Current Affairs

UNSC Holds Closed-Door Consultations on India-Pakistan Situation

On May 5, 2025, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) held closed-door consultations at Pakistan’s request to discuss rising tensions between India and Pakistan. The meeting followed UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ call for restraint and dialogue between the two nations. However, the consultations ended without any formal statement.

During the meeting, Pakistan’s UN envoy, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, raised the Kashmir issue, making allegations against India and rejecting any involvement in the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. India criticized Pakistan for misusing the UN platform to spread misinformation and divert attention from terrorism.

UIDAI Conducts Successful Face Authentication Trial at NEET (UG) 2025

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), in collaboration with the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the National Informatics Centre (NIC), conducted a Proof of Concept (PoC) for Aadhaar-based face authentication during NEET (UG) 2025 in New Delhi on May 5, 2025. The initiative aimed to test the feasibility, security, and effectiveness of face authentication for verifying candidate identities at examination centers.

This biometric technology was integrated into select NEET centres and demonstrated the potential to enhance exam security, curb impersonation, and offer a student-friendly verification method for large-scale national tests.

India Becomes First Country to Launch Genome-Edited Rice Varieties

India has become the first country in the world to develop and release genome-edited rice varieties, marking a significant milestone in agricultural innovation. On May 4, 2025, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched two new varieties developed by ICAR institutions in New Delhi.

The two rice varieties are:

  • DRR Dhan 100 Kamala – derived from Samba Mahsuri, matures 15–20 days earlier, and yields 25% more than conventional varieties.
  • Pusa DST Rice 1 – salinity and alkalinity tolerant, offering 30% higher yields in saline conditions.

These varieties are designed for states like Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh. Their cultivation over 5 million hectares is projected to produce an additional 4.5 million tons of paddy.

The innovation is seen as a crucial step toward climate-resilient, high-yield agriculture, potentially triggering a second green revolution in India.

Khelo India Youth Games 2025 Begin in Bihar

The seventh edition of the Khelo India Youth Games began in Bihar on May 4, 2025, marking the first time the state is hosting this national multi-sport event. The games will continue till May 15 and are being held across five districts—Patna, Nalanda (Rajgir), Gaya, Bhagalpur, and Begusarai.

The event was inaugurated virtually by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who highlighted the importance of sports in India’s future. The opening ceremony at Patliputra Sports Complex featured laser shows, cultural performances, and a performance by folk singer Maithili Thakur.

Over 8,500 athletes and 1,500 technical staff are participating in 28 sports, including archery, kabaddi, volleyball, swimming, wrestling, and boxing. Bihar is among the states fielding the largest contingent, along with Maharashtra, Haryana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.

The event showcases Bihar’s upgraded sports infrastructure and serves as a stepping stone for India’s aspiration to host the 2036 Olympics. With 284 gold medals to be won, the competition is intense. The games are being broadcast live on Doordarshan Sports.

DRDO Successfully Conducts Maiden Trial of Stratospheric Airship Platform

On May 3, 2025, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted maiden flight-trials of a Stratospheric Airship Platform from the Sheopur Trial site in Madhya Pradesh. Developed by the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment, Agra, the airship carried an instrumental payload to an altitude of approximately 17 kilometers.

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, highlighting the system’s potential to enhance India’s earth observation, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. He noted that this innovation places India among the few countries with such indigenous high-altitude airship technology.

DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V Kamat praised the team and called the trial a milestone in developing lighter-than-air platforms capable of long-endurance operations at stratospheric heights.

Anthony Albanese Wins Second Term as Australia’s Prime Minister

Anthony Albanese has won a historic second term as Prime Minister of Australia, leading the center-left Labor Party to victory in the May 3, 2025 federal election. This is the first time in 21 years that an Australian Prime Minister has secured back-to-back three-year terms.

Peter Dutton, leader of the Liberal Party, conceded defeat and even lost his own seat in Queensland’s Dickson to Labor’s Ali France.

Looking ahead, Albanese has pledged to focus on economic recovery, renewable energy, and social policy, promising stability and progress for Australia.

World Press Freedom Day : May 3, 2025

World Press Freedom Day is observed on May 3, 2025, to promote press freedom, evaluate its global status, and support media independence.

