Current Affairs

India Wins Tri-Nation Women’s ODI Series 2025 with Victory Over Sri Lanka

The Indian women’s cricket team clinched the Tri-Nation ODI Series title by defeating Sri Lanka by 97 runs in the final at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on 11 May 2025. Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana starred with a brilliant 116, her 11th ODI century, leading India to a strong total of 342/7. Key contributions also came from Harleen Deol (47), Jemimah Rodrigues (44), and Harmanpreet Kaur (41), while Deepti Sharma and Amanjot Kaur added 90 runs in the final 10 overs.

In response, Sri Lanka managed only 245 in 48.2 overs, with Sneh Rana taking 4 wickets for 38 runs and Amanjot Kaur bagging 3 for 54. Despite efforts from Chamari Athapaththu (51) and Nilakshika Silva (48), India’s dominance secured a convincing win. The victory boosts team morale ahead of the upcoming Women’s ODI World Cup.

Miss World 2025 Begins in Hyderabad with a Grand Cultural Showcase

The 72nd edition of the Miss World pageant began on May 10, 2025, at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad, featuring a grand celebration of Telangana’s cultural heritage. The event was inaugurated by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, with Miss World Chairperson Julia Morley and reigning Miss World Krystyna Pyszková in attendance.

The opening ceremony featured a catwalk parade with contestants from over 110 countries, each carrying their national flag, and vibrant folk and tribal dances from Telangana. A highlight was the Perini Natyam performance by 250 children.

Delegates entered in continent-based groups, welcomed with traditional music and regional dance forms like Gond, Lambadi, and Oggu Dolu, led by a Kommu Koya band. India’s representative, Nandini Gupta, joined the Asia and Oceania group. The Miss World 2025 finale is scheduled for May 31 in Hyderabad.

BCCI Suspends IPL 2025 for One Week Amid India-Pakistan Tensions

On May 9, 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the suspension of the remainder of the IPL 2025 season for one week due to escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly after recent cross-border hostilities in Kashmir.

In an official statement, the BCCI confirmed that the revised schedule and venues will be shared after a full assessment of the situation in consultation with relevant authorities and stakeholders. The decision was taken by the IPL Governing Council following discussions with franchise representatives and key stakeholders.

Indian Army Destroys Pakistani Posts, Thwarts Drone Attacks Across 26 Locations

The Indian Army destroyed Pakistani posts and a terrorist launch pad near Jammu, from where tube-launched drones were being deployed. In addition, Indian Defence Forces successfully thwarted drone attacks at 26 locations from Baramulla to Bhuj, targeting areas along the International Border (IB) and Line of Control (LoC).

The attacks involved suspected armed drones, posing threats to both civilian and military targets. Key locations targeted included Baramulla, Srinagar, Avantipora, Jammu, Pathankot, Ferozepur, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bhuj, and others. In Ferozepur, one drone caused damage to a house and injured three civilians, who are now stable.

The Indian Armed Forces remain on high alert, using counter-drone systems to neutralize threats and urging citizens in border areas to stay indoors and follow safety advisories.

Army Chief Empowered to Mobilize Territorial Army Personnel for Three Years

The Central Government has empowered the Chief of the Army Staff to call out officers and personnel of the Territorial Army for essential guard duties or to support the regular army. This authority is granted under the Territorial Army Rule 1948.

According to a gazette notification by the Ministry of Defence, 14 out of 32 Infantry Battalions of the Territorial Army have been embodied in commands including the Southern, Eastern, Western, Central, Northern, South Western, Andaman & Nicobar Command, and the Army Training Command (ARTRAC).

This order is valid for a period of three years, until February 9, 2028.

32 Airports Temporarily Closed Across North and West India Till May 15

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has announced the temporary closure of 32 airports in northern and western India for all civil flight operations until May 15.

Key affected airports include Amritsar, Chandigarh, Jammu, Srinagar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Jaisalmer, and Pathankot. Additionally, 25 Air Traffic Service (ATS) route segments in the Delhi and Mumbai Flight Information Regions will be closed.

Airlines have been advised to use alternate routes to minimize disruptions. The closure is for operational reasons and is being coordinated with relevant authorities to ensure safety.

International Maritime Defence Exhibition (IMDEX) Asia 2025

The International Maritime Defence Exhibition (IMDEX) Asia 2025 was held at the Changi Exhibition Centre, Singapore, from May 6 to May 8, 2025. As the Asia-Pacific’s premier maritime defence event, it attracted over 56 delegations from more than 35 countries, including naval leaders, policymakers, and industry experts.

