On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, Dr. M R Srinivasan, the former chairman of India’s Atomic Energy Commission, died at the age of 95. The veteran scientist unexpectedly became unwell in Ooty during the night and died quietly at the local hospital at 4 a.m. on Tuesday. Dr. Malur Ramasamy Srinivasan, who was born in Bengaluru (5 January 1930 – 20 May 2025), leaving behind a rich legacy.

“My father suddenly took ill in Ooty over last night and passed away peacefully in hospital at 4 am in hospital, my mother is with him.. we are going from Bangalore now..,” said Sharada Srinivasan, the daughter of the veteran scientist according to a social media post.

Born in January 1930, Malur Ramasamy (M R) Srinivasan was an Indian nuclear physicist and mechanical engineer who was also in charge of the country’s construction of a pressurized heavy-water reactor (PHWR).

Srinivasan began working with Dr. Homi Bhabha on Apsara, the country’s first nuclear research reactor, in September 1955 after joining the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). Apsara reached criticality in August 1956.

He served as the Principal Project Engineer for the building of India’s first atomic power plant in 1959. He then became the Chief Project Engineer at the Madras Atomic Power Station in 1967.

He was appointed Director of the DAE’s Power Projects Engineering Division in 1974. He was then elevated to Chairman of the Nuclear Power Board in 1984, where he was in charge of the development, implementation, and management of all nuclear power projects in the country.

He eventually rose to the position of Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy and Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission in 1987. For all of his efforts to the Indian nuclear program, he received the Padma Vibhushan, India’s highest civilian honor.

After completing his education in Mysore, M R Srinivasan enrolled at M. Visvesvaraya’s engineering college (now UVCE), where he earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1950. In 1954, he completed his Master’s degree in gas turbine technology at McGill University in Canada.

From 1996 to 1998, he served on the Planning Commission of the Government of India, where he oversaw the Science & Technology and Energy portfolios. In the years 2002–2004 and 2006–2008, he served on the National Security Advisory Board of India. From 2002 to 2004, he served as the chairman of the Karnataka Task Force on Higher Education.

Srinivasan is an Emeritus Fellow of the Indian Nuclear Society, a Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineering and Institution of Engineers (India), and a Founder Member of the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO).

During this time of grief, PM Modi sent his family and friends his personal condolences and the nation’s gratitude for everything he has done.

“Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. MR Srinivasan, a stalwart of India’s nuclear energy program. His instrumental role in developing critical nuclear infrastructure has been foundational to our being self-reliant in the energy sector. He is remembered for his inspiring leadership of the Atomic Energy Commission. India will always be grateful to him for advancing scientific progress and mentoring many young scientists. My thoughts are with his family and friends in this sad hour. Om Shanti,” said PM Modi in his social media post on the platform X.

A youthful Dr. Srinivasan was instrumental in the building of Apsara, India’s first nuclear research reactor, which reached criticality in August 1956 alongside Dr. Bhabha. Dr. Bhabha had already outlined what needed to be done in the ensuing decades when he died in a plane crash in the Alps on January 24, 1966. Dr. Srinivasan supported India’s nuclear power development after being on Dr. Bhabha’s team.

Legends like Vikram Sarabhai, Dr. Homi Sethna, Dr. Raja Ramanna, Dr. P K Iyengar, Dr. R Chidambaram, and Dr. Anil Kakodkar were among the people Dr. Srinivasan collaborated with.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Monday that the Government e-marketplace (GeM) is providing opportunities for the underprivileged, reducing bureaucracy, and guaranteeing significant savings, thereby providing a digital boost to the Center’s drive for transparent administration.

An essay published on the GeM platform by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal was shared on the X social media platform by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

“Digital technology supports the government’s efforts to promote open governance. By reducing red tape and guaranteeing significant savings, @GeM_India is providing opportunities for the underprivileged. Union Minister Piyush Goyal’s thorough analysis of the GeM platform is a fascinating read. based on the PMO.

The GeM portal, according to Piyush Goyal, has removed obstacles to entry, weeded out corruption, empowered and uplifted marginalized groups, particularly in small towns, and allowed for significant public savings.

“The digital public procurement platform GeM-India has grown to be a vital component of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision since its launch nine years ago,” the minister said.

By eliminating corruption and providing possibilities for startups, MSMEs, women, and small-town enterprises, GeM has transformed the way the government purchases products and services, Goyal said.

The GeM has quickly become a global pioneer in offering a public procurement platform that is open, inclusive, and effective. According to an essay he wrote, it links 23 lakh merchants and service providers with over 1.6 lakh government buyers.