The 2025 theme is “Reporting In The Brave New World – The Impact Of Artificial Intelligence On Press Freedom And The Media.” It emphasizes the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in journalism, transforming how news is gathered, produced, and shared—offering both opportunities and challenges to media freedom.

The day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993, following the 1991 Windhoek Declaration by African journalists, which advocated for media pluralism and independence.

IAF Conducts First-Ever Day-Night Landing Exercise on Ganga Expressway in Uttar Pradesh

The Indian Air Force (IAF) demonstrated its operational readiness on May 2, 2025, with a major flypast and landing drill on the Ganga Expressway in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Conducted on a 3.5-kilometre-long airstrip, the exercise featured Rafale, Jaguar, and Mirage jets, testing the expressway’s capability as a wartime or emergency runway.

The Shahjahanpur airstrip is India’s first to support both day and night fighter aircraft landings, making it a strategic asset for defence. The event is being held in two phases—day and night, with low fly-pasts, take-offs, and landings, including drills from 7 PM to 10 PM.

Security was strengthened with the installation of 250 CCTV cameras, and the IAF assumed full control of the site in coordination with UPEIDA. This marks the first time any Indian expressway has been equipped for night landings, significantly boosting the IAF’s round-the-clock operational capability.

India’s Exports Hit Record $824.9 Billion in FY 2024–25, Led by Strong Services Growth

India’s total exports reached a record $824.9 billion in the financial year 2024–25, according to the Reserve Bank of India. This represents a 6.01% increase over the previous year’s figure of $778.1 billion.

The growth was primarily driven by services exports, which rose 13.6% to $387.5 billion, also an all-time high. In March 2025, services exports alone grew 18.6% year-on-year, reaching $35.6 billion.

Merchandise exports for the year stood at $437.4 billion, with non-petroleum exports rising to $374.08 billion, marking a 6% increase from the previous year. These numbers exceed the Commerce Ministry’s earlier estimate of $820.93 billion, boosted by better-than-expected performance in the services sector.

Namo Bharat Train Begins Final Trial Run to Modipuram on Delhi-Meerut RRTS Corridor

The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) began trial runs of the Namo Bharat train on May 1, 2025, on the final stretch of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor, reaching Modipuram, the last station. This marked the first trial run through the underground section of Meerut, a major milestone in linking central Meerut with Delhi via high-speed rail.

Previously, trials were conducted only on either side of the currently operational segment between New Ashok Nagar–Sarai Kale Khan and Meerut South–Shatabdi Nagar. Civil work, electrification, track laying, and signalling have been completed along the full stretch from New Ashok Nagar to Modipuram.

Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy Receive Khel Ratna 2023 for Badminton Excellence

On May 1, 2025, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya felicitated Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2023 in New Delhi.

The Minister praised their dedication and international achievements, calling the award a recognition of their exceptional performance and hard work.

The celebrated badminton duo reached World No. 1 in the BWF rankings in 2023 and won the Asian Games gold medal in Hangzhou. Although selected for the Khel Ratna in 2023, they had postponed the ceremony due to tournament commitments.

Arvind Shrivastava Appointed as Revenue Secretary

Arvind Shrivastava, a 1994-batch IAS officer of the Karnataka cadre, has been appointed as the Secretary of the Department of Revenue under the Ministry of Finance, effective May 1, 2025. His appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet on April 18, 2025.

Shrivastava brings extensive experience in economic affairs and public administration. He previously served in the Prime Minister’s Office as Joint Secretary and later Additional Secretary, and held key roles in the Ministry of Finance, including Joint Secretary in the Budget Division.

His international experience includes working as a Development Officer at the Asian Development Bank. In Karnataka, he served as Secretary in the Finance and Urban Development Departments, and as Managing Director of the Urban Infrastructure Development & Finance Corporation.

Labour Day : May 1

Labour Day, celebrated annually on May 1, honours workers’ contributions and the labour movement. Recognized globally, it is marked by rallies and events celebrating the resilience of the working class.

Theme for Labour Day 2025

“Safety and Health at Work: The Role of AI and Digitalization”
This theme emphasizes the impact of AI and digital tools on workplace safety and productivity, while urging the protection of workers’ rights in the digital era.

