Stay updated with the top headlines from 28th May 2025. This GK update covers national, international, economy, banking, defense, science, appointments, awards, and important days — curated for competitive exam aspirants.
National Affairs
1. What portal was launched to empower Gram Panchayats?
Answer: The Ministry of Panchayati Raj launched the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0 portal, reducing indicators from 516 to 147 and enabling performance tracking of over 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats across 9 themes.
2. What policy report was released by NITI Aayog?
Answer: NITI Aayog released the report “Designing a Policy for Medium Enterprises,” highlighting their underutilized role and proposing targeted interventions to boost their contribution to India’s economy.
3. What new weather model was launched by MoES?
Answer: The Bharat Forecast System (BFS), the world’s first weather model with 6 km resolution, was launched to provide highly localized forecasts using 40 Doppler Weather Radars and powered by supercomputer ‘Arka’.
4. What interest rate was retained on EPF deposits for FY25?
Answer: The Ministry of Finance approved an 8.25% interest rate on EPF deposits for FY25, maintaining one of the highest returns among fixed-income instruments.
5. What stipend hike was recommended under NAPS and NATS?
Answer: The 38th CAC Meeting recommended a 36% hike in apprenticeship stipends, raising the range from ₹5,000–₹9,000 to ₹6,800–₹12,300, with automatic revision every two years based on CPI.
Defense News
6. What export order did NIBE Limited secure from Israel?
Answer: NIBE Limited received a $17.52 million order to supply Universal Rocket Launchers with a 300 km range, marking India’s first international deal for this advanced system.
7. What radar system was delivered to the Indian Air Force?
Answer: ADTL delivered the first Surya VHF radar, capable of detecting stealth aircraft up to 360 km range and 15 km altitude, integrated with India’s C4ISR systems.
International Affairs
8. What foreign universities received UGC approval to set up campuses in India?
Answer: UGC approved campuses for Illinois Institute of Technology (USA), University of Liverpool (UK), Victoria University (Australia), Western Sydney University (Australia), and Istituto Europeo di Design (Italy).
9. What community radio station was inaugurated by the Indian Army?
Answer: ‘Panchshul Pulse’ was launched in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand under Operation Sadbhavana, broadcasting local content to strengthen ties with border communities.
10. What aviation event was announced for 2026?
Answer: Wings India 2026 was announced with the theme “Indian Aviation: Paving the Future,” scheduled for January 28–31, 2026 at Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad.
11. What was India’s role at the 9th BRICS Industry Ministers’ Meeting?
Answer: India supported the launch of the BRICS Startup Knowledge Hub and reaffirmed commitment to inclusive and sustainable governance.
Banking & Finance
12. What digital banking upgrade was introduced by Kotak Mahindra Bank?
Answer: Kotak811 was revamped to offer zero-balance accounts, UPI, FDs, mutual funds, and cashback rewards through a fully digital onboarding process.
Economy & Business
13. What green energy deal was signed by AM Green and Port of Rotterdam?
Answer: A $1 billion MoU was signed to export 1 million tonnes of green fuels annually from India to Europe, with production starting in 2026 at Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh.
Awards & Recognitions
14. Who won the Palme d’Or at the 78th Cannes Film Festival?
Answer: Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi won for his film It Was Just an Accident. Indian film Homebound by Neeraj Ghaywan was featured in the Un Certain Regard section.
15. Who was awarded the Companion of the Order of Fiji?
Answer: Sumeet Tappoo, Dr. Krupali Tappoo, and Sri Madhusudan Sai were honored for humanitarian and cultural contributions, with Sumeet recognized for his music and hospital leadership.
Appointments News
16. Who became Audi India’s brand ambassador?
Answer: Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra was appointed as Audi India’s brand ambassador, representing performance and precision.
17. Who was appointed brand ambassador of Mysore Sandal Soap?
Answer: Actress Tamannaah Bhatia was signed by KSDL under a ₹6.2 crore contract to enhance brand appeal among youth.
Science & Technology
18. What AI-powered anti-drone system was launched by Indrajaal?
Answer: ‘Indrajaal Infra’ was launched to protect critical infrastructure like ports and refineries, covering up to 4,000 sq km using AI-driven threat detection.
Sports News
19. Who won the Malaysia Masters 2025 men’s singles title?
Answer: China’s Li Shifeng defeated India’s Kidambi Srikanth in the final, marking Srikanth’s first final appearance since 2021.
20. Who won the women’s singles title at Malaysia Masters 2025?
Answer: Wang Zhiyi (China) defeated Han Yue in a three-game match to claim the title.