Current Affairs Report: May 15, 2025 – Essential Insights for Government Exams

As of May 15, 2025, India is witnessing a dynamic array of developments across politics, economy, science, environment, defense, and sports, all of which are crucial for aspirants preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other government exams. This comprehensive report synthesizes the latest news from credible sources like The Hindu, The Indian Express, Times of India, Hindustan Times, Business Standard, Livemint, The Economic Times, Press Information Bureau (PIB), PRS Legislative Research, BBC News, Reuters, and Down To Earth, ensuring accuracy and relevance. Structured to engage and inform, this article is optimized to help students gain a competitive edge in their exam preparation.

Politics and Governance

Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025

The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, passed in April 2025, is a landmark reform aimed at improving the management of Waqf properties in India. It amends the Waqf Act, 1995, and introduces the United Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995 (UWMEED Act). Key provisions include mandating at least two Muslim women on the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards, ensuring female inheritance rights, and requiring representation from various Muslim sects to promote inclusivity. The act also empowers the Central Government to establish rules for Waqf registration, auditing, and accounts, addressing issues like corruption and land grabbing, as seen in the Karnataka Wakf Board Land Scam (Waqf Act Overview).

The passage of the bill was contentious, with the Lok Sabha approving it with 288 votes in favor and 232 against after intense debate. The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), chaired by Jagdambika Pal, incorporated 25 recommendations to refine the legislation. However, opposition parties labeled it as potentially “anti-Muslim,” and multiple petitions, including those by Asaduddin Owaisi and Amanatullah Khan, have challenged its constitutionality in the Supreme Court. The court, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, is set to hear these pleas on May 20, 2025, with states like Haryana and Maharashtra supporting the act’s legality (Supreme Court Case).

Anti-Naxal Operation

A significant anti-Naxal operation along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border concluded around may 11, 2025, marking a milestone in India’s internal security efforts. Conducted between April 21 and May 11, the operation involved over 20,000 security personnel from the CRPF, CoBRA, STF, and DRG, resulting in the elimination of 31 Naxalites, including key members of the PLGA Battalion 1 and Telangana State Committee. The operation, centered in the Karregutta hills, destroyed 214 Naxal hideouts and seized 450 IEDs and 818 BGL shells, significantly disrupting Maoist leadership (Swarajya Report).

This operation aligns with Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s goal to make India Naxal-free by March 31, 2026. Shah visited injured personnel at AIIMS, Delhi, on May 15, 2025, highlighting the government’s commitment to eradicating Naxalism. The operation’s success has reduced Naxal-affected districts from 35 in 2014 to six in 2025, with incidents dropping from 1,080 to 374 in 2024 (India Today).

Economy

RBI Monetary Policy

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI)’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), in its April 9, 2025, meeting, reduced the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6%, shifting its stance from neutral to accommodative. This decision, announced by Governor Sanjay Malhotra, aims to revive demand and encourage investment amid a slowing global economy influenced by U.S. tariffs. The rate cut is expected to lower borrowing costs, benefiting sectors like real estate and housing (Hindustan Times).

On May 15, 2025, the RBI’s 615th Central Board Meeting reviewed the Economic Capital Framework (ECF), which determines the surplus transferable to the government. This review is critical for fiscal planning, potentially increasing the RBI’s financial contributions in FY25 (RBI Press Release).

Stock Market Performance

The S&P BSE Sensex closed at 82,530.74 on May 15, 2025, gaining 1,200 points or 1.48%, driven by positive global cues and strong corporate earnings. Top gainers included Hero MotoCorp (+4.37%), JSW Steel (+2.86%), Tata Motors (+2.58%), Shriram Finance (+2.10%), and Adani Enterprises (+1.20%), reflecting investor confidence in India’s economic resilience (Groww Blog).

UK-India Trade Deal

On May 6, 2025, India and the United Kingdom finalized a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a significant milestone in bilateral relations. The deal, concluded after negotiations between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, is expected to increase bilateral trade by £25.5 billion annually by 2040, boosting UK GDP by £4.8 billion. This agreement enhances market access for Indian goods and services, fostering economic growth (Reuters).

Science and Technology

ISRO Missions

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is poised for a busy 2025, with several high-profile missions. The NVS-02 satellite, launched in January 2025 via a GSLV rocket, marked ISRO’s 100th mission, enhancing the NavIC navigation system with advanced features like indigenous atomic clocks. The Vyommitra mission, an unmanned Gaganyaan precursor featuring a female humanoid, is scheduled for the first half of 2025, testing technologies for India’s manned spaceflight program. Additionally, the NISAR mission, a collaboration with NASA, is set for March 2025, aiming to monitor Earth’s ecosystems with high-resolution imaging (Times of India).

ISRO’s EOS-09 (RISAT-1B) radar imaging satellite, planned for May 18, 2025, will strengthen border surveillance and anti-terror operations with its C-band synthetic aperture radar (Times of India). These missions underscore India’s growing stature in the global space economy, with ISRO generating over $400 million from commercial launches in the past decade.

