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Current Affairs Report: May 1, 2025

This detailed report covers the most significant events of May 1, 2025, tailored for aspirants preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other government exams. Spanning politics, economy, science, international relations, environment, defense, and sports, it draws from credible sources like The Hindu, Indian Express, Business Standard, ISRO, BBC News, and Down To Earth. Written in simple English with a storytelling approach, this article uses bold formatting for key terms to aid quick learning and is optimized for readability and SEO to outrank other educational resources.

Politics and Governance: Navigating Challenges

India’s political landscape on May 1, 2025, was marked by significant judicial and political developments. The Supreme Court rejected a plea seeking a judicial probe into the Pahalgam terror attack, a tragic event that has stirred national security debates. The court’s decision reflects its cautious approach, leaving investigations to the executive, which could shape future discussions on judicial oversight in security matters (The Hindu).

Meanwhile, press freedom became a focal point as media organizations demanded the restoration of the ‘4 PM’ News YouTube channel, blocked by a government order. This incident has sparked concerns about media censorship, with press bodies arguing that transparency is vital for democracy. The debate highlights the delicate balance between national security and freedom of expression, a key topic for exam aspirants studying governance (The Hindu).

The Congress party intensified its criticism of the Modi government, accusing it of neglecting workers’ rights. They pointed to declining real wages, controversial labor codes, and the throttling of schemes like MGNREGA as evidence of “widespread depredation.” Additionally, Congress questioned the government’s announcement to include caste enumeration in the next census, demanding a clear deadline. These political exchanges underscore ongoing debates on social justice and labor policies, critical for understanding India’s governance framework (The Hindu).

International Relations: Tensions and Progress

India’s foreign relations faced challenges and advancements. Tensions with Pakistan escalated as the Pakistan Army violated the Line of Control (LoC) ceasefire in Kupwara and Uri for the seventh consecutive night on April 30, 2025. The Indian Army responded proportionately, maintaining a strong presence to safeguard the border. Following the Pahalgam terror attack, India imposed a significant airspace ban on Pakistani airlines, signaling a firm stance amid deteriorating relations. This move, reported on May 1, 2025, could have long-term diplomatic and economic implications (The Hindu).

On a positive note, a Delhi court advanced the 26/11 Mumbai attack case by allowing the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to collect voice and handwriting samples from Tahawwur Rana, a key accused. This step, reported on May 1, 2025, is a milestone in India’s pursuit of justice for the 2008 attacks, reflecting its commitment to combating international terrorism (The Hindu).

India’s global engagement also saw progress, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in Mumbai. Emphasizing “create in India, create for the world,” Modi highlighted India’s creative economy as a driver of global influence, promising initiatives like WAVES awards. This summit underscores India’s soft power and its role in international cultural forums (The Hindu).

Economy: Signs of Strength

India’s economy displayed resilience on May 1, 2025, with the Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection reaching a record ₹2.37 trillion in April 2025, a 12.6% rise from ₹2.10 trillion the previous year. This growth reflects robust economic activity and effective tax reforms, strengthening India’s fiscal position (Business Standard).

Total exports for FY25 surged to $825 billion, driven by a 13% increase in services shipments. This achievement, revised upward from $820.93 billion, highlights India’s growing global market presence, particularly in IT and professional services (Business Standard).

Looking forward, Deloitte projected India’s GDP growth at 6.5-6.7% for FY26, up from 6.3-6.5% in FY25. This optimism stems from strong domestic demand and corporate profitability, though global risks like trade disruptions remain (Business Standard). The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), under Governor Malhotra, noted high consumer and business confidence, reinforcing economic stability (Business Standard).

In trade diplomacy, India and the European Union (EU) made headway toward a free trade agreement (FTA). Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and the EU Trade Commissioner discussed a “commercially meaningful” deal, targeting completion by late 2025. This FTA could boost bilateral trade and investment, a key topic for exam aspirants (Business Standard).

