May 2025 Current Affairs: Insights on ONGC Oil Discovery, Kerala Oil Spill, and CBSE Sugar Board


 Stay updated with the most important current affairs of May 27, 2025. This compilation includes defense, science, governance, appointments, MoUs, and cultural sites – all relevant for upsc UPPCS, State PSC, SSC, and other exams.

1. ONGC Finds New Oil and Gas in Mumbai Offshore 

What Happened?

  • ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation) has discovered new oil and gas reserves in the Mumbai Offshore basin.

  • The discoveries are named Suryamani and Vajramani.

Where Were These Found?

  • These discoveries were made in areas given under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) — a scheme that allows companies to choose areas they want to explore.

Why Is It Important?

  • These new discoveries will help increase India’s oil and gas production.

  • This can help reduce our dependence on imported energy.

  • It also shows that policies like OALP are working to boost domestic energy exploration.

2. Kerala Oil Spill 

What happened?

  • Cargo ship MSC ELSA 3 (Liberian-flagged) sank 15 nautical miles off Alappuzha coast, Kerala.

  • It carried 640 containers, including hazardous materials, diesel (84.44 MT), and furnace oil (367.1 MT).

What is an Oil Spill?

  • An oil spill is the release of liquid petroleum into the environment, especially marine areas, due to accidents.

  • It causes water pollution and harms marine ecosystems.

Impact on Marine Life:

  • Oil coats the gills, feathers, and skin of marine animals and birds, reducing mobility and survival.

  • It reduces oxygen levels, damages coral reefs, and contaminates fish and seafood.

Cleanup Methods Used:

  • Oil dispersants sprayed to break oil into smaller droplets.

  • Pollution control vessels deployed by the Indian Coast Guard.

  • Booms and skimmers used to contain and remove surface oil.

Response:

  • Indian Coast Guard took swift action using aircraft and patrol vessels.

  • Kerala CM held an emergency meeting.

  • Fishing banned in affected zones to prevent contamination.

3. CBSE ‘Sugar Board’ Initiative – 2025

What is it?

  • CBSE directed 24,000+ schools to create ‘Sugar Boards’ to spread awareness about the risks of high sugar intake among students.

  • Inspired by a campaign started by food influencer Revant Himatsingka.

What are ‘Sugar Boards’?

  • Visual boards showing amount of sugar in soft drinks, juices, junk food, etc.

  • Include recommended sugar limits, health risks, and healthier alternatives.

  • Example: A 300 ml aerated drink = 8 teaspoons of sugar (1 tsp ≈ 4g).

Why is it needed?


  • Rise in Type 2 Diabetes in children, mainly due to high sugar consumption and availability of sugary food in schools.

  • As per estimates:

    • 397 per lakh Indian children have Type 2 Diabetes (2nd highest after China).

    • Children aged 4–10 consume 13% of daily calories from sugar.

    • Ages 11–18 consume 15%, far above the WHO limit of 5%.

Role of NCPCR:

  • National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) pushed for sugar boards in all schools, including State boards.

FSSAI and HFSS Standards:

  • FSSAI is working on defining HFSS (High Fat, Sugar, Salt) foods for school meals.

  • No clear standards yet; discussions are ongoing.

  • Current claims (like “low sugar”) must meet FSSAI rules (≤5g per 100g).

  • India currently follows WHO’s limit: max 25g sugar/day for children.

4. India’s First 9,000 HP Electric Locomotive – D9

 Inauguration:

  • Inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi on May 26, 2025

  • Location: Dahod Locomotive Workshop, Gujarat

 Key Features:

  • Horsepower: 9,000 HP

  • Speed: Up to 120 km/h

  • Freight Capacity: Can haul 4,500–5,800 tonnes

Manufacturing Details:

  • Developed by Siemens Mobility

  • Part of a ₹26,000 crore contract for 1,200 locomotives over 11 years

  • ~90% components made in India (Nashik, Aurangabad, Mumbai)

  • Final assembly at Dahod facility

 Sustainability Goal:

  • Aims to shift freight share from 27% to 45%

  • Expected to reduce carbon emissions by 450 million tonnes over its lifecycle

Advanced Technologies:

  • VR-based safety training

  • Locomotive simulators

  • Modern carriage handling systems

 Strategic Importance:

  • Boosts ‘Make in India’ and export potential

  • Strengthens India’s position in global railway manufacturing

5. Launch of Bharat Forecasting System (BFS)

  • Introduction: The Ministry of Earth Sciences launched the Bharat Forecasting System (BFS), developed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune.

  • Features:

    • Provides high-resolution weather forecasts with a 6 km grid, surpassing global models from the U.S., UK, and Europe.

    • Powered by the supercomputer Arka (11.77 petaflops, 33 petabytes).

    • Aims to enhance disaster management, agriculture, and public safety.

6. India Becomes the World’s 4th Largest Economy

  • Milestone Achieved: India has surpassed Japan to become the world's fourth-largest economy, with a nominal GDP of $4.187 trillion. 

  • Future Projections: India is poised to overtake Germany to become the third-largest economy within the next 2.5 to 3 years.

👇Here is the Mindmap for your quick recap of important current affairs
  • comment if you want PDF.

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