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Current Affairs Report: May 16, 2025

For students preparing for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other government tests, staying informed about current affairs is essential. This comprehensive report, drawn from credible sources such as The Hindu, The Indian Express, Press Information Bureau (PIB), and Down To Earth, covers the major events of May 16, 2025. From politics to sports, we weave a narrative to keep you engaged and informed, with key terms in bold for quick reference.

Politics and Governance: Navigating Constitutional and Judicial Waters

The political landscape on May 16, 2025, was marked by a significant debate over a Presidential Reference in the Tamil Nadu Governor case. The Supreme Court had earlier, on April 8, 2025, mandated a time frame for the Governor to assent to bills, a ruling hailed as a milestone by senior advocate Kapil Sibal. However, the Presidential Reference sparked controversy, with Sibal arguing it was a ploy to bypass judicial review, potentially destabilizing state governments. In contrast, former Supreme Court judge Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul viewed the Reference as a necessary step to address constitutional ambiguities, suggesting it could prevent future conflicts. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin condemned the move, calling it an attempt to undermine the Supreme Court’s verdict (The Hindu).

In another judicial development, Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai expressed dismay at the Supreme Court Bar Association’s refusal to hold an official farewell for retiring Justice Bela M. Trivedi. Praising her fairness and firmness, the CJI deplored the decision, highlighting the importance of honoring judicial contributions (The Hindu).

On the administrative front, Dr. Ajay Kumar, a 1985-batch IAS officer from the Kerala cadre, assumed charge as Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). With a B.Tech from IIT Kanpur and advanced degrees from the USA, Dr. Kumar has a storied career, including serving as Defence Secretary and launching e-Governance initiatives like Jeevan Pramaan and myGov. His appointment is expected to bring fresh perspectives to the UPSC, a critical institution for aspirants (99Notes).

Other notable governance events included the Bombay High Court setting up a special bench to hear pleas against the 10% Maratha reservation law, reflecting ongoing social justice debates (The Hindu). Additionally, Delhi Health Minister proposed dissolving the Delhi Medical Council due to alleged irregularities, signaling reforms in healthcare governance (The Hindu).

International Relations: Diplomacy Amid Tensions

India’s diplomatic engagements were in the spotlight on May 16, 2025. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a significant conversation with the Taliban’s acting Foreign Minister Muttaqi, marking a rare minister-level outreach. This followed India’s condemnation of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives and injured dozens (The Hindu). The dialogue underscores India’s cautious approach to engaging with Afghanistan amid regional security concerns.

Tensions with Turkey led the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to postpone a credentials ceremony featuring the Turkish ambassador on May 15, 2025, citing scheduling issues and diplomatic strains (The Hindu). This was further evidenced by IIT Roorkee withdrawing from a research MoU with Inonu University in Turkey, prioritizing national interests (The Hindu).

Former US President Donald Trump claimed during a Qatar visit that he mediated to ease India-Pakistan tensions, a statement made while addressing US military personnel (The Hindu). This claim, repeated on May 15, 2025, stirred discussions about external influences in South Asian geopolitics.

A significant development followed Operation Sindoor, with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar calling for a Composite Dialogue with India to resolve disputes. This shift came after India’s military strikes on nine terror hubs across Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), which eliminated over 100 terrorists and damaged key military infrastructure. Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded by limiting future talks to terrorism and PoK status, demanding Pakistan dismantle its terror networks (Indian Defence News).

Defense: Strengthening Security and Technology

Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, 2025, in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, continued to shape India’s defense narrative. The operation targeted Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen sites, with Indian Armed Forces striking airfields, radar installations, and communication centers. A ceasefire was agreed upon on May 10, extended to May 18, but deep mistrust persists (Indian Defence News). On May 16, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to reconsider $1 billion in assistance to Pakistan, citing potential misuse for terror funding (The Hindu).

In technological advancements, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) made strides with the BrahMos-II hypersonic cruise missile. Former DRDO chief Dr. Sudhir Kumar Mishra announced at the Powering Bharat Summit that the missile would feature an indigenous scramjet engine, tested successfully on April 25, 2025, for over 1,000 seconds. This development positions India as a leader in hypersonic technology (Indian Defence Research Wing).

Additionally, DRDO’s Defence Materials and Stores Research and Development Establishment (DMSRDE) in Kanpur developed a nanoporous multilayered polymeric membrane for sea water desalination. Initial trials on Indian Coast Guard (ICG) ships were satisfactory, with final clearance pending after 500 hours of testing. This innovation supports Aatmanirbhar Bharat by addressing water scarcity (99Notes).

Economy: Market Movements and Global Forecasts

The Indian stock market experienced a slight downturn on May 16, 2025. The BSE Sensex closed at 82,330.59, down 200.15 points or 0.24%, while the Nifty 50 settled at 25,019.80, down 42.30 points or 0.17%. The decline was driven by profit-taking in IT majors like Infosys and HCL Tech, though defense and consumer sectors showed resilience. The Nifty Midcap 100 and Nifty Next 50 gained 0.94% and 1.29%, respectively, reflecting strength in broader markets. The Put-Call Ratio surged to 1.08, signaling bullish sentiment, and the India VIX dropped to 16.89, indicating cooling volatility (The Hindu BusinessLine).