Economic Indicator	Details	Source
GST Collection	₹2.37 trillion in April 2025, up 12.6%	Business Standard
Exports	$825 billion in FY25, services up 13%	Business Standard
GDP Growth	6.5-6.7% projected for FY26	Business Standard
FTA with EU	Aiming for completion by end-2025	Business Standard

Science and Technology: Reaching New Heights

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a historic milestone on May 1, 2025, with its 100th mission. The GSLV-F15 rocket successfully deployed the NVS-02 satellite from Sriharikota, enhancing India’s NavIC navigation system. Led by Chairman V Narayanan, this launch underscores India’s growing space prowess and its contributions to global navigation (ISRO).

Another landmark event is the upcoming Axiom Mission 4, where Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will become the second Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS) in May 2025. Shukla’s mission, a joint ISRO-NASA effort, will involve microgravity experiments, advancing India’s space research and STEM education (Times of India).

India’s technological ambitions were further highlighted at the WAVES Summit 2025, where the Create in India Challenge showcased top game development talent. This initiative aligns with India’s push for innovation in AI and creative technologies, positioning it as a global tech hub (DD News).

Environment: Facing Climate Challenges

Environmental concerns took center stage with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of an intense heatwave across India in summer 2025. Predicted above-normal temperatures could strain public health and agriculture, building on 2024’s record heat of 50.5°C in Rajasthan. This forecast emphasizes the need for climate adaptation strategies (BBC News).

The National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) was tasked with assessing the environmental impact of the ₹76,200 crore Vadhavan Port project in Maharashtra, following a Supreme Court directive. This study will evaluate ecological risks, ensuring sustainable development amid India’s infrastructure push (Business Standard).

Environmental Issue	Details	Source
Heatwave Warning	Intense heatwave predicted for summer 2025	BBC News
Vadhavan Port	NEERI to study ₹76,200 crore project’s impact	Business Standard

Defense: Strengthening Security

Defense developments were dominated by heightened tensions along the Line of Control (LoC). Pakistan’s repeated ceasefire violations in Kupwara and Uri prompted a robust response from the Indian Army, ensuring border security. These incidents, reported on May 1, 2025, highlight ongoing challenges in India-Pakistan relations (The Hindu).

The airspace ban on Pakistani airlines, enacted post the Pahalgam terror attack, marked a strategic escalation. This decision reflects India’s firm stance on national security and could influence regional geopolitics, a critical area for exam preparation (The Hindu).

Sports: Celebrating Achievements

Indian sports shone brightly as athletes Gurindervir, Animesh, Manikanta, and Amlan set a national record in the 4x100m relay. Their achievement highlights India’s rising athletics talent, inspiring young aspirants (Indian Express).

In cricket, the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 saw an upset as the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) became the first team eliminated from the playoffs. This development has sparked discussions on team strategies and the competitive nature of the IPL, a cultural phenomenon in India (Indian Express).

Sports Achievement	Details	Source
4x100m Relay	New national record set by Indian team	Indian Express
IPL 2025	CSK eliminated from playoffs	Indian Express

Conclusion

The events of May 1, 2025, offer a snapshot of India’s dynamic landscape, from political debates and economic growth to scientific milestones and environmental challenges. For aspirants, understanding these developments is crucial for excelling in competitive exams. By staying informed through credible sources, students can gain a competitive edge and contribute to India’s progress.

Key Citations:

Daily quiz on current affairs with answers

Question 1: What major policy stance did the Supreme Court take regarding the Pahalgam terror attack investigation?
Option 1: Ordered a joint probe with NIA and CBI
Option 2: Transferred the case to a special military tribunal
Option 3: Initiated a fast-track hearing with weekly updates
Option 4: Rejected the plea for a judicial probe
Option 5: Established a new anti-terror judicial panel
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: The Supreme Court rejected a petition seeking a judicial probe into the Pahalgam terror attack, emphasizing that such matters should be handled by the executive. This reflects the Court’s restraint in involving itself directly in national security investigations.

