECURE, aimed at absorbing carbon from the ocean.

• Angola's State Visit: Joaquim Manuel Gonçalves, from Angola, made a three-day state visit to New Delhi after 38 years.

• Vaisala Rotor Dam & Stockholm VR S CoPs 25: Held in Geneva.

• India's AI-Powered Real-Time Warning System: Launched by Madhya Pradesh.

• Satellite Bus as a Service (SBAS) Initiative: Launched by India's In-Space.

• Dipo Darpan Portal: Relates to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.

• Martin Scorsese's Documentary "L.D.": About Pope Francis, who recently passed away.

• Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP): Relates to sugarcane.

• Estimates Committee Chairperson: Sanjay Jaiswal appointed.

• World Press Freedom Index: India ranked 151st in the 2023 World Press Freedom Index.

• Australian Prime Minister: Anthony Albanese re-elected.

• Hawk Eye 360 Technology Sale: The USA approved the sale of Hawk Eye 360 technology to India. This decision was made despite a previous statement by the US expressing concern about frequent conflicts between India and Pakistan.

• Ban on Transgender Women in Women's Cricket: The UK imposed a ban.* Census:

  • Central cabinet approved a caste-based census; the last one was in 1931.

• National Security:

  • Alok Joshi, former R&AW chief, appointed chairman of the National Security Advisory Board.

• International Events:

  • International Workers' Day: Celebrated on May 1st.
  • Vesak Day: Sacred Buddha relics from Sarnath displayed in Vietnam for the first time.

• Sports:

  • Asian Under-15 & Under-17 Boxing Championships: India won 43 medals.
  • 20th Japan Asian Games: Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) included for the first time in the 2026 games.

• Rankings & Economy:

  • 2025 CareEdge State Ranking: Maharashtra topped among large states.
  • GST Collection: ₹2.37 lakh crore collected in April 2025.

• Cultural Heritage:

  • Purchase of Raghuji Bhonsle's Sword: Maharashtra government repurchased it from London for ₹47.15 lakh.

• International Finance:

  • IMF Fiscal Monitor Report: Sudan reported the highest debt-to-GDP ratio.

• Environmental Initiatives:

  • Project Secure: England launched it to absorb carbon from the sea.
  • AIM for Nature Initiative: FAO launched it for nature restoration.

• International Relations:

  • State Visit to India: Joaquim Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, president of Angola, visited New Delhi.
  • Russia's Victory Day Parade: Rajnath Singh did not attend due to the Pulwama attack.

• Technology:

  • Project Kuiper: Amazon launched the first batch of 27 satellites for broadband internet.

• Reports:

  • US Special 301 Report: Focuses on intellectual property rights.

• Crime:

  • Operation Hawk: CBI dismantled an international online child sexual exploitation network.

• Summits & Portals:

  • First WEBS Summit: Inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi in Mumbai.
  • Prabha Portal: Related to the Reserve Bank of India.

• Appointments:

  • Axiom Space CEO: Tejpal Bhatia appointed.

• Social Initiatives:

  • AI Kiran Initiative: Aims at women's empowerment.

• Infrastructure:

  • Inauguration of Transhipment Port: Prime Minister Modi inaugurated India's first transhipment port in Kerala.

• Legal:

  • Supreme Court Ruling: Suggested a minimum vote requirement for unopposed elections, challenging Section 53(2) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

• National Security:

  • India's Policy: Acts of terror against India will be considered acts of war.* India-Pakistan Ceasefire: A ceasefire was initiated at 5:00 PM but violated by Pakistan around 10:00-11:00 PM. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the violation.

• Reasons for Ceasefire Violation: A clash between the Pakistani government and its military leadership is suggested, potentially due to the military feeling disregarded.

• Background of the Conflict: The conflict involved nuclear-armed nations. India conducted air strikes on Pakistani airbases and terrorist targets.

• Past Ceasefires: Cites past ceasefires, such as one under Atal Bihari Vajpayee's leadership, followed by renewed conflict (Kargil War), highlighting Pakistan's unreliability. Pakistan continued firing even after the ceasefire was declared.

• SC Population:

  • Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of SC individuals.
  • Punjab has the highest percentage of SC individuals.

• ST Population:

  • Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of ST individuals.
  • Mizoram has the highest percentage of ST individuals.

• Other Population Statistics:

  • Uttar Pradesh has the highest overall population.
  • Sikkim has the lowest overall population.
  • Bihar has the highest population density (Delhi if no other data is specified).
  • Arunachal Pradesh has the lowest population density.
  • Meghalaya has the highest population growth rate.
  • Nagaland has a negative population growth rate.
  • Kerala has the highest literacy rate.
  • Bihar has the lowest literacy rate.
  • Kerala has the highest sex ratio.
  • Haryana has the lowest sex ratio.

• Literacy Rate:

  • Kerala has the highest literacy rate (94%).
  • Bihar has the lowest literacy rate (61.80%).
  • India's overall literacy rate in 2011 was 73% (80.09% male, 64.60% female).