Global Context

  • American Labour Movement: 19th-century protests led to the 8-hour workday, a milestone in worker rights.
  • International Labour Organization (ILO): Formed in 1919, headquartered in Geneva, with 187 member countries, it sets global labour standards and promotes decent work.

Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma Takes Over as New Commander-in-Chief of Northern Army Command

On 30 April 2025, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma took over as the new Commander-in-Chief of the Udhampur-based Northern Army Command, succeeding Lieutenant General MV Suchendra Kumar after his 15-month tenure. Lieutenant General Suchendra Kumar retires today after more than 30 years of distinguished service.

Lieutenant General Sharma, an infantry officer with a career spanning three decades, has been involved in key operations such as Pawan, Meghdoot, Rakshak, and Parakram. He has held significant positions, including Director General of Military Operations, Military Secretary Branch, and Director General of Information Warfare at the Army Headquarters in New Delhi.

Indian Sprinters Set New National Record in Men’s 4x100m Relay, Clock 38.69 Seconds

On 30 April 2025, at the 2nd Indian Open Relay Competition in Chandigarh, sprinters Gurindervir Singh, Animesh Kujur, Manikanta Hoblidhar, and Amlan Borgohain broke the national record in the men’s 4x100m relay.

They clocked 38.69 seconds, surpassing the previous record of 38.89 seconds set during the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

US Signs Economic Partnership with Ukraine for Access to Rare Earth Minerals

On 30 April 2025, the United States announced an economic partnership agreement with Ukraine granting Washington preferential access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals in exchange for creating a joint Reconstruction Investment Fund.

The fund will receive 50% of profits and royalties from new natural resource permits issued by Ukraine. However, the U.S. will not gain ownership of Ukraine’s mineral wealth or gas infrastructure.

The deal follows months of negotiations and was previously delayed due to a heated exchange between Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and U.S. President Trump during a February Oval Office meeting.

Government to Include Caste Enumeration in Upcoming Census

On 30 April 2025, the central government announced that caste enumeration will be included in the upcoming population census. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that while some states have done caste-based surveys, the census is a Union subject under Article 246, and only the central government has the authority to conduct it.

Vaishnaw said the new decision, under PM Modi’s leadership, aims for transparency and to avoid politicization. He emphasized it would strengthen the social and economic framework, citing the Modi government’s previous move of 10% EWS reservation as a step toward social justice.

‘Ramanujan: Journey of a Great Mathematician’ Launched by National Archives of India

The National Archives of India launched a new book titled “Ramanujan: Journey of a Great Mathematician” on 30 April 2025 at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. The book highlights Srinivasa Ramanujan’s life, tracing his journey from Erode, Tamil Nadu, to becoming a pioneer in number theory, infinite series, and continued fractions. Despite minimal formal training, Ramanujan’s work still influences modern mathematics. The book also serves as a tribute to his passion and perseverance, aiming to inspire future generations.

In addition, the National Archives launched Abhilekh Patal Version 3.0, a revamped digital platform for historical records, and announced it had received ISO Certification, reinforcing its commitment to archival excellence and accessibility.

Justice BR Gavai Appointed 52nd Chief Justice of India

Justice B.R. Gavai has been appointed as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI), effective from May 14, 2025, following the retirement of incumbent CJI Sanjiv Khanna on May 13. The appointment was confirmed by a notification from the Union Ministry of Law and Justice. Justice Gavai will serve for over six months, retiring on November 23, 2025.

He was elevated to the Supreme Court in May 2019 after serving as a judge in the Bombay High Court since 2003. Before his judicial career, he practiced constitutional and administrative law and held various legal positions, including Government Pleader and Public Prosecutor at the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court.

Cricket retained, MMA to debut at Asian Games 2026 in Japan

Cricket will return for the 2026 Asian Games, while Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) will debut at the event, scheduled in Aichi and Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4.

This will be cricket’s fourth appearance at the Games since its debut in Guangzhou 2010. Although early editions lacked international status, ICC granted full international status to matches in Asian Games 2023, a practice expected to continue in 2026.

Mark Carney Becomes Canadian PM After Liberal Party’s 2025 Election Win

Mark Carney becomes Prime Minister of Canada after the Liberal Party won 169 seats in the 2025 general election, forming a minority government in the 343-member House of Commons. A former Bank of Canada and Bank of England governor, Carney used his economic background to tackle key issues like U.S. trade tensions and annexation threats.

