Table of Contents

Current Affairs Report for May 21, 2025

On May 21, 2025, India witnessed a flurry of significant developments across politics, economy, security, space exploration, and international relations, all of which are crucial for aspirants preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other government exams. This comprehensive report weaves together the day’s top stories, drawing from credible sources like The Hindu, The Indian Express, Times of India, Business Standard, The Economic Times, Press Information Bureau (PIB), Reuters, and Down To Earth, to provide a detailed and engaging narrative. The focus is on delivering a resource that not only informs but also captivates, helping students gain a competitive edge.

Politics and Governance: Judicial and Legislative Updates

The Supreme Court was at the center of several high-profile cases on May 21, 2025, shaping India’s governance landscape. A key hearing revolved around the Waqf Act amendments, where the Centre argued that non-Muslims in Waqf Boards are limited to two members, ensuring they remain a minority. This sparked debate, with petitioners challenging the amendments’ implications for religious autonomy. The court’s deliberations highlight the delicate balance between secular governance and religious institutions, a topic often tested in UPSC exams for its constitutional significance (Waqf Act Hearing).

In another significant ruling, the Supreme Court granted interim bail to Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, arrested by Haryana Police on May 18, 2025, for social media posts related to Operation Sindoor. The court barred him from making further online comments on the Pahalgam attack or Operation Sindoor and ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter. This case underscores the tension between free speech and national security, a recurring theme in governance discussions (Interim Bail).

The Supreme Court also addressed a plea seeking an FIR against Justice Yashwant Varma over half-burnt currency found at his residence but refused to entertain it, emphasizing judicial integrity. Additionally, it granted anticipatory bail to former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, accused of cheating and misusing quotas, directing her to cooperate with the investigation. These rulings reflect the judiciary’s pivotal role in upholding accountability (Puja Khedkar Bail).

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) made headlines by claiming a prima facie money laundering case against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald matter, presenting arguments before a Delhi court. This development adds to the political discourse, often a focal point in competitive exams (National Herald Case).

The Tamil Nadu government moved the Supreme Court to transfer a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) from the Madras High Court, challenging laws that limit the Governor’s power to appoint Vice-Chancellors. This move highlights ongoing Centre-State tensions, a critical topic for UPSC aspirants studying federalism (Tamil Nadu PIL).

Governance Event	Details	Relevance for Exams
Waqf Act Amendments	Centre defends limited non-Muslim inclusion in Waqf Boards	Constitutional law, secularism
Ali Khan Mahmudabad Bail	Interim bail granted, SIT formed for social media posts	Free speech vs. national security
Puja Khedkar Case	Anticipatory bail granted to ex-IAS probationer	Ethics in public administration
National Herald Case	ED claims money laundering against Congress leaders	Political accountability
Tamil Nadu PIL	Move to transfer PIL on Governor’s powers	Centre-State relations

Internal Security: A Blow to Maoist Insurgency

In a major boost to India’s internal security, a fierce encounter in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur on May 21, 2025, resulted in the elimination of 27 Maoists, including top leader Basavaraju. The operation, hailed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, saw one District Reserve Guard (DRG) member killed, underscoring the risks faced by security forces. This development strengthens India’s efforts to curb Naxalite insurgency, a key focus area for UPSC and SSC exams under internal security (Chhattisgarh Encounter).

Reports of drone-like objects spotted over Kolkata’s sky also raised security concerns, with investigations underway to determine their origin. Such incidents highlight the growing challenge of unmanned aerial systems in urban security, a topic gaining traction in defense-related questions (Kolkata Drones).

Economy: Resilience Amid Global Uncertainty

India’s economy showcased resilience on May 21, 2025, despite global trade challenges. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in its May bulletin, emphasized that India’s robust domestic growth drivers and low dependence on exports position it well against U.S. tariff threats and geopolitical tensions, including those with Pakistan. Moody’s Ratings echoed this sentiment, noting India’s ability to navigate trade disruptions, though it revised the 2025 growth forecast to 6.3% from 6.7% due to inflation concerns (RBI Bulletin).

