Saudi Arabia and Kuwait Strike Major Oil Find in Neutral Zone After 5 Years
Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have jointly announced a significant oil discovery in the long-disputed Partitioned Neutral Zone, ending a five-year exploration gap. The find occurred in the Wara-Burgan field, located north of the Wafra site. The well, Wara-Burgan-1, is producing over 500 barrels per day of medium-grade crude. This marks a milestone in Gulf energy cooperation and is expected to support global oil supply amid OPEC+ production controls. The Neutral Zone, inactive since 2015 due to disagreements, resumed operations in 2020 following a bilateral agreement, strengthening both nations’ energy security and economic partnership.
India’s First Vistadome Jungle Safari Train Begins in Uttar Pradesh
India has launched its first Vistadome Jungle Safari Train in Uttar Pradesh, offering tourists a scenic and eco-friendly ride through the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve and nearby wildlife sanctuaries. Running between Bichia and Mailani over 107 km, the train features glass rooftops, wide windows, and rotatable seats for panoramic views of forests and wildlife. Part of the “One Destination, Three Forests” campaign, this weekend service combines adventure with sustainability. The initiative is expected to boost tourism, generate local employment, and promote conservation efforts, with future plans to expand daily operations and affordable travel packages for nature lovers.
PAI 2.0 Launched to Strengthen Grassroots Governance in India
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has launched the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0 at a National Writeshop in Delhi to promote data-driven rural development. Designed to evaluate over 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats, PAI 2.0 simplifies the assessment process by reducing indicators from 516 to 147 and aligning them with nine key themes of Sustainable Development Goals. The new digital portal offers features like real-time data integration, mobile-friendly dashboards, and validation tools. This initiative is aimed at improving transparency, local accountability, and performance-based planning, making rural governance more efficient, measurable, and goal-oriented across India’s village-level institutions.
EPF Interest Rate Maintained at 8.25% for FY 2024–25
The government has decided to retain the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) interest rate at 8.25% for the financial year 2024–25, ensuring stable returns for over 7 crore salaried individuals. This move supports long-term financial security and retirement planning amid economic fluctuations. Approved by the Ministry of Finance based on EPFO’s Central Board recommendation, the rate remains unchanged from the previous year. EPF continues to be a tax-efficient investment, offering tax-free interest and deductions under Section 80C. The steady rate reaffirms the government’s commitment to safeguarding workers’ savings and promoting financial inclusion.
Ayushman Vay Vandana Card Offers ₹5 Lakh Free Health Cover for Seniors
The Government of India has launched the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card to provide senior citizens aged 70 and above with free annual health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh. This initiative, under the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme, covers over 2,000 medical procedures, including pre-existing conditions from day one. Enrollment is open to all seniors, regardless of income or prior insurance. Registration can be done via the Ayushman App or official website. This scheme ensures cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals, aiming to reduce healthcare expenses and improve medical access for India’s elderly population.
Memorial Day 2025: Honoring America’s Fallen Heroes
Memorial Day 2025 is being observed on Monday, May 26. This solemn U.S. federal holiday honors the brave military personnel who died while serving the nation. Originally called Decoration Day after the Civil War, it became an official holiday in 1971, held on the last Monday of May. Americans commemorate the day by visiting cemeteries, placing flags on graves, and observing a national moment of silence at 3:00 p.m. Many also attend parades and memorial events. While it marks the unofficial start of summer, the day serves as a powerful reminder of sacrifice, service, and national gratitude.