Globally, the United Nations revised India’s 2025 growth forecast to 6.3% from 6.6%, aligning with a slowing global economy projected at 2.4% (The Hindu). In corporate news, Hyundai Motor India reported a 4% dip in Q4 profit after tax to ₹1,614 crore, attributed to lower domestic sales (The Hindu).

The Nirav Modi case also remained in focus, with a UK court rejecting his fresh bail application on May 15, 2025, in connection with the ₹13,000 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud (The Hindu).

Science and Technology: Innovations for a Sustainable Future

India’s scientific community made notable progress on May 16, 2025. The India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), established in 2022, announced a ₹391 crore joint research initiative to address Marine Plastic Litter (MPL) and develop Waste-to-Green Hydrogen (W2GH) technologies. Co-funded by Horizon Europe and the Government of India, this aligns with the UN Decade of Ocean Science and India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission (99Notes).

In artificial intelligence (AI), Meta delayed the release of its Behemoth AI model, initially touted as one of the smartest large language models (LLMs) (The Indian Express). Microsoft tested a “Hey, Copilot!” wake command for its AI assistant on Windows, enhancing user interaction (The Indian Express). Kelly Forbes, a global AI policy advisor, emphasized that human oversight alone is insufficient for AI safety, highlighting governance challenges (The Indian Express).

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was preparing for the EOS-09 (RISAT-1B) radar imaging satellite launch on May 18, 2025, which would enhance border surveillance and anti-terror operations with C-band synthetic aperture radar (Times of India). Additionally, IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla was set to pilot the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in May 2025, a joint ISRO-NASA effort (Business Standard).

Environment: Ongoing Challenges and Initiatives

Specific environmental news from May 16, 2025, was limited, but broader trends provide context. The State of India’s Environment 2025 report, released on February 26, 2025, by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and Down To Earth, highlighted climate change impacts, noting that 2024 saw extreme weather on 255 out of 274 days. Generation Alpha, the largest generation by 2025, faces a warmer planet, with 2024 exceeding 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels (Down To Earth).

India’s commitment to renewable energy and biodiversity conservation continues, with initiatives like the National Green Hydrogen Mission gaining traction. The India-EU research on marine plastic litter reflects India’s proactive stance in global climate action.

Sports: A Golden Moment for India

In sports, Neeraj Chopra achieved a monumental feat on May 16, 2025, by breaking the 90-meter barrier in javelin at the Doha Diamond League. This historic throw placed him among an elite group of athletes, reinforcing his status as India’s athletics icon and inspiring millions (The Indian Express).

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 was in full swing, with matches scheduled around this period. While specific games on May 16 were not detailed, the tournament’s competitive spirit captivated fans, setting the stage for intense battles (The Indian Express).

Legislative Updates: Recent Bills and Schemes

While no new bills were introduced on May 16, 2025, recent legislative developments are noteworthy. The Income-Tax Bill, 2025, introduced on February 13, 2025, aims to replace the Income-Tax Act, 1961, simplifying language and retaining most provisions. It empowers the central government to frame schemes for faceless tax assessments, effective from April 1, 2026 (PRS India).

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, passed on April 4, 2025, and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2025, reformed waqf property management, sparking debates on minority rights (News On Air).

In government schemes, the Prime Minister reviewed the fisheries sector on May 16, 2025, emphasizing technological integration (e.g., satellites, drones) and sustainable practices like Amrit Sarovars and seaweed cultivation. Investments since 2015 total ₹38,572 crore, with fish production reaching 195 lakh tons in 2024-25 (99Notes).

Conclusion: A Day of Dynamic Developments

May 16, 2025, was a day of multifaceted developments, from constitutional debates and diplomatic maneuvers to technological breakthroughs and sporting triumphs. For aspirants, understanding these events is crucial for excelling in competitive exams. Stay engaged with reliable sources like The Hindu, The Indian Express, and PIB to build a robust knowledge base and gain a competitive edge.

Key Citations:

Daily quiz on current affairs with answers

Question 1: Who was recently appointed as the Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)?
Option 1: Sanjay Kumar
Option 2: Dr. Ajay Kumar
Option 3: B.V.R. Subrahmanyam
Option 4: Alok Kumar
Option 5: Rajiv Gauba
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: On May 16, 2025, Dr. Ajay Kumar, a 1985-batch IAS officer from the Kerala cadre, was appointed as the new Chairman of UPSC. With a background in engineering and a distinguished career in defense and digital governance, his leadership is expected to influence UPSC reforms. His prior roles include Defence Secretary and the architect of e-governance tools like myGov and Jeevan Pramaan.