His campaign revived the Liberals’ standing, focusing on unity and resilience, and is expected to reset foreign relations, especially with India, after strained ties under Justin Trudeau. Domestically, Carney must now address housing, inflation, and minority governance challenges.

President Droupadi Murmu Confers Padma Awards 2025 to 71 Eminent Personalities at Rashtrapati Bhavan

On 28 April 2025, at the first Civil Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, President Droupadi Murmu conferred Padma Awards 2025 on 71 eminent personalities. The awards included 4 Padma Vibhushan, 10 Padma Bhushan, and 57 Padma Shri recipients.

Among the Padma Vibhushan awardees:

  • D. Nageshwar Reddy (Medicine)
  • Dr. Lakshminarayana Subramaniam (Art)
  • M. T. Vasudevan Nair (Posthumously)
  • Osamu Suzuki (Posthumously)

Prominent Padma Bhushan recipients included:

  • Nandamuri Balakrishna (Cinema)
  • Shekhar Kapur (Cinema)
  • Sreejesh P. R. (Sports – Hockey)
  • Sushil Kumar Modi (Posthumously, Public Affairs)

Notable Padma Shri awardees:

  • Ravichandran Ashwin (Cricket)
  • Arundhati Bhattacharya (Public Affairs, for expanding the Jan Dhan scheme)
  • Stephen Knapp (Literature and Education)
  • Ronu Majumdar (Art – Music)
  • Dr. K. Omankutty Amma (Art – Carnatic Music)

The event was attended by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers including Amit Shah, and other dignitaries.

The Padma Awards honor achievements in fields like art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, and civil service.

14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi becomes youngest centurion in IPL history

On 28 April 2025, in the IPL T20 match at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur, Rajasthan Royals defeated Gujarat Titans by eight wickets. Chasing a target of 210 runs, Rajasthan Royals scored 212/2 in just 15.5 overs.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashed a historic century (101 runs off 38 balls) and was named Player of the Match. He became the youngest centurion in IPL history at 14 years and 32 days, surpassing records held by Manish Pandey, Rishabh Pant, and Devdutt Padikkal. His century was also the second fastest in IPL history, behind Chris Gayle, and the fastest by an Indian, overtaking Yusuf Pathan’s record.

Yashasvi Jaiswal also contributed with an unbeaten 70 runs.

Earlier, Gujarat Titans, after being put to bat, scored 209/4. Shubman Gill top-scored with 84 runs, while Jos Buttler added an unbeaten 50, and Sai Sudharsan made 39 runs. For Rajasthan, Maheesh Theekshana took two wickets, and Jofra Archer and Sandeep Sharma took one each. For Gujarat, Prasidh Krishna and Rashid Khan took a wicket apiece.

Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack; Passes Resolution

On 28 April 2025, the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly passed a resolution condemning the terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people. Moved by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, the session began with a two-minute silence to honor the victims.

The resolution stated that the attack was an assault on Kashmiriyat, the Constitution, and the spirit of unity, peace, and harmony in the region. It also honored Shaheed Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a pony ride operator who died while trying to save tourists.

The Assembly praised the resilience and unity shown by the people of Jammu and Kashmir after the attack and expressed support for the Centre’s diplomatic measures announced after the Cabinet Committee on Security meeting on 23 April.

India Signs ₹63,000 Crore Deal with France for 26 Rafale Marine Jets to Boost Naval Power

India and France signed a ₹63,000 crore defence agreement on 28 April 2025 for the acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine combat aircraft. The deal was signed at the Defence Ministry headquarters in New Delhi, after approval by the Cabinet Committee on Security.

France was represented by its Ambassador to India, and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh led the Indian delegation. Both Defence Ministers attended remotely, with the French minister cancelling an in-person visit due to personal reasons.

The Indian Navy urgently needs new carrier-borne fighter jets to replace its aging MiG-29K fleet. The Rafale Marine aircraft will be deployed aboard INS Vikrant, India’s indigenous aircraft carrier.

The contract includes 22 single-seater and 4 twin-seater Rafale M jets, configured for Indian needs, along with maintenance support, logistics, training, and indigenous component manufacturing.

