SUMMIT AND CONFERENCE

India Hosts 12th Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX 2025)

• The 12th Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX 2025) is being held in New Delhi from May 7 to 9, 2025.

• The event’s theme is “Reaching New Worlds: A Space Exploration Renaissance.”

• Dr. Jitendra Singh officially inaugurated the conference.

• GLEX 2025 is organized jointly by the International Astronautical Federation, ISRO, and the Astronautical Society of India.

• This conference marks a significant achievement in India’s growing role in international space exploration.

• Over 1,800 participants are attending, including 233 delegates from 36 countries.

• A record 1,275 research abstracts were submitted from 57 countries, with India contributing 822 of them.

• The event features 10 technical tracks across 15 themes and includes nearly 10 astronauts such as Hazzaa AlMansoori and Rakesh Sharma.

DEFENCE

INS Kiltan at IMDEX Asia 2025 in Singapore

• INS Kiltan took part in the IMDEX Asia 2025 event held at Singapore’s Changi Exhibition Centre from May 6 to 8.

• This deployment was part of the Indian Navy’s mission to strengthen maritime ties with Singapore and other regional partners.

• During the port visit, several bilateral and multilateral engagements took place, including interactions with the Republic of Singapore Navy and other navies.

• The activities aimed to boost naval cooperation, enhance interoperability, and foster mutual trust among participating nations.

• The event featured cross-deck visits, exhibitions for industry stakeholders, and guided tours for schoolchildren to raise awareness about maritime security.

• INS Kiltan’s participation highlights India’s commitment to maintaining regional peace through maritime collaboration.

• IMDEX Asia, launched in 1997, has become a leading exhibition for showcasing cutting-edge maritime vessels, systems, and technology.

• The event serves as a key platform for navies and maritime industries to engage and promote innovation in the sector.

NATIONAL NEWS

Enforcement Directorate Conducts Raids in GST Money Laundering Probe

• The Enforcement Directorate has carried out raids at nine locations across Kolkata, Ranchi, and Jamshedpur.

• These actions are part of an investigation into money laundering linked to fraudulent GST billing.

• Authorities suspect the creation of fake invoices totaling around ₹14,325 crore.

• These false invoices allegedly resulted in improper claims of Input Tax Credit (ITC).

• The total value of ineligible ITC claims is estimated to exceed ₹800 crore.

• The probe is being conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

• The raids aim to gather evidence and confiscate assets obtained through unlawful activities.

• Input Tax Credit allows businesses to reduce their tax liability by claiming credit on taxes paid for purchases used in their operations.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Iran’s Foreign Minister Visits India for 20th India-Iran Joint Commission Meeting

• Dr. Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, arrived in New Delhi for a two-day official visit.

• This is his first trip to India since assuming office in August last year.

• He will co-chair the 20th India-Iran Joint Commission Meeting to strengthen bilateral ties.

• The visit coincides with the 75th anniversary of the India-Iran Friendship Treaty.

• Discussions will focus on enhancing cooperation and exploring new areas of partnership.

• The commission serves as a platform to assess progress and plan future collaboration between the two nations.

• India and Iran established diplomatic relations and signed a friendship treaty on March 15, 1950.

• India remains one of Iran’s key trading partners and collaborates on projects like the development of Shahid Beheshti Port at Chabahar since 2015.