Question 2: What was the Supreme Court’s prior directive related to the Tamil Nadu Governor issue, which later became the subject of a Presidential Reference?
Option 1: Mandated a time limit for gubernatorial assent to state bills
Option 2: Directed the Governor to refer all bills to the President
Option 3: Nullified the Governor’s discretionary powers
Option 4: Ordered the dissolution of the Tamil Nadu Assembly
Option 5: Empowered the Speaker to override the Governor’s decisions
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: On April 8, 2025, the Supreme Court ruled that Governors must act within a stipulated timeframe regarding assent to state bills. This landmark judgment aimed at curbing executive overreach, particularly in states like Tamil Nadu. However, the Presidential Reference made on May 16 stirred concerns about its intent to dilute this ruling, leading to political and judicial debate.

Question 3: Which missile system is set to feature an indigenous scramjet engine, as announced by a former DRDO chief?
Option 1: Agni-V
Option 2: Nirbhay
Option 3: Shaurya
Option 4: Astra Mk-II
Option 5: BrahMos-II
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: The BrahMos-II hypersonic cruise missile will include an indigenous scramjet engine developed by DRDO. Successfully tested on April 25, 2025, for over 1,000 seconds, this marks a technological leap in India’s missile capabilities, enhancing strategic deterrence and self-reliance in defense technology.

Question 4: Which of the following best describes India’s stance in response to Pakistan’s call for a Composite Dialogue following Operation Sindoor?
Option 1: Insisted talks will only focus on terrorism and PoK
Option 2: Welcomed comprehensive peace talks
Option 3: Offered conditional support for bilateral trade
Option 4: Requested UN mediation on Kashmir
Option 5: Proposed military-level engagement only
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: After Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar proposed a Composite Dialogue post Operation Sindoor, India reiterated its firm stance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded that future talks would strictly concern terrorism and the status of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), rejecting broader discussions until terror networks are dismantled.

Question 5: As per the latest UN forecast, what is India’s revised economic growth projection for 2025?
Option 1: 6.1%
Option 2: 6.0%
Option 3: 6.3%
Option 4: 6.6%
Option 5: 6.5%
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The United Nations revised India’s 2025 growth forecast to 6.3%, down from 6.6%, reflecting concerns about a slowing global economy. While still robust compared to global projections (2.4%), the adjustment indicates cautious optimism, especially amidst domestic and international headwinds.

Question 6: Which car manufacturer reported a 4% decline in Q4 profit after tax due to reduced domestic sales?
Option 1: Tata Motors
Option 2: Maruti Suzuki
Option 3: Mahindra & Mahindra
Option 4: Toyota Kirloskar
Option 5: Hyundai Motor India
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: Hyundai Motor India reported a 4% drop in Q4 profit after tax, amounting to ₹1,614 crore. The decline was attributed to weakened domestic demand. This reflects broader challenges in the Indian automotive sector, including changing consumer preferences and input cost pressures.

Question 7: What recent technological innovation by DRDO aims to improve desalination capabilities on Indian Coast Guard ships?
Option 1: Reverse osmosis gel
Option 2: Graphene-based filter
Option 3: Nanoporous multilayered polymeric membrane
Option 4: Bio-resin infused filter
Option 5: Synthetic zeolite cartridge
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: DRDO’s DMSRDE lab in Kanpur has developed a nanoporous multilayered polymeric membrane for desalinating seawater. Initial trials on ICG ships were successful, with final clearance pending after 500 hours of testing. This innovation aligns with India’s push toward technological self-reliance and environmental sustainability.

Question 8: Why was the Turkish ambassador’s credentials ceremony postponed by India recently?
Option 1: Health emergency of the President
Option 2: Diplomatic tensions and scheduling issues
Option 3: National mourning period
Option 4: Technical glitches in diplomatic protocol
Option 5: Weather-related disruptions
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The Ministry of External Affairs postponed the Turkish ambassador’s credentials ceremony on May 15, 2025, citing scheduling issues. However, this move came amid rising diplomatic tensions, including IIT Roorkee’s withdrawal from a research MoU with a Turkish university, reflecting India’s strategic recalibration.

Question 9: Who became the first Indian to breach the 90-meter mark in javelin throw, achieving the feat at the Doha Diamond League?
Option 1: Neeraj Chopra
Option 2: Kishore Jena
Option 3: Shivpal Singh
Option 4: Rohit Yadav
Option 5: Davinder Singh Kang
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: Neeraj Chopra made history on May 16, 2025, by becoming the first Indian to throw beyond 90 meters in javelin, achieving this at the Doha Diamond League. This landmark feat cements his legacy as India’s premier track and field athlete and a global javelin icon.

Question 10: What major international collaboration was announced to tackle Marine Plastic Litter and promote Waste-to-Green Hydrogen technologies?
Option 1: India–Japan Maritime Accord
Option 2: BRICS Green Energy Initiative
Option 3: SAARC Eco-Tech Consortium
Option 4: India–EU Trade and Technology Council research initiative
Option 5: Indo-Pacific Ocean Sustainability Pact
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: On May 16, 2025, the India–EU Trade and Technology Council announced a ₹391 crore research collaboration to combat marine plastic pollution and develop Waste-to-Green Hydrogen technologies. This initiative supports the UN Decade of Ocean Science and India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission.