Stay updated with the top headlines from 2nd May 2025. This GK update covers national, international, economy, banking, defense, appointments, awards, schemes, summits, science, and sports — tailored for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other competitive exams.
National News
1. What forest management innovation was launched in Madhya Pradesh?
Answer: India’s first AI-powered real-time forest alert system, integrating satellite data and mobile reporting to monitor encroachment and deforestation.
2. What voter-centric reforms were introduced by the Election Commission?
Answer: Electronic access to death registration data, revamped voter information slips, and standardized photo ID cards for Booth Level Officers.
3. What is the Sugar (Control) Order, 2025?
Answer: A modernized regulation replacing outdated laws, with API integration, khandsari regulation, ethanol inclusion, and FSSAI-aligned definitions.
4. What tribute was paid to Bodofa Upendranath Brahma?
Answer: A statue and road naming on his 35th death anniversary, honoring his peaceful tribal mobilization and legacy in Bodoland.
5. What was India’s coal production in April 2025?
Answer: 81.57 million tonnes, a 3.63% increase, driven by captive mining and Coal India’s stock surge.
International News
6. Who returned as Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago?
Answer: Kamla Persad-Bissessar, leading the United National Congress to victory amid economic and social challenges.
7. What event marked 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War?
Answer: Military parades and air shows in Ho Chi Minh City, commemorating the fall of Saigon and Vietnam’s reunification.
Business News
8. What acquisition did KKR receive approval for?
Answer: Majority stake (up to 77%) in HealthCare Global Enterprises Ltd., via Hector Asia Holdings and KIA EBT II Scheme.
9. What stake acquisition was approved in Hindustan Coca-Cola Holdings?
Answer: 40% stake by Jubilant Beverages and CCPS investment by Jubilant BevCo and Goldman Sachs Asset Management.
Economy News
10. What is India’s global economic rank in 2025?
Answer: 4th largest economy with $4.39 trillion GDP, projected to become 3rd by 2030, per IMF’s April 2025 outlook.
Appointments News
11. Who joined the UPSC as a new member?
Answer: Sujata Chaturvedi, 1989-batch IAS officer, known for her work in sports development and public administration.
Defense News
12. What leadership changes occurred in Indian Armed Forces on 1st May?
Answer: Air Marshal Tejinder Singh (AOC-in-C, Training Command), Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit (CISC), and Lt Gen Pratik Sharma (Northern Command).
Ranks & Reports
13. Which states topped the CareEdge State Rankings 2025?
Answer: Maharashtra (overall), Gujarat (economic), and Karnataka (industrial/environmental), based on six development pillars.
Summits & Conferences
14. What stance did India take at the Stockholm Convention on Chlorpyrifos?
Answer: Opposed global ban due to lack of viable alternatives, citing food security concerns.
15. Which countries joined the Global Media Dialogue at WAVES 2025?
Answer: UK, Japan, and Russia, supporting media innovation and policy alignment.
16. What role did India play at BRS COPs 2025 in Geneva?
Answer: Advocated chemical and waste governance, tech support for developing nations, and a global plastic treaty.
Sports News
17. What new sport will debut at Asian Games 2026?
Answer: Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), with six medal events; cricket also retained in the program.
Obituaries
18. Which Malayalam actor passed away on 2nd May 2025?
Answer: Vishnu Prasad, aged 52, known for roles in Runway, Lion, and Pathaka; passed due to liver disease.