The stock market reflected this optimism, with the Sensex closing at 81,596.63, up 410.19 points (0.51%), and the Nifty at 24,813.45, up 129.55 points (0.52%). Gains were driven by heavy buying in HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and other blue-chip stocks like Bajaj Finserv and Tata Steel, supported by positive trends in Asian markets. However, stocks like IndusInd Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank lagged (Stock Market Highlights).

The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) data for May 2025 indicated strong growth in the services sector, despite rising inflation pressures, further bolstering economic confidence. Companies like TeamLease reported expectations of revenue growth, driven by demand in manufacturing and consumer sectors (PMI Data).

Economic Indicator	Value/Status	Key Insight
Sensex	81,596.63 (+0.51%)	Driven by banking and steel stocks
Nifty	24,813.45 (+0.52%)	Positive Asian market trends
RBI Outlook	Resilient economy	Low export dependence
Moody’s Forecast	6.3% growth for 2025	Revised down due to inflation
PMI Data	Strong services growth	Inflation pressures noted

Science and Technology: A Leap into Space

India’s space program reached a new milestone with preparations for Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), a private spaceflight to the International Space Station (ISS) organized by Axiom Space in collaboration with NASA. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force (IAF) officer and ISRO astronaut, is set to become the first Indian to visit the ISS, with Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair as the backup. Scheduled for launch around May 29, 2025, from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, the mission will see the crew spend 14 days conducting experiments in microgravity, focusing on materials science, biology, and Earth observation. This marks India’s return to human spaceflight after over 40 years, a landmark achievement for ISRO and a key topic for science and technology questions (Axiom Mission 4).

The Pint of Science festival, making its India debut from May 19 to 21, 2025, captivated audiences in three cities, promoting public engagement with science. This event underscores India’s growing emphasis on science communication (Pint of Science).

Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) adopted a Pandemic Agreement on May 21, 2025, to strengthen health preparedness, a move India endorsed, reflecting its commitment to global health innovation (Pandemic Agreement).

International Relations: Diplomacy in Focus

India’s diplomatic engagements were prominent on May 21, 2025. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar concluded a visit to the Netherlands (May 19-20) and interacted with the Indian community in Copenhagen, Denmark, as part of a six-day tour that included Germany (May 19-24, 2025). His discussions with European leaders focused on strengthening bilateral relations in trade, technology, renewable energy, and climate action, while also briefing them on Operation Sindoor and India’s stance against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. The Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany expressed solidarity with India post the Pahalgam attack, highlighting global support for India’s security concerns (Jaishankar Visit).

The expulsion of a Pakistani official from New Delhi on espionage charges, followed by Pakistan’s reciprocal action, underscored the fragile state of India-Pakistan relations. These events, linked to the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, indicate ongoing diplomatic challenges (Diplomat Expulsion).

India also signed agreements with RUssia, France, and the U.S. for nuclear technology exchange, enhancing its global standing in energy and technology cooperation (Nuclear Agreements).

Environment: Global and Local Concerns

Environmental developments on May 21, 2025, included NASA satellite data revealing the breakup of the world’s largest iceberg into thousands of pieces, raising concerns about climate change and its impact on polar ecosystems. This event, reported by NDTV, underscores the urgency of global climate action, a key topic for UPSC aspirants studying environmental challenges (Iceberg Breakup).

The WHO’s Pandemic Agreement also ties into environmental health, as it aims to prepare nations for climate-driven health crises, with India playing a supportive role in global forums (Pandemic Agreement).

Defense: Operation Sindoor and Beyond

Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, 2025, was a defining moment in India’s defense strategy. Triggered by the Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22, 2025, which killed 26 civilians, India conducted 24 precision strikes on nine terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and POJK, targeting groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Muhammad. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the operation as a “proportionate response” to Pakistan-backed terrorism. Pakistan claimed civilian casualties and retaliated, leading to a four-day conflict until a U.S.-brokered ceasefire on May 10, 2025. On May 21, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut criticized the Centre for sending MPs to countries like Liberia and Congo, unrelated to the India-Pakistan issue, highlighting domestic political debates over foreign policy (Operation Sindoor).