Key highlights included 22 warships from 13 nations, cutting-edge naval technology showcases by top defence firms like ELT Group, and the display of EMSO and counter-drone systems.

The Indian Navy participated with INS Kiltan, an indigenously built ASW corvette, emphasizing India’s commitment to regional maritime security.

The event also hosted the 9th International Maritime Security Conference (IMSC), addressing geopolitical risks and maritime threats. IMDEX 2025 played a vital role in strengthening naval cooperation, promoting innovation, and enhancing global maritime security.

Nationwide Civil Defence Mock Drills Conducted on May 7, 2025

On May 7, 2025, India conducted a nationwide Civil Defence Mock Drill, codenamed Operation Abhyas, across 244 districts. This large-scale exercise was organized by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to enhance emergency preparedness amid rising geopolitical tensions.

Purpose and Execution

The drills aimed to test and improve civil defence mechanisms, including:

  • Air raid warning sirens and blackout protocols.
  • Evacuation drills for civilians.
  • Training sessions for students and volunteers.
  • Coordination exercises involving police, fire services, and disaster response teams.

Historical Significance

This was the largest civil defence drill since 1971, when India conducted similar exercises during the Indo-Pakistani war. The recent drills were prompted by security concerns following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 lives.

Public Participation and Impact

Thousands of civil defence volunteers, NCC cadets, NSS members, and Home Guards took part in the drills. Major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Hyderabad implemented blackout simulations and evacuation rehearsals to assess readiness.

Rohit Sharma Retires from Test Cricket

Rohit Sharma, one of India’s most iconic cricketers, announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 7, 2025, at the age of 38. He shared the news via Instagram.

Rohit debuted in 2013 and played 67 Tests, scoring 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57, with 12 centuries and 18 fifties. He was a pivotal figure in leading India to the World Test Championship final against Australia, and his leadership was a cornerstone of India’s Test team.

With his retirement, India must appoint a new Test captain ahead of the five-match series against England. Shubman Gill is reportedly a leading contender, alongside Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant.

Rohit will continue to play ODIs, keeping his presence alive in international cricket. His contributions as a player and leader have left a lasting legacy, marking the end of an era in Indian Test cricket.

India–UK Free Trade Agreement Finalized

On May 6, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the successful conclusion of the India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the Double Contribution Convention. The leaders hailed these as historic milestones in the India–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The FTA aims to boost trade, investment, innovation, and job creation, while also promoting sustainable growth between the two open-market economies. It covers trade in goods and services, and is expected to enhance bilateral trade, create employment, and improve living standards in both countries.

Friedrich Merz Elected as Germany’s New Chancellor

Friedrich Merz, the conservative leader, has been elected as the new Chancellor of Germany after securing 325 votes in the second round of voting in the Lower House of Parliament, surpassing the required threshold of 316. In the first round, Merz received only 310 votes, marking a historic setback in post-war German politics.

Operation Sindoor: India Strikes Back After Pahalgam Terror Attack

On May 7, 2025, the Indian Armed Forces launched ‘Operation Sindoor’, targeting nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The operation follows a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 tourists, triggering public outrage and calls for action.

According to the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the operation aimed to neutralize camps involved in plotting attacks against India. Officials stated that the strikes were focused, measured, and non-escalatory, carefully avoiding Pakistani military installations.

A government spokesperson asserted, “India stands by its commitment that those responsible for this heinous act will be held accountable.”

Further details about Operation Sindoor will be revealed in a briefing later on.

Nationwide Civil Defence Mock Drills on May 7, 2025 : Amid Rising Tensions with Pak

On May 7, 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will conduct Civil Defence mock drills across 244 categorised districts in India, in response to rising tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, mostly tourists.

The Union Home Minister’s directive, issued on May 5, aims to evaluate and improve preparedness for hostile attacks, covering:

  • Activation of air raid warning sirens
  • Blackout measures and camouflage for critical infrastructure
  • Evacuation drills and public training
  • Communication links with the Indian Air Force
  • Testing the response of Civil Defence Services, including rescue and firefighting

The decision follows high-level meetings chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh briefing him on India’s preparedness post the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baisaran Valley.

The drills reflect India’s focus on enhancing civil defence readiness amid a volatile geopolitical climate.

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.

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