1 World’s first commercial-scale e-methanol plant opened in Denmark
In May 2025 , the world’s first commercial-scale e-methanol (electrolyzed methanol) plant started operating in Kasø, southern Denmark , a major step toward making shipping greener and fighting climate change. The plant is jointly developed by Denmark-based European Energy A/S and Japan -based Mitsui & Co., Ltd. It costs around 150 million euros (USD 167 million) , and will produce 42,000 metric tons (MT) (53 million liters) of e-methanol annually.
2 DEA amends Rule 8 of SCRR, 1957 to enhance ease of doing business for brokers
On May 19, 2025 , the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) under the Ministry of Finance (MoF), Government of India (GoI) amended Rule 8 of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rules (SCRR), 1957 through the official gazette notification GSR 318 (E) . This amendment provides regulatory clarity to enhance ease of doing business for brokers . The Government of India has notified the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2025, exercising its powers under section 30 of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 (SCRA, 1956) (42 of 1956). The new rules will come into force from May 19, 2025 .
3 Government tightens precious metals import rules to prevent misuse of India-UAE CEPA
On May 19, 2025, the Government of India (GoI) has tightened the import rules for gold and silver , restricting their entry into India only to designated agencies, qualified jewellers and valid tariff rate quota (TRQ) holders under the India-United Arab Emirates (UAE) Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) . The new rules were notified through a notification issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) , Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI). It has allowed the import of unwrought, semi-wrought and powdered gold under conditions . Under the CEPA, India allows import of up to 200 metric tonnes (MT) of gold annually from the UAE at a concessional duty of 1% under the TRQ mechanism.
4 GeM celebrates 8th Incorporation Day by launching GeMAI Chatbot
On 19th May 2025, Government e Marketplace (GeM) , India’s national public procurement portal under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I), celebrated its 8th anniversary with affirmation of its transformational impact on inclusive economic growth and digital governance . During the event, GeM has launched GeMAI , India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered chatbot in the public sector. GeM’s user base has witnessed a three-fold growth in recent years, with over 1.64 lakh primary buyers and 4.2 lakh active sellers. It offers over 10,000 product categories and over 330 services. GeM has over 10 lakh micro and small enterprises (MSEs), 1.3 lakh artisans and weavers, 1.84 lakh women entrepreneurs and 31,000 startups as part of its ecosystem.
5 Nepal’s Yala glacier declared ‘dead’ amid global warming concerns
In May 2025, the Yala Glacier in Nepal ‘s Langtang Valley was declared “dead” during Asia ‘s first glacier funeral , having lost 66% of its ice and retreated by 784 metres since the 1970s , highlighting the severe impact of climate change in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region . The event, coordinated by the Kathmandu (Nepal)-based International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), was attended by more than 50 glaciologists, Buddhist monks and local community members from Nepal, India, China and Bhutan.
6 Colombia joins China’s BRI to strengthen bilateral ties
In May 2025 , Colombia officially joined China ‘s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for which it signed a cooperation agreement during a meeting in Beijing between Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Chinese President Xi Jinping . Colombia’s decision to join the BRI reflects its intention to diversify international alliances and attract investment in the infrastructure, renewable energy, and technology sectors. The agreement is expected to boost Colombia’s exports, attract Chinese investment, and improve connectivity, particularly on the Pacific coast. Launched in 2013, the BRI is a global infrastructure and investment strategy initiated by China to enhance connectivity and economic integration in Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America . It aims to develop trade routes and stimulate economic growth through investments in infrastructure projects such as roads, ports, and railways. By 2024, more than 140 countries will have joined the BRI , covering approximately 75% of the world’s population and more than half of the global gross domestic product (GDP).
7 India’s Reliance Power and Bhutan’s DHI partner to develop 500 MW solar project in Bhutan
On May 19, 2025, Anil Ambani -led Mumbai ( Maharashtra)-based Reliance Power Limited (RPOWER) signed a commercial term sheet for a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with Bhutan’s Green Digital Private Limited (GDL) , a subsidiary of Druk Holding & Investments Limited (DHI), the investment arm of the Royal Government of Bhutan. A 50:50 joint venture (JV) has been set up between RPower and DHI to develop Bhutan’s largest solar power project with a capacity of 500 megawatts (MW) , involving a capital outlay of Rs 2,000 crore.
8 LIC appointed Dinesh Pant and Ratnakar Patnaik as MDs
In May 2025, the Government of India (GoI) approved the appointment of Dinesh Pant and Ratnakar Patnaik as managing directors (MDs) of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) based in Mumbai (Maharashtra) , effective from June 1, 2025. Dinesh Pant and Ratnakar Patnaik will replace Jagannath Mukkavilli and Tablesh Pandey on their retirement on May 31, 2025.