The Rafale M jets will operate alongside MiG-29Ks on INS Vikrant, enhancing naval capabilities. The Indian Air Force already operates 36 Rafale aircraft, and with this deal, India’s Rafale fleet will expand to 62, bolstering its 4.5-generation fighter jet strength.

INS Sunayna Strengthens Maritime Ties with Mauritius During Joint EEZ Surveillance

Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sunayna arrived at Port Louis, Mauritius, on April 26, 2025, after completing Phase I of Joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance with the National Coast Guard (NCG) Mauritius, the Ministry of Defence announced. This visit strengthens regional maritime cooperation and capacity-building with nations in the South Western Indian Ocean.

INS Sunayna, which sailed from Karwar on April 5, is carrying 44 naval personnel from nine Indian Ocean Region nations, including Mauritian officers and sailors. The ship and its multinational crew received a warm welcome from senior Mauritian officials and the Indian High Commission.

During the two-day port call, activities include official meetings, squadron visits, joint yoga sessions, trekking, and friendly sports events. The ship will also be open to public visitors. After Mauritius, INS Sunayna will begin Phase II of Joint EEZ surveillance and then sail to Seychelles.

INS Sunayna is a Saryu-class Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel equipped for anti-piracy, maritime surveillance, and humanitarian missions, featuring advanced weaponry, electronic warfare systems, and helicopter support.

India Lifts Over 17 Crore People Out of Extreme Poverty: World Bank Report 2025

India has successfully lifted over 17.1 crore people out of extreme poverty in the last ten years, according to the World Bank’s Spring 2025 Poverty and Equity report. Five states — Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh — accounted for two-thirds of the poverty reduction.

In rural areas, extreme poverty dropped from 18.4% in 2011-12 to 2.8% in 2022-23, while in urban areas, it fell from 10.7% to 1.1% during the same period. The report also highlighted positive employment growth since 2021-22 and a rise in self-employment, especially among rural workers and women, boosting economic participation.

India Dominates Asian Yogasana Sport Championship 2025 with Record Medal Haul

India delivered a dominant performance at the Asian Yogasana Sport Championship, securing a record 83 gold medals to top the medal tally at the event held in Delhi on 27 April 2025. India finished with a total of 87 medals (83 gold, 3 silver, 1 bronze), far ahead of Japan, which won 3 gold, 3 silver, and 4 bronze medals. Mongolia, Oman, and Nepal completed the top five standings.

Other strong performers included Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Kazakhstan, and Bhutan, reflecting yogasana’s growing popularity across Asia. The championship featured participation from over 21 countries and concluded with a grand closing ceremony attended by Harsh Malhotra, Minister of State for Corporate Affairs, along with officials from the Asian and World Yogasana federations.

Indus Waters Treaty (IWT): History and Recent Developments

The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan, governs the sharing of the Indus River system. Brokered by the World Bank, the treaty grants Pakistan control over the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab) while India retains rights over the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej). Despite tensions, the treaty has remained intact for over six decades.

Recent Developments

Following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, citing Pakistan’s continued support for cross-border terrorism. The Indian government formally notified Pakistan of this decision, stating that the treaty’s fundamental assumptions have changed due to demographic shifts, clean energy needs, and security concerns.

India’s move has strategic implications, as it could disrupt Pakistan’s irrigation, reservoirs, and hydropower projects. The suspension also allows India to exercise greater control over water resources, including flushing reservoirs and modifying hydropower project designs.

Pakistan has retaliated diplomatically, suspending trade ties and visa agreements with India. The situation remains fluid, with India signaling that the treaty could be reinstated if Pakistan ceases its support for terrorism.

Dr. K. Kasturirangan, Former ISRO Chairman and NEP Architect, Passes Away at 84

Dr. K. Kasturirangan, former ISRO Chairman and a key contributor to India’s National Education Policy, passed away at age 84 at his residence in Bengaluru on April 25, 2025. As ISRO Chairman, he was instrumental in the development of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and led the Indian Space Programme for over nine years, stepping down in August 2003.

He also served as Chancellor of JNU, Chairman of the Karnataka Knowledge Commission, Director of the National Institute of Advanced Studies, and was a Rajya Sabha member from 2003 to 2009.

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