Question 2: Which organization saw its YouTube channel blocked by a government order, sparking press freedom debates?
Option 1: India News Weekly
Option 2: 4 PM News
Option 3: Bharat Journal
Option 4: Sansad TV
Option 5: News Network 21
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The blocking of the ‘4 PM News’ YouTube channel raised concerns about censorship and press freedom. Several media organizations demanded its restoration, bringing national attention to issues of transparency and democratic accountability.

Question 3: What was the record Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection in April 2025?
Option 1: ₹2.37 trillion
Option 2: ₹2.10 trillion
Option 3: ₹2.45 trillion
Option 4: ₹2.20 trillion
Option 5: ₹2.18 trillion
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: In April 2025, India recorded its highest-ever GST collection at ₹2.37 trillion, showing a 12.6% increase from the previous year. This indicates strong domestic consumption and improved tax compliance.

Question 4: What action did India take in response to the repeated ceasefire violations by Pakistan in April 2025?
Option 1: Initiated diplomatic talks
Option 2: Called for UN peacekeeping support
Option 3: Imposed an airspace ban on Pakistani airlines
Option 4: Requested economic sanctions from G20
Option 5: Declared a national security emergency
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: Following ceasefire violations and the Pahalgam terror attack, India imposed an airspace ban on Pakistani airlines, signaling a firm and strategic response to escalating border tensions.

Question 5: Who among the following is set to become the second Indian to visit the International Space Station in May 2025?
Option 1: Rakesh Sharma
Option 2: V Narayanan
Option 3: Anil Menon
Option 4: Shubhanshu Shukla
Option 5: Sunita Williams
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is scheduled to fly to the ISS on Axiom Mission 4, becoming the second Indian to do so. His mission highlights Indo-US collaboration and ISRO’s global space ambitions.

Question 6: What is the projected GDP growth for India in FY26, according to Deloitte?
Option 1: 6.5-6.7%
Option 2: 6.0-6.2%
Option 3: 5.8-6.0%
Option 4: 7.0-7.2%
Option 5: 6.3-6.5%
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: Deloitte projected India’s GDP to grow by 6.5–6.7% in FY26. This growth is fueled by high domestic demand, corporate profitability, and increasing consumer confidence.

Question 7: Which team was the first to be eliminated from the IPL 2025 playoffs?
Option 1: Mumbai Indians
Option 2: Gujarat Titans
Option 3: Kolkata Knight Riders
Option 4: Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Option 5: Chennai Super Kings
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) became the first team to be knocked out of the IPL 2025 playoff race, triggering discussions about team strategies and leadership.

Question 8: What is the goal of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement discussions as of May 2025?
Option 1: Eliminate all tariffs
Option 2: Finalize a deal by late 2025
Option 3: Implement a digital-only trade pact
Option 4: Set up a new customs union
Option 5: Freeze trade relations
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: India and the European Union are working towards finalizing a “commercially meaningful” Free Trade Agreement by the end of 2025, aiming to boost bilateral trade and investment.

Question 9: What satellite was launched by ISRO on its 100th mission?
Option 1: NVS-02
Option 2: GSAT-29
Option 3: IRNSS-1G
Option 4: CartoSat-4
Option 5: RISAT-2BR1
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: On its 100th mission, ISRO successfully launched the NVS-02 satellite aboard the GSLV-F15 rocket. The satellite enhances the NavIC navigation system and marks a milestone in India’s space achievements.

Question 10: Which agency is assessing the environmental impact of the ₹76,200 crore Vadhavan Port project?
Option 1: CPCB
Option 2: ISRO
Option 3: NGT
Option 4: NEERI
Option 5: IMD
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: The National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) was assigned to assess the ecological impact of the massive Vadhavan Port project in Maharashtra, following a Supreme Court directive focused on

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sustainable infrastructure.

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