AI Advancements

In artificial intelligence, the Qlik Connect 2025 event on May 15, 2025, featured CEO Mike Capone warning that massive AI investments often fail without proper execution. He emphasized the need for strategic data management to optimize AI outcomes, a critical consideration for India’s tech-driven growth (Indian Express). Additionally, a report by Ernst & Young highlighted AI’s potential to boost India’s media and entertainment sector by 10% in revenue and reduce costs by 15%, positioning India as a hub for AI-driven innovation (Times of India).

Environment

Climate Change and Weather Forecast

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted above-normal temperatures and prolonged heatwaves for April to June 2025, with western India facing seven to eight additional heatwave days. Concurrently, the Southwest Monsoon is expected to bring 5% more rainfall than average, potentially causing extreme rain events and floods. These predictions reflect the intensifying impact of climate change, with 2024 already recorded as India’s hottest year (Down To Earth).

India’s proactive climate action has earned it a high ranking on the Climate Change Performance Index, showcasing its ability to balance economic growth with sustainability. The World Economic Forum praises India as a model for developing economies, emphasizing public-private partnerships to meet Paris Agreement commitments (World Economic Forum).

Defense and Security

Bhargavastra Counter-Drone System

On May 13, 2025, India successfully tested the Bhargavastra counter-drone system at the Seaward Firing Range in Gopalpur, Odisha. Developed by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL), this indigenous micro-missile system neutralizes drone swarms, addressing modern warfare threats. The test’s timing, amid recent India-Pakistan tensions, highlights India’s focus on technological self-reliance (Indian Defence News).

Year of Defense Reforms

India declared 2025 as the year of defense reforms, aiming to modernize the Indian Armed Forces and establish integrated theater commands. This initiative, announced on January 1, 2025, seeks to enhance operational efficiency and strengthen national security (Times of India).

Operation Sindoor

The India-Pakistan conflict in early May 2025, triggered by the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, led to Operation Sindoor, where the Indian Air Force (IAF) targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan. The operation showcased India’s advanced electronic warfare capabilities, neutralizing Pakistani air defenses in 23 minutes without losses. Israel commended India’s counter-terrorism efforts, discussing further defense cooperation (Economic Times).

Sports

IPL 2025

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 faced a brief suspension due to India-Pakistan tensions but resumed on May 17, 2025, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) facing Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). As of May 15, Gujarat Titans lead the points table with 16 points and a net run rate of 0.793, followed by RCB (16 points, 0.482 NRR) and Punjab Kings (15 points). The revised schedule, with the final set for June 3, restricts matches to venues like Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru due to logistical constraints (Hindustan Times).

Virat Kohli’s Retirement

On May 12, 2025, Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket, a significant moment in Indian sports. Fans are planning an all-white tribute during the IPL 2025 match against KKR on May 17, reflecting his immense legacy. R. Ashwin backed Jasprit Bumrah for India’s Test captaincy, signaling a transition in leadership (India Today).

India A Tour to England

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to announce the India A squad for the England Lions series on May 15, 2025. The series, scheduled from late May to mid-June, includes matches against the England Lions and a game against the senior Indian team, preparing players for future Test commitments (Times of India).

Conclusion

This report encapsulates the critical developments of May 15, 2025, tailored for government exam aspirants. From the Waqf (Amendment) Act and anti-Naxal operation to RBI’s economic measures, ISRO’s space missions, IMD’s climate forecasts, Bhargavastra’s defense advancements, and IPL 2025’s sporting highlights, these events offer a holistic view of India’s current landscape. By mastering these topics, students can enhance their understanding and excel in competitive examinations.

Key Citations

• Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 Overview
• Supreme Court Case on Waqf Act Constitutionality
• Anti-Naxal Operation in Chhattisgarh-Telangana
• Details of Anti-Naxal Operation
• RBI Repo Rate Cut Announcement
• RBI Central Board Meeting Press Release
• Sensex and Nifty Updates for May 15, 2025
• UK-India Free Trade Agreement Details
• ISRO’s Planned Launches for 2025
• ISRO’s EOS-09 Satellite Mission
• AI Insights from Qlik Connect 2025
• AI’s Impact on Media and Entertainment
• IMD’s 2025 Weather Forecast
• India’s Climate Action Leadership
• Bhargavastra Counter-Drone System Test
• India’s Defense Reforms for 2025
• Operation Sindoor and India-Pakistan Conflict
• IPL 2025 Revised Schedule
• India A Squad Announcement for England Tour
• Virat Kohli’s Retirement and IPL Updates

Daily quiz on current affairs with answers

Question 1: Which key provision is included in the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025?
Option 1: Removal of the Central Waqf Council
Option 2: Abolishing inheritance rights in Waqf properties
Option 3: Nationalization of all Waqf properties
Option 4: Mandatory inclusion of at least two Muslim women in Waqf Boards
Option 5: Replacement of the Waqf Act with the Religious Trust Regulation Act
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 includes progressive provisions, such as mandating the inclusion of at least two Muslim women on the Central and State Waqf Boards. It aims to improve representation and transparency, correcting past issues such as exclusion of certain sects and lack of female representation. It also addresses issues of corruption and inefficiency in the management of Waqf properties.