• Rural Population:

  • Himachal Pradesh has the highest percentage of rural population (90%).
  • Bihar is second (88.7%).

• Urban Population:

  • Goa has the highest percentage of urban population (62.2%).
  • Maharashtra has the largest urban population (5.08 crore).

• Sex Ratio:

  • Highest: Kerala (1084 women per 1000 men)
  • Lowest: Haryana (879 women per 1000 men)

• Child Sex Ratio (0-6 years):

  • Highest: Arunachal Pradesh (972 girls per 1000 boys)
  • Lowest: Haryana (834 girls per 1000 boys)- Population Density:
  • Bihar has the highest population density in India (1106 people per sq km).
  • Arunachal Pradesh has the lowest population density (17 people per sq km).
  • Delhi has the highest population density among Union Territories.

• Sex Ratio:

  • India's overall sex ratio (2011) was 943 females per 1000 males.
  • Kerala has the highest sex ratio (1084 females per 1000 males), the only state above 1000.
  • Haryana has the lowest sex ratio (879 females per 1000 males).

• Child Sex Ratio:

  • Arunachal Pradesh has the highest child sex ratio (0-6 years).
  • Haryana has the lowest child sex ratio.

• Literacy Rate:

  • India's overall literacy rate (2011) was 73%.
  • Male literacy rate was 80.09%, and female literacy rate was 64.60%.
  • Kerala has the highest literacy rate (94%).

• 2011 Census Data: Population Growth & Density

  • Nagaland was the only state with a negative population growth rate (-0.6%).
  • Meghalaya had the highest decadal growth rate.
  • Bihar had the highest population density (1106 persons per sq km).
  • Arunachal Pradesh had the lowest population density (17 persons per sq km).
  • Delhi had the highest population density among Union Territories.

• Population Density by Region

Region	Population Density (persons/sq km)
Bihar	1106
Arunachal Pradesh	17

• State-wise Population Data (India, 2011 Census):

  • Uttar Pradesh: Holds 16.51% of India's population.
  • Maharashtra: Second highest population (9.28%).
  • Bihar: Third highest population (8.6%).
  • West Bengal: Fourth highest population (7.54%).
  • Sikkim: Lowest population (0.05%).
  • Mizoram: Second lowest population (0.09%).
  • Arunachal Pradesh: Third lowest population (0.11%).
  • Goa: Fourth lowest population (0.12%).

• Decadal Growth Rate (India, 2011 Census):

  • Meghalaya: Highest decadal growth rate (27.9%). India's average was 17.7%.
  • Nagaland: Lowest decadal growth rate (-0.6%). Negative population growth.

• Population Density (India, 2011 Census):

  • India's average population density: 382 persons per square kilometer.
  • Bihar: Highest population density (1106 persons per square kilometer).
  • Arunachal Pradesh: Lowest population density (17 persons per square kilometer).

• 2011 Census Data:

  • 15th census since 1870, 7th since Indian independence (1951).
  • India's population in 2011: 1.21 billion (second after China). Currently, India has surpassed China.
  • Population growth from 1911-2001: 21.54%.
  • Decadal growth (2001-2011): 17.7%.
  • Female population: 48.53%.
  • Male population: 51.47%.

• Indian States: Area & Population:

  • Largest state by area: Rajasthan.
  • Smallest state by area: Goa.
  • Largest Union Territory by area: Ladakh.
  • Smallest Union Territory by area: Lakshadweep.
  • States by population (2011):
    1. Uttar Pradesh (16.51% of India's population)
    2. Maharashtra (9.28%)
    3. Bihar (8.6%)
    4. West Bengal (7.54%)
  • States with lowest population (2011):
    1. Sikkim (0.05%)
    2. Mizoram (0.09%)
    3. Arunachal Pradesh (0.11%)
    4. Goa (0.12%)

• Decadal Growth Rates:

  • Highest decadal growth rate (2001-2011): Meghalaya (27.9%).
  • Lowest decadal growth rate (2001-2011): Nagaland (negative growth).

• Census 2011 (India):

  • Census began in 1872 under Viceroy Mayo; scientifically based decennial census began in 1881 under Viceroy Ripon.
  • 2011 census was the 15th overall and 7th since Indian independence (1951).
  • Census Commissioner for 2011: Chandramouli.
  • Slogan: "Our Census, Our Future".
  • India's population in 2011: 1.21 billion (second after China). Currently, India is ranked first.
  • Population growth from 1911-2001: 21.54%.
  • Decadal growth (2001-2011): 17.7%.
  • Female population (2011): 48.53%
  • Male population (2011): 51.47%
  • 1911-1921 decade termed "Great Divide" due to population decline caused by famine and epidemics. 1921 considered the "Great Divide" year.

• Largest & Smallest States (India) by Area (2011):

  • Largest: Rajasthan
  • Smallest: Goa
  • Largest Union Territory: Ladakh
  • Smallest Union Territory: Lakshadweep