According to Goyal, Orders of over Rs 13.4 lakh crore have been placed on the GeM portal since its launch in 2016. In 2024–2025, public procurement through the platform reached a record Rs 5.43 lakh billion. In the current fiscal year, GeM wants to increase its yearly revenue to Rs 7 lakh crore.

Without a question, GeM has become a technological titan in the field of public procurement. Given the volume of business conducted, it is probably going to overtake more established institutions as the largest public procurement platform in the world like South Korea’s KONEPS, in the near future.

During the fiscal year 2024–2025, GeM has also effectively facilitated the insurance of over 1.3 crore people with health, life, and personal accident insurance policies.

It seeks to close the gap between government purchasers and innovators, facilitating quicker scaling, market validation, and a significant boost to India’s reputation as a worldwide innovator.

Through the GeM, the government has also emphasized important changes to the public procurement system, such as strong anti-cartel protections and expert-led initiatives to boost productivity, openness, and expansion.

In a recent discussion with important GeM authorities and stakeholders, Goyal emphasized the importance of enabling both platform buyers and sellers.

According to a report released on Monday by S&P Global, India has made significant strides in increasing its competitiveness and attracting foreign investment to its manufacturing sector.

Even while manufacturing value added only makes up 17.2% of the nation’s GDP, the government has put specific policy changes into place to increase local manufacturing capacity and fortify India’s position in international supply chains.

According to the paper, India can gain from rising trade protectionism beyond its immediate effects, since it could spur supply-chain diversity.

As the climate for international trade and collaboration changes, India is well-positioned to take advantage of opportunities. Over the last three decades, the nation’s size, scope, and global influence have all increased significantly, and by fiscal year 2030–31, it is expected to rank third in the world in terms of GDP.

According to the paper “India Forward: Transformative Perspectives,” India can leverage this momentum for increased global supply-chain integration and faster manufacturing growth as economies adjust to changing trade dynamics and tariff difficulties.

In order to build a cleaner, independent transportation system in the future, the nation is also concentrating on alternative energy sources.

This drive includes the adoption of biofuels. By addressing energy security, lowering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and increasing revenue opportunities for the agricultural sector, biofuels provide a triple-win answer to the nation’s growing need for sustainable energy sources despite escalating environmental concerns, according to the paper.

Also Read: Top 5 Cricket Ball Manufacturing Companies in India

India is likewise planning to follow a route that combines revenue security with energy security. As India seeks to improve crude oil exploration and development in order to become self-sufficient, recent regulatory reforms offer a chance.

Although it is not immune to the growing trade protectionism, the report noted that its limited reliance on external trade for growth provides some protection against continuous changes in global trade and tariff policy.

“Sitaare Zameen Par” marks the return of actor Aamir Khan with another original story about making aspirations come true. The makers provided moviegoers a preview of the touching story of transforming a punishment into an opportunity with the recently released teaser.

In the film, Mr. Perfectionist plays a basketball coach who, following a furious altercation with a senior on the floor, is caught in a drunk driving case. The judge orders him to coach a special needs team as a form of discipline. Despite his initial reluctance, Aamir becomes emotionally connected in his teammates and becomes determined to see them win a tournament.

The project, a spiritual follow-up to Aamir’s first feature film as director, “Taare Zameen Par,” chronicles the path of perseverance and commitment.

On social media, the creators of “Sitaare Zameen Par” shared the trailer, writing, “1 Tingu Basketball Coach, 10 Toofani SITAARE aur unki journey. Watch #SitaareZameenPar #SabkaApnaApnaNormal, 20th June Only In Theatres. Trailer Out Now!”

Aroush Datta, Gopi Krishna Varma, Samvit Desai, Vedant Sharma, Ayush Bhansali, Ashish Pendse, Rishi Shahani, Rishabh Jain, Naman Mishra, and Simran Mangeshkar are among the ten new actors in the movie, in addition to Aamir and Genelia.

In Aamir’s upcoming film, Genelia Deshmukh will be viewed as his romantic interest. Genelia described the partnership as “incredibly special” and said she was thrilled to be working on a project that will bring her back together with powerful performers like Aamir and important movies.

“Working with Aamir Khan Productions after all these years feels incredibly special,” Genelia said in reference to the movie. I have never held a position like this before! It is profoundly human, multi-layered, and emotional. I sincerely appreciate the positive feedback the trailer has gotten, and I am eager for people to see the movie.

Also Read: Top 5 Recent Highest-Grossing Indian Films

The project was created under the leadership of “Shubh Mangal Saavdhan” director R. S. Prasanna.