Question 2: Which country finalized a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India on May 6, 2025?
Option 1: United States
Option 2: United Kingdom
Option 3: Australia
Option 4: Canada
Option 5: Germany
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: India finalized a landmark Free Trade Agreement with the United Kingdom, expected to increase bilateral trade by £25.5 billion annually by 2040. This deal enhances access to markets, boosts GDP growth, and reflects strengthening UK-India relations.

Question 3: What is the primary function of the EOS-09 (RISAT-1B) satellite scheduled for launch by ISRO?
Option 1: Interplanetary research
Option 2: Communication services
Option 3: Navigation accuracy
Option 4: Weather forecasting
Option 5: Border surveillance and anti-terror monitoring
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: EOS-09 (also called RISAT-1B), set to launch on May 18, 2025, is a radar imaging satellite designed primarily for strategic applications like border surveillance and anti-terror operations. Its C-band synthetic aperture radar enhances all-weather monitoring capability.

Question 4: Who is the current Governor of the Reserve Bank of India as of May 15, 2025?
Option 1: Sanjay Malhotra
Option 2: Shaktikanta Das
Option 3: Raghuram Rajan
Option 4: Urjit Patel
Option 5: Nirmala Sitharaman
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: Sanjay Malhotra currently serves as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India. Under his leadership, the RBI reduced the repo rate to 6% in April 2025 and adopted an accommodative stance to support economic recovery amidst global economic uncertainties.

Question 5: What is one major outcome of the anti-Naxal operation concluded in May 2025?
Option 1: Merger of Naxal groups with the state police
Option 2: Complete disbanding of the CRPF
Option 3: Elimination of 31 Naxalites and dismantling of key hideouts
Option 4: Withdrawal of security forces from Red Corridor areas
Option 5: Creation of a new paramilitary unit
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The anti-Naxal operation from April 21 to May 11, 2025, resulted in the elimination of 31 Naxalites, destruction of 214 hideouts, and seizure of explosives. This operation significantly weakened Maoist capabilities and reflects the government’s aim to make India Naxal-free by 2026.

Question 6: What capability does the Bhargavastra system, tested on May 13, 2025, primarily offer?
Option 1: Ballistic missile interception
Option 2: Hypersonic cruise capability
Option 3: Submarine-launched nuclear strike
Option 4: Satellite jamming
Option 5: Neutralization of drone swarms
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: Bhargavastra is a domestically developed counter-drone system, designed to neutralize drone swarms. Successfully tested in Odisha, it represents India’s advancement in modern warfare capabilities, particularly relevant amid growing drone threats.

Question 7: At the Qlik Connect 2025 event, what key concern did CEO Mike Capone highlight regarding AI investments?
Option 1: Lack of computing infrastructure
Option 2: Weak regulation and ethics
Option 3: Failure due to poor execution and data management
Option 4: AI replacing too many human jobs
Option 5: Limited funding from governments
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: Mike Capone emphasized that despite large-scale AI investments, many projects fail due to inadequate execution strategies and poor data governance. He advocated for strategic data management to fully realize AI’s benefits, especially in media and enterprise sectors.

Question 8: Which major political leader has filed a Supreme Court petition against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025?
Option 1: Jagdambika Pal
Option 2: Asaduddin Owaisi
Option 3: Amit Shah
Option 4: Mallikarjun Kharge
Option 5: Yogi Adityanath
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: Asaduddin Owaisi, along with others like Amanatullah Khan, has petitioned the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the Waqf (Amendment) Act. They argue it could undermine community rights and autonomy. The court is set to hear the matter on May 20, 2025.

Question 9: As of May 15, 2025, which team leads the IPL 2025 points table?
Option 1: Gujarat Titans
Option 2: Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Option 3: Kolkata Knight Riders
Option 4: Punjab Kings
Option 5: Chennai Super Kings
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: Gujarat Titans topped the IPL 2025 points table with 16 points and a net run rate of 0.793. The league faced temporary suspension due to India-Pakistan tensions but resumed with matches confined to select cities for logistical safety.

Question 10: Which former Indian cricketer announced retirement from Test cricket on May 12, 2025?
Option 1: Rohit Sharma
Option 2: Jasprit Bumrah
Option 3: Cheteshwar Pujara
Option 4: Virat Kohli
Option 5: R. Ashwin
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 12, 2025. A tribute is planned during the RCB vs KKR IPL match. His retirement marks the end of a significant era, with players and fans recognizing his contribution to Indian cricket.