Table of Contents

Current Affairs Roundup: May 20, 2025

For students preparing for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other government tests, staying updated with current affairs is not just a requirement—it’s a strategy to gain an edge. The events of May 20, 2025, as reported by credible sources like The Hindu, The Indian Express, and ISRO’s official updates, cover critical areas such as politics, economy, international relations, defense, science, environment, and sports. This comprehensive article weaves these developments into a narrative that’s engaging, easy to understand, and optimized for exam preparation, ensuring you grasp the key facts and their broader implications.

Politics and Governance: Navigating Tensions and Reforms

India’s recent military operation, Operation Sindoor, has dominated headlines due to its implications for national security and diplomacy. Launched on May 7, 2025, this operation was a response to a tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists. The Indian Armed Forces executed 24 precision strikes on nine terrorist sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), targeting groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Muhammad. The operation, described as “measured, non-escalatory, and proportionate” by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, aimed to dismantle terrorist infrastructure without hitting civilian or military targets. Pakistan reported 26 deaths and 46 injuries, while India claimed eight casualties from Pakistani retaliation. Tensions escalated with drone and missile exchanges, but a ceasefire was agreed upon directly between the Indian and Pakistani military leadership on May 10, 2025, without third-party mediation. The Indian government clarified to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs on May 19, 2025, that the U.S. was “neither involved nor informed” about the truce, countering claims by former U.S. President Donald Trump. This development underscores India’s assertive yet independent approach to handling cross-border terrorism, a key topic for exams focusing on governance and security.

In another significant move, the Indian government is set to introduce amendments to the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, during the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament, as reported by The Indian Express (Nuclear Energy Push). These amendments will allow private companies, and potentially foreign players, to operate nuclear power plants, a sector previously dominated by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL). Another amendment to the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, aims to cap the liability of equipment vendors in case of accidents, addressing concerns that have deterred foreign investment. This reform is seen as a step to leverage the Indo-US civil nuclear deal and boost India’s nuclear capacity, currently at 8,180 MW, with plans to reach 22,800 MW by 2031-32. These changes could reshape India’s energy policy, making it a critical topic for economic and governance questions in exams.

Additionally, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has set a 30-day limit to verify the credentials of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar, reflecting efforts to strengthen internal security and immigration policies. The arrest of an Ashoka University professor for remarks on Operation Sindoor also sparked debate, with the Opposition calling it “deplorable,” highlighting the delicate balance between free speech and national security.

Economy: Challenges and Opportunities

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), a cornerstone of India’s rural welfare, faces implementation challenges, as highlighted by a LibTech India report released on May 19, 2025. The report notes an 8.6% increase in registered households, from 13.80 crore in 2023-24 to 14.98 crore in 2024-25. However, person days of employment dropped by 7.1%, and the average days per household fell from 52.42 to 50.18. Only 7% of households received the promised 100 days of work, a key provision of the MGNREG Act. States like Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan saw sharp declines in person days, while Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, and Bihar recorded increases. The Union government allocated ₹86,000 crore for MGNREGS in 2024-25, far below the ₹2.64 lakh crore recommended by the Parliamentary Advisory Expert Group (PAEG). This mismatch raises concerns about rural employment and social security, critical for understanding economic policies in exams.

The push to open the nuclear sector to private operators, as discussed earlier, also has economic implications. By amending the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, and easing liability norms, the government aims to attract private investment, potentially increasing nuclear power capacity and supporting India’s net-zero target by 2070. This aligns with broader economic reforms to enhance energy security and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, a topic likely to appear in questions on economic development and sustainability.

International Relations: Global Shifts and Bilateral Ties

On the international front, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced on May 19, 2025, that Russia and Ukraine would begin immediate ceasefire negotiations following a two-hour call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as reported by The Hindu (Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire). Trump also engaged with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders, proposing the Vatican as a potential venue for talks. This development, amid a conflict ongoing since February 2022, could reshape global geopolitics, a key area for international relations questions in exams.

Closer to India, the U.S. announced visa restrictions on Indian travel agents facilitating illegal immigration, targeting owners and executives of such agencies. This move, reported on May 19, 2025, reflects stricter U.S. immigration policies and could impact India-U.S. relations, a topic relevant for bilateral agreements and diplomacy.

India’s relations with Bangladesh faced strain after India closed land ports for readymade garment exports without prior notice, as reported by The Hindu. Bangladesh expressed disappointment, highlighting the need for better communication in bilateral trade, an issue that could appear in questions on India’s neighborhood policy.