Divy Nidhi Sharma wrote the screenplay for the drama, which is produced by Aamir Khan and Aparna Purohit under the auspices of Aamir Khan Productions.

Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy wrote the film’s tunes, while Amitabh Bhattacharya wrote the lyrics. Ram Sampath has supplied the background music.

On June 20, “Sitaare Zameen Par,” Aamir’s comeback to the big screen following his 2022 film “Laal Singh Chaddha,” will be released.

Neeraj Chopra, a well-known athlete from India, has been awarded the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army. In the Gazette of India, a weekly authorized publication of the Government of India, the Ministry of Defense made the statement on Wednesday.

After winning a historic gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Chopra won a silver medal in the javelin throw at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, making him India’s most successful individual Olympian.

Chopra won a gold medal in Tokyo, becoming the first track and field athlete from India to do so. He finished second in the coveted Diamond League Final in Brussels at the end of the 2024 season.

“No 3 (E) dated 9 May 2025 in exercise of the powers conferred by Para 31 of the Territorial Army Regulations, 1948, the president is pleased to confer Honorary Rank of Lieutenant Colonel in Territorial Army on Ex-Sub Maj Neeraj Chopra, PVSM, Padma Shri, VSM, Village & Post Office Khandra, Panipat, Haryana with effect from 16 April, 2025,” according to the Indian Gazette.

Prior to being promoted to Subedar in 2021 following his valiant actions in Tokyo, Neeraj had enlisted in the Indian Army on August 26, 2016, as a Junior Commissioned Officer with the rank of Naib Subedar.

Similar to the gold winner, a few other medalists from the quadrennial Games are Indian Army officers. Shooter Vijay Kumar was appointed honorary captain following his silver medal victory in 2012, while Abhinav Bindra, the first Indian to win an individual gold medal in the Beijing 2008 Olympics, was also given the title of Lt. Colonel.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni is among the most well-known athletes that have been awarded the honor. He was given the title of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army in 2011 for leading India to significant tournament victories, like as the 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2007 T20 World Cup.

Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Union Minister for Electronics and IT, officially opened two new design facilities for Renesas Electronics India in Noida and Bengaluru. These facilities will be used to develop innovative 3 nanometer chip designs.

Vaishnaw emphasized the new facility’s uniqueness and said it puts India firmly in the global league of semiconductor innovation.

“3nm design is genuinely next-generation. Although we had previously completed 7nm and 5nm, this is a new frontier,” he stated.

The minister also went into detail about India’s comprehensive semiconductor strategy, which includes supply chains for equipment, chemicals, gas, design, fabrication, and ATMP (Assembly, Testing, Marking, and Packaging).

He emphasized the substantial expenditures already being made by businesses like Applied Materials and Lam Research, and he cited the industry confidence shown at international gatherings like Davos.

The minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized the growing momentum in India’s semiconductor ecosystem and stated that the establishment of this significant Semiconductor Design Center in Uttar Pradesh is an important step in creating a pan-India ecosystem that makes use of the wealth of talent present throughout the nation.

“India’s semiconductor industry has grown from a small stage to a growing global hub in just three years, and it is now well-positioned for long-term, sustainable growth,” the minister stated.

Additionally, he stated that “the demand for semiconductors is going to increase exponentially with the manufacturing of electronic products in smart phones, laptops, servers, medical equipment, defense equipment, automobiles, and many other sectors.” As a result, the semiconductor industry’s growth momentum is appropriate.

Additionally, the minister announced the release of a new semiconductor learning kit designed to help engineering students improve their practical hardware skills.

He added that these practical hardware kits will be sent to over 270 academic institutions that have previously acquired cutting-edge EDA (Electronic, Design, Automation) software tools from the India Semiconductor Mission.

“This combination of hardware and software learning will produce engineers who are genuinely prepared for the industry. We are investing in long-term talent development in addition to infrastructural development,” he stated.

India is a critical pillar for Renesas Electronics, according to CEO and MD Hidetoshi Shibata, who also noted the country’s increasing contributions in software, embedded systems, and system innovation.

Through government-backed initiatives, he emphasized Renesas’ dedication to developing end-to-end semiconductor capabilities in India, from architecture to testing, while assisting more than 250 academic institutions and countless startups.

On Tuesday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized the importance of bringing the general public into the purview of financial inclusion programs in order to further enhance them.