Defense Event	Details	Impact
Operation Sindoor	24 strikes on terrorist sites	Strengthened anti-terror stance
Ceasefire	U.S.-brokered on May 10	Temporary de-escalation
Diplomatic Fallout	Mutual expulsion of diplomats	Strained India-Pakistan ties

Sports: IPL and Emerging Trends

Sports news on May 21, 2025, focused on the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) player Digvesh Rathi banned for one match after an altercation with Abhishek Sharma. LSG became the fifth team eliminated from the IPL 2025 playoffs, while Saurabh Tiwary, a former cricketer, won the JSCA cricket elections, signaling his influence in sports administration (IPL Updates).

A concerning incident involved a young cricketer’s family in Karnataka losing over ₹24 lakh to cyber fraudsters posing as IPL selectors, highlighting the need for cybersecurity awareness, a growing topic in competitive exams (Cyber Fraud).

Conclusion

The events of May 21, 2025, reflect India’s dynamic role on the global stage, from navigating India-Pakistan tensions to advancing space exploration and maintaining economic resilience. For students preparing for UPSC, SSC, or Banking exams, understanding these developments—spanning governance, security, economy, science, and international relations—provides a comprehensive foundation for success. By staying informed through credible sources, aspirants can gain a competitive edge in their preparation.

Key Citations

Daily quiz on current affairs with answers

Question 1:
Which constitutional issue was highlighted in the Supreme Court hearing on the Waqf Act amendments on May 21, 2025?
Option 1: Reservation for Muslims in Parliament
Option 2: Inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf Boards
Option 3: Removal of minority status of Waqf institutions
Option 4: Role of the President in religious appointments
Option 5: Amendment of the Places of Worship Act
Answer: Option 2
Explanation:
The Supreme Court hearing on the Waqf Act amendments addressed the constitutional concern over secular governance and religious autonomy. The Centre defended the provision allowing only two non-Muslim members in Waqf Boards, ensuring they remain a minority. The petitioners challenged this, citing discrimination and questioning the balance of secularism in religious institutions—a key constitutional theme.

Question 2:
Which of the following developments on May 21, 2025, involved the Enforcement Directorate (ED)?
Option 1: Interim bail granted to an ISRO scientist
Option 2: Money laundering case against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi
Option 3: ED raids on illegal sand mining sites in Punjab
Option 4: Seizure of cryptocurrency from darknet transactions
Option 5: Arrest of a top Maoist leader in Odisha
Answer: Option 5
Explanation:
The ED presented arguments in a Delhi court claiming a prima facie case of money laundering against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case. This is a politically sensitive issue involving financial transparency and political accountability. The court proceedings are expected to have long-term political and legal implications.

Question 3:
Who was granted anticipatory bail by the Supreme Court on May 21, 2025, in a case involving misuse of caste quota and alleged cheating?
Option 1: Puja Khedkar
Option 2: Sanjay Raut
Option 3: Justice Yashwant Varma
Option 4: Ali Khan Mahmudabad
Option 5: Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair
Answer: Option 1
Explanation:
Former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar was granted anticipatory bail by the Supreme Court. She was accused of cheating and misuse of quota benefits during her civil service selection. The court directed her to cooperate with the investigation, highlighting concerns around ethics in public administration—a recurrent theme in civil service examinations.

Question 4:
What is the main objective of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), involving Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla?
Option 1: Moon landing mission with ISRO and NASA collaboration
Option 2: Military satellite launch to monitor Pakistan
Option 3: Private spaceflight to the International Space Station
Option 4: Deployment of AI-based weather satellites
Option 5: Unmanned Mars rover testing
Answer: Option 3
Explanation:
Ax-4 is a private spaceflight organized by Axiom Space in collaboration with NASA, where Indian Air Force officer and ISRO astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will travel to the International Space Station (ISS). This mission signifies India’s return to human spaceflight after four decades, contributing to scientific research in microgravity and marking a milestone in India’s space ambitions.

