Daily News One Liner: 16-May-2025
- India’s total exports (merchandise and services) in April 2025 reached US$ 73.80 Billion, marking a 12.70% increase compared to April 2024.
- The Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation released the first Monthly Bulletin of the revamped Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for April 2025, highlighting key labour market indicators across rural and urban India.
- India and the European Union (EU) have jointly launched two major research initiatives under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), focusing on Marine Plastic Litter and Waste-to-Green Hydrogen, with a combined investment of ₹391 crore (~€41 million).
- Dr. Ajay Kumar, former Defence Secretary, took oath as the Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on May 15, 2025.
- Reliance Industries has secured a $2.9 billion dual-currency loan, marking the largest offshore loan by an Indian company since 2023.
- India added only 4.53 GW of thermal power capacity in FY25, significantly below the targeted 15.4 GW, due to delays in commissioning and other challenges.
- The Azim Premji Foundation has announced a ₹2,250 crore scholarship program to support 2.5 lakh girls from government schools in pursuing higher education across 18 Indian states.
- India is set to showcase its first indigenous Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) by the end of 2025, with full-scale production anticipated by 2029, under the IndiaAI Mission.
- SBI Card has partnered with Apollo HealthCo to introduce the Apollo SBI Card SELECT, a premium co-branded credit card designed to offer health and wellness benefits, including up to 25% value back on health-related purchases and exclusive lifestyle perks.
- India’s outbound foreign direct investment (FDI) commitments surged to $6.8 billion in April 2025, nearly doubling from $3.58 billion in April 2024, as reported by the Reserve Bank of India.
- India’s wholesale inflation, measured by the Wholesale Price Index (WPI), declined to 0.85% in April 2025, down from 2.05% in March, marking the lowest level since March 2024.
- Two leading Indian banks have introduced new fixed deposit schemes with attractive interest rates reaching up to 7.9 percent, aiming to boost retail investment amid evolving market conditions.
- Zaggle has entered into a strategic partnership with Mesh Payments to provide Indian multinational corporations (MNCs) with comprehensive spend management solutions across the US, Europe, and Latin America
- Maharashtra government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Blackstone Group’s subsidiaries, XSIIO Logistics Parks and Horizon Industrial Parks, to invest ₹5,127 crore in developing over 10 modern logistics and industrial parks, creating approximately 27,510 jobs.
- The Uttar Pradesh government has approved ₹179.42 crore to strengthen the Public Distribution System (PDS) under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), aiming to improve efficiency, transparency, and inclusivity in ration delivery.
- The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has approved 187 startups for income tax exemption under the revamped Section 80-IAC of the Income Tax Act, allowing them a 100% deduction on profits for any three consecutive years within a ten-year window from their date of incorporation.
- President Donald Trump announced over $200 billion in commercial agreements between the United States and the United Arab Emirates during his Middle East tour, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations.
- Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has achieved a 28% year-on-year increase in brand value, reaching $57.3 billion, securing the 45th position globally in the Kantar BrandZ Most Valuable Global Brands 2025 Report.
- The book India-Africa: Building Synergies in Peace, Security and Development, edited by Ruchita Beri, explores India’s evolving role in Africa, transitioning from an aid recipient to a proactive development partner.
- India’s oil demand is expected to rise by 3.4% in 2025, the fastest among major economies, according to OPEC’s latest forecast.
- National Dengue Day is observed annually on May 16 in India to raise awareness about dengue fever, its prevention, and control measures.
- On May 16, 2025, the world observes the International Day of Light under the theme “Light, Innovation, Society,” highlighting the transformative role of light-based technologies in advancing science, education, and sustainable development.
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