She emphasized the significance of improving the customer experience across banking services while chairing a meeting to examine the progress of the government’s financial inclusion schemes, which include PMJDY, PMSBY, PMJJBY, APY, PMMYY, SUPI, PMSVANidhi, PM Vishwakarma, PM Surya Ghar Yojana, KCC, PM Vidyalaxmi, and CGTSME.

Senior DFS officers including the secretary of the Department of Financial Services attended the meeting. The National Pension System (NPS), insurance firms, banks, and other financial institutions are all under the Department of Financial Services’ purview.

In the meantime, since 2016, the total number of people enrolled in the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), a life insurance program, has increased by an astounding 699 percent. PMJJBY, which was introduced on May 9, 2015, addressed the alarming fact that only 20% of Indians were covered by insurance.

For a yearly subscription of just Rs 436, PMJJBY provides a Rs 2 lakh life insurance policy in the event that the subscriber passes away from any cause, whether natural or unintentional.

23.36 crore people have been enrolled in PMJJBY as of March 19. The program processed 9,37,524 claims over the course of the ten years, and 9,05,139 of those claims were successfully paid out, releasing a total of Rs 18,102.78 crore.

However, since 2016, the total number of people enrolled in the accident insurance program Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMBSY) has increased by 443%. For about Rs 20 a year, the scheme offers cheap security and financial stability in the event of accidents and fatalities.

The Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced in 2015, is now a vital component of the government’s initiatives to give the general population financial security.

With improvements in financial inclusion, innovation, and infrastructure, India keeps growing as a major force behind world economic activity.

In a forceful televised speech to the nation on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was unreserved in his criticism of Pakistan and its strategies for fostering terrorism. He also emphasized that the country’s anti-terror policy is known as “Operation Sindoor,” emphasizing that trade and terror, as well as water and blood, cannot coexist.

The Indian Armed Forces‘ successful ‘Operation Sindoor‘, which targeted terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the heinous Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 that killed 26 innocent civilians, was almost immediately followed by the Prime Minister’s stern speech.

He warned that the Pakistani military and government could be overthrown if they continue to support terrorists.He also emphasized that Pakistan’s continued involvement in terrorism cannot be seen in a vacuum, nor can the Kashmir issue be seen in a vacuum. Alos made it clear that India will not hold discussions with Pakistan until they are either terrorism or the PoK.

Three terrorists were identified as Pakistani nationals, and the Resistance Front, which is associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the recent Pahalgam attack, which was investigated and found to have Pakistani participation.

In response, India launched Operation Sindoor, which targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan and the PoK, including the headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba.

India insists that Kashmir is a bilateral matter, despite Pakistan’s repeated attempts to seek international mediation. India firmly maintained that genuine conversation could only take place if Pakistan stopped supporting terrorism, even after former US President Donald Trump volunteered to step in.

India maintains its stance that dialogue and terror cannot coexist, notwithstanding sporadic diplomatic attempts. Our solidarity against terrorism in all its manifestations is our greatest asset. While this is undoubtedly not the time of conflict, it is also not the time of terrorism. A better world is guaranteed when there is zero tolerance for terrorism.

He stated in his speech, “Today is Buddha Purnima. Lord Buddha has shown us the path of peace. The path of peace also goes through power. Humanity should move towards peace and prosperity. Every Indian should be able to live in peace, and can fulfill the dream of Viksit Bharat (Developed India). Once again, I salute the Indian Army and Armed forces. I bow to the courage of every Indian, to the oath and resolve of unity of the people of India. Thank you, Bharat Mata ki Jai!!! Bharat Mata ki Jai!!! Bharat Mata ki Jai!!!”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated Monday that he (PM Modi) has drawn a line for Bharat’s adversaries in his initial response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech to the nation on Operation Sindoor.

“PM Shri @narendramodi Ji today demarcated the boundary for Bharat’s enemies through the example of #OperationSindoor, in which our armed forces razed the very edifice of terrorism in Pakistan’s backyard,” the Union Minister wrote on X.

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian cricketer and former captain, announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday. Following reports that Kohli had informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of his intention before to the five-match Test series against England next month, the decision was made.

The squad would be without its two most seasoned batters if Kohli were to go, as Rohit Sharma had just announced his retirement from Test cricket. This presents significant questions regarding depth and leadership as India gets ready for a demanding English summer. However, pointing to the crucial upcoming assignments in the format, like as the England tour, the BCCI had encouraged Kohli to change his mind.

Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have withdrawn from the game’s longest format in less than a week, leaving the Indian squad lacking in batting experience.

“It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket. Honestly, I never imagined the journey this format would take me on. It’s tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life,” Kohli wrote in his Instagram post.

