Stay updated with the most important news and developments from across India and the world. Here’s your comprehensive current affairs roundup for May 25, 2025, covering topics relevant to UPSC, SSC, Banking, and State PSC exams.
May 25 Current Affairs
National Affairs
- NITI Aayog Governing Council Meeting (10th Edition)
- Chaired by PM Narendra Modi under the theme “Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat @2047”.
- Emphasis on Centre-State cooperation, “One State, One Global Destination” tourism model, and women workforce participation.
- Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin demanded an increase in State share of Central taxes from 33.16% to 41%, and release of ₹2,200 crore under Samagra Shiksha.
- Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann raised water issues and alleged “step-motherly treatment” by the Centre.
- Delhi CM Rekha Gupta proposed 2,000 new electric buses and 40 new sewage plants.
- Odisha CM declared aim to become a $1.5 trillion economy by 2047.
- Early Onset of Monsoon
- Monsoon arrived in Kerala on May 25, 2025—earliest since 2009.
- Forecasts indicate “above normal” rainfall for the second consecutive year.
International Relations
- India Grants Visas to Afghans Again
- Resumption of visa services for Afghan citizens including artists and traders.
- Previously suspended after Taliban takeover in 2021.
- India Slams Pakistan at UN on Indus Waters Treaty
- India’s envoy at UN accused Pakistan of violating the spirit of the IWT through wars and terrorism.
- Asserted India’s responsible role as an upper riparian state.
Law & Order / Judiciary
- Shimla SP Accuses Himachal DGP
- SP Sanjeev Gandhi alleged misconduct by DGP Atul Verma in Vimal Negi death case probe.
- This could become significant in questions related to police accountability and administration.
- Punjab & Haryana HC Chief Justice Withdraws Case
- Case removed from a judge’s bench based on complaints; court upheld CJ’s administrative authority.
Science & Environment
- Liberian Cargo Ship Accident off Kochi
- MSC ELSA 3 developed a tilt and lost containers with potentially hazardous cargo.
- Public warned not to approach floating cargo.
- Rajasthan’s ‘Oran’ Lands Recognized as Forests
- SC mandates classification of sacred groves as forests under Forest Conservation Act.
- Important for environment and tribal rights questions.
Education
- Controversy over Samagra Shiksha Funds
- Tamil Nadu alleges Centre withheld ₹2,200 crore due to non-signing of PM-SHRI scheme MoU.
- Raises concerns on cooperative federalism and rights to education.
- West Bengal Teachers’ Protest
- “Untainted” teachers protest after SC upheld HC’s cancellation of 26,000 appointments due to scam.
- Protesting lack of clarity on fresh recruitment.
Miscellaneous
- Miss England Quits Miss World 2025 in India
- Cited personal and ethical concerns over pageant practices.
- Reflects cultural sensitivities in global events hosted in India.
- Weight-loss Drug Tirzepatide Launched in India
- Marketed as Mounjaro by Eli Lilly.
- A breakthrough in obesity treatment; being prescribed despite high cost and side effects.
- EPF Interest Rate Finalized at 8.25% for FY 2024–25
- Approved by the Ministry of Finance.
- Impacts over 7 crore EPFO subscribers.
- PLI Scheme for 11 Pharma Products
- Products include Neomycin, Erythromycin, Streptomycin, etc.
- Aimed at boosting local manufacturing of key pharma ingredients.
- New Anti-Malarial Net Technology
- Compounds like ELQ-456 used to coat mosquito nets.
- Target parasite development, not just mosquitoes—resistance-proof.
- New COVID Variants Detected in India
- NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 variants reported.
- JN.1 remains the most prevalent (53%).
- ICMR’s New Sickle Cell Stigma Scale
- First of its kind in India; endorsed by The Lancet.
- Targets tribal and marginalized communities.
PLI Scheme Update
The Indian government has approved 764 applications under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme across 14 sectors. These sectors include electronics, IT hardware, telecom, bulk drugs, white goods, automobiles, drones, and more. These approvals attracted ₹1.61 lakh crore in investments. Out of this, ₹14,020 crore has already reached eligible businesses. This initiative supports the AatmaNirbhar Bharat and Make in India campaigns. It aims to boost manufacturing, reduce imports, and generate employment.
EPF Interest Rate Finalized
The Ministry of Finance has set the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) interest rate at 8.25% for FY 2024–25. Over 7 crore EPFO subscribers will benefit from this stable rate, especially in a volatile economic climate. The Central Board of Trustees proposed this rate.
New COVID-19 Variants Detected
Tamil Nadu and Gujarat recently reported two new COVID-19 subvariants—NB.1.8.1 and LF.7. Although JN.1 remains the most common variant, health authorities have increased genome sequencing to monitor the situation. This step aims to prevent potential outbreaks.
ICMR Launches Sickle Cell Stigma Scale
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) introduced a new stigma scale focused on Sickle Cell Disease. It will help assess social challenges faced by patients, especially in tribal regions. This tool supports the National Mission to Eliminate Sickle Cell Anaemia by 2047.
Antimalarial Breakthrough
Indian researchers developed the ELQ series, a new class of anti-malaria compounds. These compounds target parasites rather than mosquitoes. As a result, they remain effective against insecticide-resistant mosquitoes. Scientists plan to integrate them into mosquito nets.
Turtle Conservation Highlighted
On World Turtle Day, Assam’s Nagshankar Temple received recognition for its turtle conservation work. The temple has preserved habitats, engaged locals, and raised awareness. This initiative blends cultural heritage with ecological responsibility.
Supreme Court on Insanity Plea
The Supreme Court acquitted a murder accused after applying IPC Section 84. The court ruled that reasonable doubt about the accused’s mental state is sufficient for acquittal. This ruling sets an important precedent in cases involving mental health.
Punjab & Haryana High Court Developments
The Chief Justice of the Punjab & Haryana High Court reassigned a corruption case from a sitting judge. Complaints prompted this move. This case highlights how Chief Justices maintain judicial integrity using their administrative powers.
Espionage Arrest in Gujarat
Authorities in Gujarat arrested a health worker in Kutch for spying. The individual allegedly shared sensitive military details with a Pakistani handler. The arrest occurred under the Official Secrets Act.
AAP MLA in Custody
Police detained AAP MLA Raman Arora in a bribery case involving Jalandhar Municipal Corporation. A local court ordered five days of police custody. The case has sparked political reactions in Punjab.
India-Bangladesh Trade Tensions
India restricted access to several land ports, affecting Bangladesh’s $700 million garment exports. This decision follows Bangladesh’s deepening ties with China. Indian exporters have raised concerns over long-term trade effects.
South Korea-China Maritime Tensions
South Korea protested China’s military drills in the Yellow Sea. China’s declaration of a ‘no-sail zone’ disrupted civilian navigation. This incident added tension to the ongoing regional maritime disputes.
Lion Census 2025
India’s wild lion population has risen to 891, a 32% increase since 2020. The lion habitat now spans 22,000 sq. km across nine zones. Gujarat’s conservation efforts, including anti-poaching and corridor creation, have made this possible.
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