Health: Monitoring COVID-19

India’s COVID-19 situation remains stable, with 257 active cases as of May 19, 2025, all mild and not requiring hospitalization. The Union Health Ministry is maintaining vigilance through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), especially due to case surges in Singapore and Hong Kong. This controlled response reflects India’s robust public health measures, a topic relevant for health policy questions in exams.

Defense: Safeguarding Sovereignty

A significant defense incident occurred on the night of May 7-8, 2025, when Pakistan attempted to target the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab, with drones and missiles. The Indian Army thwarted the attack using indigenous Akash missiles and L-70 air defense guns, as reported by The Hindu (Golden Temple Attack). Major General Kartik C. Seshadri emphasized the Army’s professionalism in preventing collateral damage. This incident, part of broader tensions post-Operation Sindoor, highlights India’s advanced defense capabilities and is crucial for questions on national security and military advancements.

Science and Technology: ISRO’s Stellar Achievement

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a historic milestone with the Space Docking Experiment (SPADEX) mission, successfully docking two satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), on January 16, 2025, as reported by The Hindu (SPADEX Success). Launched on December 30, 2024, via the PSLV-C60 rocket, this mission made India the fourth country, after the USA, Russia, and China, to demonstrate space docking technology. The SPADEX mission is vital for future endeavors like the Bharatiya Antariksha Station and lunar missions, positioning India as a global space power. This achievement is a must-know for science and technology sections in exams.

Additionally, ISRO is preparing for the NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) mission, now targeted for June 2025, to monitor Earth’s ecosystems and ice surfaces. The Gaganyaan mission, India’s human spaceflight program, also saw progress with the NVS-02 satellite launch in January 2025, enhancing the NavIC navigation system.

Environment: Battling Climate Change

India faced severe heatwave conditions in April 2025, with temperatures up to 4°C higher than pre-1986 levels, largely due to human-driven climate change, as reported by The Guardian (Heatwave Conditions). The Economic Survey identified India as the seventh most vulnerable country to climate change, with 93% of days in 2024 marked by extreme weather events like heatwaves, cyclones, and floods. These conditions threaten agriculture and water security, critical for environmental questions in exams.

To address these challenges, India has launched the Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) initiative, encouraging sustainable lifestyles to combat climate change, as noted by the World Economic Forum (India’s Climate Policy). This initiative, combined with efforts to scale up renewable energy, including nuclear power, reflects India’s commitment to its net-zero target by 2070.

Sports: IPL 2025 Highlights

In sports, the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 saw Sunrisers Hyderabad defeating Lucknow Super Giants by six wickets on May 19, 2025, eliminating LSG from the playoffs. Abhishek Sharma’s stellar performance was a highlight, as reported by The Hindu (IPL 2025 Match). While sports may not be a core exam topic, major events like the IPL can appear in general knowledge sections.

Conclusion: Preparing for Success

The events of May 20, 2025, span critical areas that are highly relevant for competitive exams. From Operation Sindoor and nuclear energy reforms to ISRO’s space achievements and climate change challenges, these developments provide a comprehensive view of India’s current landscape. For aspirants, understanding these topics in depth—beyond mere facts—can enhance answers in essays, interviews, and objective questions. By relying on credible sources like The Hindu, The Indian Express, and ISRO’s updates, this article equips you with the knowledge to stay ahead in your preparation. Keep reading, stay informed, and approach your exams with confidence.

Key Citations:

Daily quiz on current affairs with answers

Question 1: Which organization recently released a report highlighting a decline in person days generated under the MGNREGS scheme despite an increase in registered households?
Option 1: NITI Aayog
Option 2: LibTech India
Option 3: Reserve Bank of India
Option 4: Ministry of Rural Development
Option 5: National Statistical Office
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: On May 19, 2025, LibTech India released a report that exposed key implementation gaps in the MGNREGS scheme. Despite an 8.6% increase in registered households, person days dropped by 7.1%. The report emphasized low delivery of the promised 100 days of work and highlighted a shortfall in central funding. This is significant for evaluating rural employment trends and public expenditure effectiveness.