“There’s something deeply personal about playing in whites. The quiet grind, the long days, the small moments that no one sees but that stay with you forever. As I step away from this format, it’s not easy — but it feels right. I’ve given it everything I had, and it’s given me back so much more than I could’ve hoped for.

“I’m walking away with a heart full of gratitude — for the game, for the people I shared the field with, and for every single person who made me feel seen along the way. I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile. #269, signing off,” he added.

Over the past ten years, India’s red-ball comeback has been mostly attributed to Kohli, who made his Test debut in 2011. At home and abroad, his aggressive leadership, prolific batting, and unparalleled intensity have made India a competitive Test team.

With 9230 runs at an outstanding average of 46.85 in 123 games, 30 hundreds, and 51 half-centuries, Kohli will say goodbye to his Test career. He retires as the fourth-most successful Test captain overall, trailing only Steve Waugh (41 victories), Ricky Ponting (48 wins), and Graeme Smith (53 wins).

After Rahul Dravid (36), Sunil Gavaskar (34), and Sachin Tendulkar (51 hundreds), Kohli is the fourth-most successful Indian batsman with 30 Test hundreds. Additionally, Kohli achieved the most Test double hundreds of any Indian with seven. Gavaskar (11 centuries) is well behind his 20 tons, making him the Indian skipper with the most Test hundreds.

Following India’s victory in the T20 World Cup last year, the right-handed batsman had earlier declared his retirement from the T20I format. The 36-year-old will now only play for India in One-Day Internationals.

In a public appeal, Former West Indies legend Brian Lara has urged Indian batting great Virat Kohli to change his rumored plan to retire from Test cricket.

Brian Lara posted on social, “Test cricket needs Virat!! He is going to be persuaded. He is NOT going to retire from Test cricket. @virat.kohli is going to average above 60 for the remainder of his Test career.”

Ambati Rayudu, a former cricket player for India, has previously begged Virat Kohli to change his rumored plan to retire from Test cricket.

“Virat Kohli, please don’t retire. The Indian team needs you more than ever. You have so much more in the tank. Test cricket will not be the same without you walking out to battle it out for Team India…Please reconsider,” posted Rayudu.

After India won the Men’s T20 World Cup in Barbados last year, both Rohit and Kohli had retired from Twenty20 Internationals. Only ODI cricket will be available for the seasoned pair to play for India if Kohli decides to retire from Test matches.

Amid growing tensions between India and Pakistan over suspected missile strikes, the G7 countries called for an immediate de-escalation.

“We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union, strongly condemn the egregious terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22 and urge maximum restraint from both India and Pakistan,” the statement read.

“The stability of the region is seriously threatened by further military escalation. We have serious concerns about both sides’ civilian safety.

“We demand an immediate de-escalation and urge direct communication between the two nations in order to reach a peaceful conclusion. We are still keeping a careful eye on the situation and are in favor of a prompt and amicable diplomatic solution,” it continued.

As part of its 2025 G7 Presidency, Canada will host the 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit from June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta.

Drones have been spotted at 26 points along the International Border and the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan, including suspected armed drones, according to a press statement released by India’s Ministry of Defence on Saturday.

The places are Lalgarh Jatta, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bhuj, Kuarbet, Lakhi Nala, Baramulla, Srinagar, Avantipora, Nagrota, Jammu, Ferozpur, Pathankot, Fazilka, and Lakhi Nala.

“Unfortunately, an armed drone targeted a civilian area in Ferozpur, resulting in injuries to members of a local family,” a Ministry spokesperson stated. Security personnel have cleaned the area and given medical attention to the injured.

“The Indian military is keeping a close eye on any airborne threats, and counter-drone systems are being used to track and neutralize them. Everywhere appropriate, swift action is being taken, and the situation is being closely and continuously monitored.”

There is no need to panic, but increased awareness and care are crucial, the Ministry of Defense added, urging people to stay indoors, avoid needless movement, and closely adhere to safety recommendations given by local authorities, particularly in border areas.

A high-level meeting involving NSA Ajit Doval, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, and the chiefs of all armed forces was presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday.

The White House stated on Friday that US President Donald Trump wants the conflict between India and Pakistan to “de-escalate as quickly as possible.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is also serving as the president’s temporary national security adviser, has sent that message to all sides.

During a White House briefing, White House spokesman Karoline Levitt stated, “The president has stated he wants to see this de-escalate as quickly as possible.”

He is aware that these two nations have been at conflict for many years, even before President Trump joined the White House. Nonetheless, he enjoys cordial ties with both nations’ governments.