Table of Contents

Current Affairs Report: May 17, 2025

This detailed report compiles the latest current affairs as of May 17, 2025, tailored for aspirants preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other government exams. Sourced from credible outlets 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, this article covers critical topics to provide a competitive edge.

Politics and Governance

India’s diplomatic efforts have intensified in response to recent security challenges. On May 17, 2025, The Hindu reported that the government dispatched seven all-party delegations to key partner nations, including UN Security Council members, to reinforce India’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism (The Hindu). This follows the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 lives, and Operation Sindoor, where Indian forces targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) on May 7, 2025. Leaders like Shashi Tharoor and Supriya Sule are part of these delegations, signaling a unified national stance.

However, the selection process has stirred controversy. The Congress party accused the government of political gamesmanship by appointing Shashi Tharoor to lead a delegation, despite him not being among the party’s four nominated leaders (The Hindu). This has sparked debates about transparency in political appointments.

In Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announced plans to seek central assistance for rehabilitating residents affected by Pakistan’s shelling, a response to heightened cross-border tensions (The Hindu).

Political Event	Details	Source
Delegations Against Terrorism	Seven all-party groups sent to global partners to advocate anti-terrorism stance post-Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor.	The Hindu
Congress Controversy	Dispute over Shashi Tharoor’s delegation leadership role.	The Hindu
J&K Rehabilitation	Manoj Sinha to seek funds for residents impacted by shelling.	The Hindu

Economy

India’s economic landscape is poised for significant milestones. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects that India will surpass Japan to become the fourth-largest economy in 2025, with a nominal GDP of $4,187.02 billion compared to Japan’s $4,186.43 billion (DD News). By 2028, India is expected to overtake Germany, becoming the third-largest economy globally. The IMF adjusted India’s 2025 growth forecast to 6.2%, down from 6.5%, citing uncertainties from US tariff policies under President Donald Trump (Times of India).

Deloitte’s May 2025 economic outlook predicts GDP growth between 6.5% and 6.7% for FY2026, driven by personal income tax reductions announced in the 2025 Union Budget. These exemptions are expected to boost consumer spending, potentially increasing GDP by 0.6% to 0.7%. However, potential US tariffs could reduce these gains by 0.1% to 0.3% (Deloitte). The Economic Survey 2025, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, aligns with these projections, forecasting growth between 6.3% and 6.8% for FY2026 (Business Standard).

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has taken proactive measures to stimulate growth. In April 2025, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), led by Governor Sanjay Malhotra, cut the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6%, following a similar cut in February 2025 to 6.25%. This shift to an accommodative stance aims to lower borrowing costs and boost investment (The Indian Express). Additionally, HDFC Bank reduced its Marginal Cost of Funds-based Lending Rates (MCLR) by up to 15 basis points effective May 7, 2025, benefiting borrowers (The Economic Times).

Stock markets experienced volatility. On May 13, 2025, the Sensex fell by 1,281.68 points (1.55%) to 81,148.22, and the Nifty dropped 346.35 points (1.39%) to 24,578.35, driven by profit-taking in IT and FMCG sectors (The Hindu BusinessLine). Despite this, the market remained open on May 12, 2025, for Buddha Purnima, with the only holiday in May being Maharashtra Day on May 1 (Livemint).

Economic Indicator	Details	Source
GDP Growth Forecast	6.2% (IMF), 6.5%-6.7% (Deloitte), 6.3%-6.8% (Economic Survey) for 2025/FY2026.	DD News, Deloitte, Business Standard
Repo Rate	Cut to 6% in April 2025.	The Indian Express
Stock Market	Sensex at 81,148.22, Nifty at 24,578.35 on May 13, 2025.	The Hindu BusinessLine

Science and Technology

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) continues to advance India’s space ambitions. On May 18, 2025, ISRO is scheduled to launch the PSLV-C61 carrying the EOS-09 satellite, enhancing earth observation capabilities (ISRO). Additionally, ISRO will participate in the Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX) 2025 from May 7-9, 2025, fostering international collaboration (ISRO). Earlier in 2025, ISRO successfully launched the GSLV-F15/NVS-02 mission, strengthening the NavIC navigation system (The Economic Times).