9 Football: India’s Rahul K.P. selected in West Ham United’s team for The Soccer Tournament
In football , India’s Rahul K.P. has been selected to play for West Ham United in the upcoming The Soccer Tournament-TST . It is an American football competition . Rahul is the first Indian football player to be selected by a major international club for this tournament. The competition will be held in Cary, North Carolina from June 4 to 9. 48 teams will participate in it. Currently Rahul is associated with Odisha FC team in the Indian Super League.
10 India’s Shambhavi Shravan Kshirsagar won gold medal at the ISSF Shooting Junior World Cup in Suhl, Germany
In the Junior World Cup Shooting in Suhl , Germany , India’s Sambhavi Shravan Kshirsagar has won the gold medal in the women’s 10 meter air rifle event . In the same event , India’s Ojasvi Thakur won the silver medal. Earlier, Narayan Pranav Vanita Suresh got the bronze medal in the men’s 10 meter air rifle event. Mukesh Nelavalli won the silver medal in the men’s 25 meter rapid fire pistol event . India is at the top of the medal tally with a total of eight medals including two gold, three silver and three bronze medals.
11 ISSF Junior World Cup: Shooting Olympian Raiza Dhillon won silver medal in women’s skeet event
Shooting Olympian Raiza Dhillon has won the silver medal in the women’s skeet event at the ongoing ISSF Junior World Cup in Germany . Dhillon shot 51 in the 60-shot final . She was behind Great Britain’s Phoebe Bodley-Scott who won the gold medal with a score of 53. Germany’s Annabella Hetmer got the bronze medal. Kanak won the gold medal in the women’s 10 meter air pistol event , while Adrian Karmakar won the silver medal in the men’s 50 meter rifle prone category.
12 First Hockey India Masters Cup announced
The first Hockey India Masters Cup has been announced . This competition will be held in both men’s and women’s categories . The first tournament of the Masters Cup will be held in Chennai from June 18 to June 27. This tournament is a new chapter for Indian hockey in which former hockey legends will be able to participate. In this competition, the age of the players in the men’s category should be 40 or more and in the women’s category should be 35 or more . Hockey India has informed that this competition will be in a league-cum-knockout format, in which pools will be formed based on the number of participating teams. The names of the teams for both categories will be announced soon. To participate in this competition, players will have to register through their respective state units.
13 Neeraj Chopra won silver medal in Janusz Kusocinski Memorial Competition
India’s javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has won the silver medal in the Janusz Kusoczynski Memorial Competition in Chorzau, Poland . Two-time Olympic medalist Neeraj threw the javelin 84.14 meters in his sixth and final attempt. Julian Weber of Germany won the gold medal by throwing the javelin 86.12 meters in this competition. In the same competition, Anderson Peters of Grenada won the bronze medal. Neeraj Chopra’s next match will be on June 24 in the Ostrava Golden Spike Tournament in the Czech Republic.
14 24-member men’s squad announced for the European leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League
The 24-member men’s team has been announced for the European stage of the FIH Hockey Pro League . The competition will be played in the Netherlands and Belgium from June 7 to 22. Harmanpreet Singh will be the captain and Hardik Singh will be the vice-captain. The Indian team will play its first match against the Netherlands on June 7.
15 Tennis: Novak Djokovic creates another history by winning the 100th title of ATP Tour
Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic has created another history by winning the 100th title of ATP Tour . He has become the third player to achieve this feat . Djokovic achieved this feat by defeating Hubert Hurkacz 5-7, 7-6, 7-6 in the final of Geneva Open in Switzerland . Earlier, Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer have reached this milestone. Djokovic won his first title in 2006 by defeating Nicolas Massu in the final in Amersfoort .
16 Napoli win the Serie A title in dramatic fashion
Napoli have won the 2024–25 Serie A season title. They won this victory by defeating Cagliari 2–0 in the final match played at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium . With the help of brilliant goals from Scott McTominay and Romelu Lukaku, Napoli won the championship by leaving Inter Milan behind by one point. With this win, coach Antonio Conte has made history in Italian football by becoming the first manager to win the Serie A title with three different clubs. Napoli’s win not only prevents Inter Milan from winning a second consecutive title, but is also a historic achievement for Antonio Conte, who has now won the Serie A trophy with Juventus, Inter Milan, and Napoli – all three.
17 International Day for the Elimination of Obstetric Fistula 2025: 23 May 2025
The International Day to End Obstetric Fistula, observed every year on 23 May, is a global call to action to free women and girls from this serious but entirely preventable health problem associated with childbirth. Theme 2025: Her Health , Her Right: Shaping a Future without Fistula — this year’s theme highlights the need to ensure women and girls have access to quality sexual and reproductive health services. The persistence of obstetric fistula reflects deep-rooted inequities in gender and health services, which particularly affect poor and marginalized populations.