Current Affairs for Competitive Exams: 25 May 2026, Daily Roundup
Current Affairs – 25 May 2026
On 25 May 2026, India witnessed major developments in industrial policy, defence manufacturing, fuel price hikes, border infrastructure, India–US strategic talks, and global nuclear security concerns, while international attention remained focused on the US–Iran conflict and Haj pilgrimage amid West Asian tensions.
National Affairs
Governance, Economy & Policy
- President Droupadi Murmu presented the Padma Awards 2026 at the Civil Investiture Ceremony.
- The DPIIT released operational guidelines for the BHAVYA Scheme (Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna) with an outlay of ₹33,660 crore to establish 100 industrial smart cities (2026–32). Up to 50 parks will be selected competitively in the first phase through SPVs under NICDC monitoring.
- Petrol and diesel prices were raised by ₹2.61–2.71/litre, marking the fourth hike in less than two weeks, driven by global oil volatility amid the US–Israel–Iran conflict.
- Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan directed IIT Madras and IIT Kanpur experts to assist CBSE in ensuring a glitch-free re-evaluation process after technical and payment-related issues faced by students.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah clarified that the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) will exclude tribal communities, protecting their customary traditions and governance systems.
- Severe heatwave conditions continued across north and central India with temperatures exceeding seasonal averages, disrupting daily life.
- In West Bengal, BJP candidate Debangshu Panda won the Falta Assembly repoll by over 1.09 lakh votes.
International Current Affairs
- External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held talks in New Delhi, reaffirming the India–US strategic partnership in areas including trade, energy, mobility, defence, and regional security.
- NSA Ajit Doval met Marco Rubio to discuss defence, strategic technologies, and the TRUST initiative.
- The US ended its sanctions waiver on Russian oil, creating challenges for Indian refiners and forcing India to balance energy security with diplomatic interests.
- Ahead of the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Japan prioritised resilient critical minerals supply chains and stronger IPR protection within India.
- China fully operationalised the Hainan Free Trade Port, aimed at competing with Hong Kong as an offshore financial hub.
Global Geopolitical Crisis
- US President Donald Trump stated negotiators should “not rush” a deal with Iran, despite signs of progress in ending the three-month US–Israel conflict with Iran.
- The 11th Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference collapsed without consensus due to disagreements over nuclear disarmament commitments by major powers.
- Russia deployed its Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile during strikes near Kyiv, damaging cultural sites near UNESCO World Heritage zones.
- The annual Haj pilgrimage began in Saudi Arabia, with over 1.6 million pilgrims, including Indians, travelling amid regional tensions in West Asia.
- Bangladesh reported 16 additional deaths from measles-like symptoms, raising total fatalities to 528 in 2026.
Defence
- The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) created a world record by constructing the highest motorable road at Mig La Pass, Ladakh (19,400 ft), surpassing Umling La.
- India finalised the Letter of Request (LoR) to France for the procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets under the MRFA programme, emphasising Make in India manufacturing.
- DRDO successfully tested ULPGM-V3, a drone-launched precision-guided missile capable of dual air-to-air and air-to-ground targeting, including anti-drone swarm combat.
- The NIBE Defence Manufacturing Complex was inaugurated in Shirdi (Maharashtra) to strengthen indigenous defence production.
- 17 officers graduated from the 48th Flight Test Course at the Air Force Test Pilots School (Bengaluru).
- The BSF all-women mountaineering team successfully summited Mount Everest during the force’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
Science & Technology
- Cybersecurity experts raised concerns over Google’s AI “Information Agents”, citing issues of copyright, digital sovereignty, and infrastructure strain.
- China’s Chang’e-7 Moon Mission, scheduled for late 2026, will study the Moon’s south pole and possible water ice deposits.
- RBI conducted a USD 5 billion Dollar-Rupee Buy/Sell Swap Auction to inject durable liquidity into the banking system.
Sports
- Rajasthan Royals defeated Mumbai Indians by 30 runs in IPL 2026; Jofra Archer won Player of the Match.
- Delhi Capitals defeated Kolkata Knight Riders by 40 runs; Kuldeep Yadav was Player of the Match.
- At the Asian U-23 Wrestling Championship (Da Nang, Vietnam), India won 3 gold, 2 silver, and 3 bronze medals.
- The Sports Authority of India organised “Sundays on Cycle – Commonwealth Games Edition” in Imphal to promote fitness and sports culture.
- Taiwan Travelogue by Yang Shuangzi won the International Booker Prize 2026.
Global Observance
- World Thyroid Day (25 May) is observed under the theme “Awareness through Education”, highlighting thyroid disorders affecting millions globally and in India.
- Africa Day (25 May) commemorated the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (1963) and highlighted India–Africa cooperation.
- Major Abhilasha Barak was selected as the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year, becoming the third Indian peacekeeper to receive the honour.
Miscellaneous One-Liners Current Affairs
- Assam: Tribal women near Laokhowa-Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary began converting water hyacinth into biodegradable handicrafts.
- Karnataka: Hutti Gold Mines reported record profits due to high global gold prices.
- Odisha: Restoration work continued at the Konark Sun Temple.
- Jammu & Kashmir: Jammu hosted its first International Half Marathon.
- Telangana: SLBC Tunnel rescue operation withdrawn due to geological risks.
- Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh inspected the proposed Manipur Technical University extension campus in Thoubal district.
- Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan Releases Book “The Library Man of India” on P.N. Panicker
- West Bengal Foreigner Tribunals: State administration announced plans to establish holding centers for detained foreigners within West Bengal
