India’s Top Non-Entertainment News Highlights: May 25–31, 2025

India witnessed a remarkable range of events during the last week of May 2025 — from climate records and health missions to technological breakthroughs and international collaborations. While entertainment headlines often steal the spotlight, these stories deserve just as much attention for the real impact they have on citizens’ lives. This article takes you through India’s top non-entertainment news stories — each one important in shaping the country’s present and future.

Economic Surge: India Leads Global Growth Projections

• India has been recognized as the primary engine of global economic growth for 2025 and 2026, according to the World Economic Forum's Chief Economists Outlook report. This acknowledgment underscores India's robust economic trajectory and its growing influence in the global marketplace.

Record Foreign Investment Inflows

• In May 2025, India witnessed a record inflow of foreign portfolio investments (FPI), amounting to ₹19,860 crore, the highest monthly figure of the year, according to data from the National Securities Depository Ltd. (NSDL). This surge indicates strong foreign investor confidence in Indian financial markets.

Defense Modernization: Diversifying Partnerships

• India is seeking to diversify its defense partnerships beyond the United States by exploring collaborations with the United Kingdom, France, and Japan for the co-development of next-generation fighter jet engines. This strategic shift is part of India's broader effort to strengthen its indigenous aerospace capabilities in the face of growing security challenges.

Enhancing Railway Safety

• Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti, V. Somanna, announced the implementation of a nationwide railway safety system covering 3,500 km at a cost of ₹1,700 crore, prioritizing the Bidar-Hyderabad route to prevent train collisions. He emphasized Prime Minister Modi’s vision of continuous development beyond political timelines and highlighted the importance of aligning state progress with national prosperity.

Environmental Alert: Kerala Oil Spill

• The 2025 Kerala oil spill occurred after the Liberian-flagged vessel MSC Elsa 3 capsized in the Arabian Sea on May 25. The Kerala government and the Indian Coast Guard promptly responded to the situation. ICGS Arnvesh and ICGS Saksham were instrumental in the rescue of 24 crew members and containment of an oil spill from the container vessel MSC Elsa 3 off the coast of Kochi. Despite the crew's best efforts, the ship capsized and sank into the Arabian Sea on May 25, 2025.

Advancing Weather Forecasting

• India launched the Bharat Forecasting System (BFS), a high-resolution weather prediction system developed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. Introduced on May 26, 2025, the BFS operates on a 6-kilometer grid, enhancing the accuracy of medium- and short-range forecasts. This system aims to improve predictions of monsoon patterns, cyclones, and other extreme weather events, supporting disaster management and agricultural planning across the country.

Agricultural Reforms: Boosting Farmer Support

• The Union Cabinet approved the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and Restructured Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme until 2025-26, with an enhanced allocation of ₹69,515.71 crore for the scheme period (2021-22 to 2025-26). Additionally, an extra subsidy of ₹3,850 crore for DAP fertilizers was sanctioned. These decisions aim to provide risk coverage for crops against non-preventable natural calamities, benefiting farmers nationwide.

Nationwide Civil Defence Drill: Operation Abhyaas

• On May 7, 2025, India conducted a nationwide emergency preparedness exercise named Operation Abhyaas across 244 districts. Organized by the Ministry of Home Affairs and coordinated by the National Disaster Management Authority, the drill aimed to bolster civilian readiness against potential hostile threats, particularly in response to escalating tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack on April 22, 2025. Activities included air-raid siren tests, blackout simulations, evacuation drills, and public training sessions in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad.

Diplomatic Outreach Post-Pakistan Conflict

• In response to a recent military conflict with Pakistan, India launched a global diplomatic campaign to garner international support and redefine the narrative surrounding its actions. This effort, spearheaded by lawmakers and former diplomats, aims to frame India’s strikes into Pakistan—its deepest in over 50 years—as a counterterrorism measure following a deadly attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir. Despite the outreach, criticism at home suggests the effort is motivated by domestic political optics and reflects shortcomings in Prime Minister Modi’s foreign policy. India’s actions have unsettled regional stability and prompted cautious international reactions, particularly from the U.S., which pushed for de-escalation and mediated a May 10 ceasefire. India, however, insists the truce was reached bilaterally.