ISRO Mission	Details	Source
PSLV-C61/EOS-09	Launch scheduled for May 18, 2025.	ISRO
GLEX 2025	Conference from May 7-9, 2025.	ISRO

International Relations

India’s global engagement has seen significant developments. On May 6, 2025, a landmark UK-India trade deal was finalized, expected to increase bilateral trade by £25.5 billion annually and boost UK GDP by £4.8 billion (GOV.UK). Negotiations for an India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) are ongoing, with discussions held in April 2025 aiming to double trade to $500 billion by 2030 (India Briefing). India is also advancing talks with the European Union for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with the next round scheduled for May 12-26, 2025, in New Delhi.

India’s role in global forums like the G20, UN, BRICS, and QUAD remains robust, with active participation in discussions on climate change, security, and economic cooperation. The US has expressed support for India’s right to defend itself post-Pahalgam attack, while Pakistan’s call for dialogue has been noted (The Hindu).

Trade Agreement	Details	Source
UK-India Trade Deal	Finalized May 6, 2025; boosts trade by £25.5 billion.	GOV.UK
India-US BTA	Aims for $500 billion trade by 2030.	India Briefing

Environment

Wildlife conservation efforts are ongoing, with the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) reporting significant activities in May 2025. The Centre for Bear Rehabilitation and Conservation (CBRC) in Pakke Tiger Reserve received multiple Asiatic black bear cubs, and the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC) in Kaziranga admitted an 18-24-month-old elephant calf found distressed (Wildlife Trust of India). These efforts underscore India’s commitment to biodiversity preservation.

India’s adherence to global climate treaties, such as the Paris Agreement, continues with updates to its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to reduce carbon emissions. A Business Standard report highlighted concerns about chemical contamination risks to Gangetic dolphins, emphasizing the need for stronger environmental protections (Business Standard).

Conservation Effort	Details	Source
Bear and Elephant Rescue	WTI rescues bear cubs and an elephant calf in May 2025.	Wildlife Trust of India
Gangetic Dolphins	Study flags chemical contamination risks.	Business Standard

Defense

India is bolstering its defense capabilities through modernization and indigenous development. The Make in India initiative promotes self-reliance, with recent procurements including advanced fighter jets and missile systems. Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s military precision, targeting nine terror sites in Pakistan and PoK (The Hindu). Defense Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the strategic importance of the BrahMos missile as a deterrent (The Indian Express).

Sports

The South Asian Athletics Championships, scheduled for May 3-5, 2025, in Ranchi, will feature top regional athletes, setting the stage for global competitions like the World Athletics Championships in September 2025, where Neeraj Chopra will defend his javelin throw title (Olympics.com). The Indian Premier League (IPL) resumed on May 17, 2025, after a suspension due to India-Pakistan tensions, with the final set for June 3 (The Indian Express).

Sports Event	Details	Source
South Asian Athletics	May 3-5, 2025, in Ranchi.	Olympics.com
IPL 2025	Resumes May 17, final on June 3.	The Indian Express

Conclusion

This report provides a comprehensive overview of current affairs as of May 17, 2025, covering politics, economy, science, international relations, environment, defense, and sports. By staying informed, aspirants can enhance their preparation for competitive exams, gaining a nuanced understanding of India’s dynamic landscape.

Key Citations

Daily quiz on current affairs with answers

Question 1: Which Indian leader’s appointment to an international delegation sparked controversy over transparency in political nominations?
Option 1: Supriya Sule
Option 2: Shashi Tharoor
Option 3: Rahul Gandhi
Option 4: Mallikarjun Kharge
Option 5: Rajnath Singh
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: Shashi Tharoor’s appointment as the head of one of the seven all-party delegations sent abroad to promote India’s anti-terrorism stance led to political backlash. The Congress party claimed that he was not one of the four leaders it had officially nominated, thereby raising concerns over political maneuvering and lack of transparency in appointments.

Question 2: Who is currently serving as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India as of May 2025?
Option 1: Shaktikanta Das
Option 2: Sanjay Malhotra
Option 3: Urjit Patel
Option 4: Nirmala Sitharaman
Option 5: T. Rabi Sankar
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: Sanjay Malhotra is mentioned as the head of the Monetary Policy Committee, but the actual role of RBI Governor is being played by Shaktikanta Das as of May 2025. The confusion may arise from roles within the RBI, but the Governor’s position remains with Das.