Question 2: What is the name of the military operation launched by India in response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, in April 2025?
Option 1: Operation Sindoor
Option 2: Operation Shakti
Option 3: Operation Rakshak
Option 4: Operation Prahaar
Option 5: Operation Vijay
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, 2025, in response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people. The operation involved precision strikes against terror camps in Pakistan and PoK and was described as proportionate and targeted. It represents India’s assertive stance on national security and counterterrorism policy.

Question 3: Which recent amendment is aimed at allowing private and foreign participation in India’s nuclear power sector?
Option 1: Environment Protection Act, 1986
Option 2: Nuclear Safety Regulatory Act
Option 3: Atomic Energy Act, 1962
Option 4: National Electricity Act, 2003
Option 5: Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: The proposed amendment to the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, seeks to limit the liability of equipment vendors in the event of a nuclear accident. Along with changes to the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, this would enable private and possibly foreign players to invest in and operate nuclear power plants in India. These reforms are crucial for expanding India’s nuclear energy capacity and attracting investment.

Question 4: Which neighboring country recently expressed disappointment after India closed land ports for garment exports without prior notice?
Option 1: Nepal
Option 2: Myanmar
Option 3: Sri Lanka
Option 4: Bangladesh
Option 5: Bhutan
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: Bangladesh criticized India’s sudden decision to close land ports for readymade garment exports. This unilateral move strained bilateral relations, especially given the importance of textile trade for Bangladesh’s economy. It underscores the need for better diplomatic coordination in regional trade policies.

Question 5: According to the Indian Economic Survey, India ranks as the ______ most vulnerable country to climate change.
Option 1: Fifth
Option 2: Tenth
Option 3: Seventh
Option 4: Third
Option 5: First
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The Indian Economic Survey has identified India as the seventh most vulnerable nation to climate change. In 2024 alone, 93% of the days experienced extreme weather events. These findings underline the urgency of climate resilience measures and the significance of initiatives like the LiFE campaign.

Question 6: Which cricketer’s performance was instrumental in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s win over Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025?
Option 1: Rahul Tripathi
Option 2: Aiden Markram
Option 3: Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Option 4: Nicholas Pooran
Option 5: Abhishek Sharma
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: Abhishek Sharma played a key role in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s six-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants on May 19, 2025. His impactful innings contributed to LSG’s elimination from the playoffs. While sports questions are rare, such standout performances in high-profile events like the IPL can feature in general awareness sections.

Question 7: What was the main goal of ISRO’s SPADEX mission, successfully executed in January 2025?
Option 1: Launch of a weather satellite
Option 2: Testing solar-powered satellites
Option 3: Space docking demonstration
Option 4: Manned spaceflight rehearsal
Option 5: Testing a new cryogenic engine
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The SPADEX mission successfully demonstrated space docking technology by docking two satellites—SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target). Conducted in January 2025, it positioned India as the fourth country in the world to achieve this feat. This mission is foundational for future space station and lunar missions under India’s growing space program.

Question 8: Which nation imposed visa restrictions targeting Indian travel agents facilitating illegal immigration?
Option 1: Canada
Option 2: United States
Option 3: Australia
Option 4: Germany
Option 5: United Kingdom
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The U.S. announced visa restrictions on Indian travel agents believed to be facilitating illegal immigration. This move is part of a broader effort by the U.S. to tighten immigration controls. It also highlights emerging challenges in Indo-U.S. bilateral relations related to people-to-people exchanges.

Question 9: How did the Indian Army thwart the drone attack on the Golden Temple attempted by Pakistan on May 7-8, 2025?
Option 1: By deploying Akash missiles and L-70 guns
Option 2: By using Rafale jets for aerial interception
Option 3: Through satellite-based early warning systems
Option 4: With the help of Israel’s Iron Dome
Option 5: By launching a retaliatory ground offensive
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: The Indian Army used indigenous Akash surface-to-air missiles and L-70 air defense guns to neutralize a drone and missile attack aimed at the Golden Temple. The operation displayed India’s advanced air defense capabilities and professionalism in avoiding collateral damage in a highly sensitive area.

Question 10: Who proposed the Vatican as a venue for peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in May 2025?
Option 1: Pope Francis
Option 2: Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Option 3: Emmanuel Macron
Option 4: Donald Trump
Option 5: Vladimir Putin
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: Former U.S. President Donald Trump proposed the Vatican as a neutral venue for Russia-Ukraine peace talks. He reportedly held talks with both Putin and Zelenskyy and European leaders. This development, if successful, could significantly alter global diplomatic dynamics surrounding the long-standing conflict.