INTERNATIONAL NEWS
1. large-scale commercial plant producing e-methanol:
why in news?
Denmark launched world’s first large-scale commercial plant producing e-methanol
About the special features of the plant:
- The plant has been developed by European Energy (Denmark) and Mitsui (Japan).
- It will produce 42,000 metric tonnes of e-methanol annually.
- The plant will be using renewable energy and captured CO₂ to produce e-methanol, aiming to reduce carbon emissions in the global shipping industry.
2. International Day of Families:
Why in news?
International Day of Families is celebrated on May 15th
About the day and its importance:
- The day was established by the United Nations in 1993.
- Theme 2025: “Family-oriented Policies for Sustainable Development: Towards the Second World Summit for Social Development 2025”
NATIONAL NEWS
3. Neeraj Chopra honoured as Lieutenant Colonel in Territorial Army:
Why in news?
Neeraj Chopra honoured as Lieutenant Colonel in Territorial Army for sporting excellence and service
About this achievements in sports:
- As per The Gazette of India, an official weekly publication and a legally recognized document of the Government of India, this honorary appointment officially took effect on April 16, 2025
- Neeraj Chopra was earlier enrolled as a Junior Commissioned Officer in the rank of Naib Subedar in the Indian Army on 26 August 2016. He was promoted to Subedar in 2021 following his heroics in 2020 Tokyo olympics.
- Note: The Territorial Army (TA) is a military reserve force composed of part-time volunteers who provide support services to the Indian Army.
GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES
4. ‘Nayi Disha’ initiative:
Why in news?
Delhi Police starts ‘Nayi Disha’ initiative to bring school dropouts back to classrooms
Aim of this initiative:
- This community outreach project focuses on children and teenagers who’ve left school due to poverty, family issues or other challenges.
- As part of the plan, local police stations will identify and reach out to these children with the help of partner NGOs.
- They will then be offered support to return to formal schooling or join skill-building programmes.
SCIENCE & TECH NEWS
5. cutting-edge Counter-Drone system ‘Bhargavastra’:
why in news?
India tests homegrown cutting-edge Counter-Drone system ‘Bhargavastra’
About the technology and its special features:
- Nagpur-based Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL) has successfully tested ‘Bhargavastra’, a revolutionary low-cost hard-kill counter-drone system designed to neutralise drone swarms with precision and efficiency.
- This innovation marks a major leap in India’s defense capabilities, addressing the increasing threat posed by unmanned aerial systems.
AWARDS & HONOURS
6. 2025 World Food Prize:
Why in news?
Brazilian scientist Mariangela Hungria wins 2025 World Food Prize
About the Food Prize in detail:
- Mariangela Hungria has been awarded for her pioneering work in reducing the use of chemical fertilisers and developing biological seed and soil treatments to boost crop yields and nutrition.
- She was awarded the $500,000 prize by the World Food Prize Foundation.
- The World Food Prize was founded by Nobel laureate Norman Borlaug (USA) in 1987.
- It honors individuals contributing significantly to global food security.
GI TAGS
7. Rajasthan receives GI Tag:
Why in news?
Rajasthan’s traditional ‘Sangri’ Bean receives GI Tag
About the product and its cultural benefits:
- The sangri bean, produced in the harsh conditions of the Thar desert in Rajasthan, is known for its remarkable versatility and its deep-rooted significance in Rajasthani traditions.
- Sangri is appreciated for its unique flavour and nutritional benefits.
- It is harvested, sun-dried, and stored for use throughout the year, making it a resilient and nutritious food source well-suited for the desert environment.