Question 3: According to IMF projections, which country is India expected to overtake to become the fourth-largest economy in 2025?
Option 1: Germany
Option 2: United Kingdom
Option 3: France
Option 4: Canada
Option 5: Japan
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: The IMF estimates India’s nominal GDP at $4,187.02 billion, narrowly surpassing Japan’s $4,186.43 billion, thereby positioning India as the fourth-largest economy globally in 2025. This milestone reflects India’s rising economic stature and the impact of structural reforms.

Question 4: What was the key highlight of Operation Sindoor launched by Indian forces in May 2025?
Option 1: Rescue of hostages in Jammu
Option 2: Cross-border cyber strike on terror networks
Option 3: Airstrike on naval assets
Option 4: Destruction of terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK
Option 5: Infiltration prevention along the LoC
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: Operation Sindoor was a targeted military operation carried out by Indian forces to destroy nine terrorist sites located in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. It was a response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack and exemplified India’s zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism.

Question 5: What is the range of India’s projected GDP growth for FY2026 according to the Economic Survey 2025?
Option 1: 6.1%–6.4%
Option 2: 5.9%–6.1%
Option 3: 6.3%–6.8%
Option 4: 6.7%–7.2%
Option 5: 7.0%–7.5%
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The Economic Survey 2025 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman forecasts India’s GDP growth in the range of 6.3% to 6.8% for FY2026. This projection aligns with those made by other agencies like Deloitte and IMF, though there are variations due to global trade uncertainties.

Question 6: What is the name of the satellite scheduled for launch by ISRO on May 18, 2025?
Option 1: NVS-02
Option 2: INSAT-5G
Option 3: GSAT-29
Option 4: EOS-10
Option 5: EOS-09
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: EOS-09 is the Earth Observation Satellite set to be launched aboard PSLV-C61 on May 18, 2025. This satellite will enhance India’s ability to monitor weather, climate, and natural resources. It is part of ISRO’s broader mission to bolster space-based observation capabilities.

Question 7: The final of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is scheduled to be held on which date?
Option 1: May 25
Option 2: June 10
Option 3: June 3
Option 4: May 30
Option 5: May 20
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The IPL 2025 resumed on May 17 after a suspension due to India-Pakistan tensions. The final is set for June 3, marking the culmination of the domestic T20 cricket season. This date was confirmed following normalization of diplomatic and security conditions.

Question 8: Which trade deal finalized in May 2025 is expected to boost bilateral trade by £25.5 billion annually?
Option 1: India–EU Free Trade Agreement
Option 2: UK–India Trade Deal
Option 3: India–ASEAN Goods Pact
Option 4: RCEP Regional Framework
Option 5: India–US Bilateral Trade Agreement
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The UK–India Trade Deal finalized on May 6, 2025, is a landmark agreement projected to increase bilateral trade by £25.5 billion annually and contribute £4.8 billion to the UK’s GDP. This deal covers sectors like services, digital trade, and manufacturing.

Question 9: Which Indian state houses the Centre for Bear Rehabilitation and Conservation (CBRC) that received bear cubs in May 2025?
Option 1: Arunachal Pradesh
Option 2: Assam
Option 3: Uttarakhand
Option 4: Madhya Pradesh
Option 5: Sikkim
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: The CBRC is located in Pakke Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh. In May 2025, it received multiple Asiatic black bear cubs, part of wildlife rescue operations led by the Wildlife Trust of India. This highlights the state’s role in biodiversity conservation.

Question 10: What is the name of the missile emphasized by the Indian Defence Minister as a strategic deterrent in May 2025?
Option 1: Agni-V
Option 2: Astra Mk-II
Option 3: Nirbhay
Option 4: BrahMos
Option 5: Prithvi-III
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reaffirmed the strategic role of the BrahMos missile in maintaining deterrence, especially amidst heightened tensions following Operation Sindoor. The BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile developed jointly by India and Russia, known for its precision and speed.