Defense Clarification: Operation Sindoor

• Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan refuted Pakistan's assertion that it had downed six Indian warplanes during Operation Sindoor. Speaking on Saturday, General Chauhan dismissed the claim as "absolutely incorrect" and emphasized that the specific number of aircraft was not significant in this context. He noted that India had addressed and corrected the tactical mistakes from the operation. This response comes amid heightened tensions and conflicting narratives between the two countries regarding recent military engagements.

Global Investors Summit 2025: Madhya Pradesh's Economic Leap

• The Global Investors Summit (GIS) 2025 was organized in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, on February 24-25, 2025, where Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth a total of ₹30.77 lakh crore were signed. The summit aimed to attract investment and increase employment opportunities in Madhya Pradesh, with participation from over 25,000 registrants and more than 100 foreign delegates from over 60 countries. Nine countries, including Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, Morocco, Poland, Russia, Rwanda, and the United Kingdom, contributed as partner countries. Investments are expected in sectors like science, technical education, skill development, MSMEs, and health services, promoting employment, development, and industrial growth in the state.

Torrential Rains Devastate Northeast India

• Severe rainfall over 48 hours led to landslides and flash floods across Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, and Sikkim, resulting in at least 18 fatalities and displacing dozens. The India Meteorological Department has issued warnings for continued heavy rainfall in these regions until May 31.

Delhi Records Wettest May Since 1901

• Delhi experienced its wettest May on record, with 186.4 mm of rainfall, surpassing the previous record of 165 mm set in May 2008. An extraordinary 81.4 mm of rain fell within a few hours on a single day, marking a significant climatic event for the capital.

Madhya Pradesh Launches Intensive TB Awareness Campaign

• Starting June 1, Madhya Pradesh initiated a state-wide Intensive TB Free India Campaign, focusing on vulnerable populations at transport hubs, health centers, factories, and industrial sites. The campaign aims to provide screening, investigation, and treatment for high-risk groups, including diabetics, malnourished individuals, and those with HIV.

Jaipur's Sindhi Camp Bus Stand to Undergo Major Overhaul

• The Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation plans to enhance passenger amenities at Jaipur's Sindhi Camp bus stand by inviting private companies to develop facilities such as restaurants, shops, and entertainment areas within a newly developed terminal building. This initiative aims to transform the bus terminal into a market-like hub, offering conveniences for passengers and generating non-fare revenue.

India & Australia Sign Agreements on Migration & Green Hydrogen

• India and Australia signed crucial agreements on migration and mobility partnership, as well as on the establishment of a Green Hydrogen task force. These agreements aim to strengthen bilateral ties and promote sustainable energy initiatives.

Microsoft Launches 'Jugalbandi' AI Chatbot for Rural India

• Microsoft introduced 'Jugalbandi,' a generative AI-driven multilingual chatbot accessible via WhatsApp, designed to assist rural populations in India. Developed in collaboration with AI4Bharat and IIT Madras, the chatbot aims to provide personalized assistance by understanding user queries in multiple languages, enhancing access to government welfare activities.

Infosys Unveils 'Topaz' AI Services Suite

• Infosys launched 'Topaz,' a comprehensive suite of services, solutions, and platforms that harness the power of generative Artificial Intelligence technologies. Built on Infosys’ applied AI framework, Topaz aims to enhance the capabilities of individuals and organizations to deliver cognitive solutions and accelerate value creation.

India's AI Supercomputer 'AIRAWAT' Achieves Global Recognition

• The AI Supercomputer 'AIRAWAT,' situated at C-DAC, Pune, achieved an impressive global ranking of 75th on the Top 500 Global Supercomputing List. This accomplishment establishes India as a leading nation in the field of AI supercomputing and represents a significant stride forward in the country’s AI capabilities.

Environmental Milestone: Meeting Paris Agreement Goals

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India is the first nation to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, as stated during the India Energy Week 2025. He highlighted that India's non-fossil fuel energy capacity has tripled, and the country is committed to global sustainability. PM Modi emphasized that India's energy ambitions stand on five pillars: resources, brilliant minds, economic strength, political stability, and strategic geography. He also noted that the next two decades are crucial for 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India), with significant milestones expected in the next five years.

As May wrapped up, India was clearly at the crossroads of change — battling climate extremities, investing in healthcare, and pushing the boundaries of AI and diplomacy. These developments reflect a nation that’s moving forward with resilience, intelligence, and purpose. In a world dominated by fast headlines, it's crucial to pause and appreciate stories that matter beyond the glamour — stories that shape the future, drive growth, and uplift everyday lives.

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