Question 5:
Which global event on May 21, 2025, prompted concerns about climate change due to disintegration of a natural formation?
Option 1: Melting of Himalayan glaciers
Option 2: Australian bushfire season escalation
Option 3: Amazon rainforest wildfires
Option 4: Breakup of the world’s largest iceberg
Option 5: Dust storm in the Middle East
Answer: Option 4
Explanation:
NASA satellite data confirmed the breakup of the world’s largest iceberg into thousands of fragments, raising alarms over the accelerated effects of climate change on polar regions. Such occurrences have significant implications for global sea-level rise and ecological stability and are often cited in environmental policy and geography studies.

Question 6:
Which entity revised India’s 2025 growth forecast from 6.7% to 6.3% due to inflationary pressures?
Option 1: International Monetary Fund
Option 2: World Bank
Option 3: NITI Aayog
Option 4: Reserve Bank of India
Option 5: Moody’s Ratings
Answer: Option 5
Explanation:
Moody’s Ratings revised India’s projected growth for 2025 from 6.7% to 6.3%, citing concerns over inflation despite noting the country’s strong domestic demand and low export dependence. The report reflects the nuanced balance India must maintain between growth and macroeconomic stability amid global economic disruptions.

Question 7:
Which leader’s remarks on India’s foreign policy post-Operation Sindoor sparked controversy on May 21, 2025?
Option 1: Sanjay Raut
Option 2: Rajnath Singh
Option 3: Dr. S. Jaishankar
Option 4: Rahul Gandhi
Option 5: Sonia Gandhi
Answer: Option 1
Explanation:
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut criticized the government for sending MPs to countries like Liberia and Congo shortly after Operation Sindoor, questioning the relevance of such foreign visits during a period of national security tension. His comments fueled a political debate on foreign policy priorities and internal security.

Question 8:
Which incident led to public concern over cyber security in the context of sports?
Option 1: Match-fixing in IPL 2025
Option 2: Data breach in BCCI’s digital platforms
Option 3: Cyber fraud involving fake IPL selectors
Option 4: Hacking of IPL fantasy league apps
Option 5: Use of spyware during international cricket tours
Answer: Option 3
Explanation:
A family in Karnataka lost over ₹24 lakh to cyber criminals posing as IPL selectors, showcasing the growing threat of cyber fraud in sports-related contexts. This incident stresses the importance of digital literacy and cybersecurity, especially with rising online engagement in sports domains.

Question 9:
What did the RBI’s May 2025 bulletin emphasize about India’s economic strategy amid global tensions?
Option 1: Increased reliance on exports to boost GDP
Option 2: Transition to a digital-only economy
Option 3: Robust domestic demand shielding from global risks
Option 4: Greater dependence on Chinese manufacturing
Option 5: Use of crypto assets to stabilize currency
Answer: Option 3
Explanation:
The RBI’s bulletin stated that India’s economy remains resilient due to its strong domestic consumption base and lower dependence on exports, providing a buffer against global tensions like U.S. tariffs and regional geopolitical instability. This insight is essential for understanding India’s economic strategy in an interconnected world.

Question 10:
Which significant event in Chhattisgarh on May 21, 2025, marked a success in India’s fight against Maoist insurgency?
Option 1: Rescue of abducted civilians in Bastar
Option 2: Arrest of Maoist leader Kishenji
Option 3: Killing of 27 Maoists including Basavaraju
Option 4: Seizure of Maoist arms cache in Odisha
Option 5: Ambush of CRPF convoy near Dantewada
Answer: Option 2
Explanation:
Security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur eliminated 27 Maoists, including top leader Basavaraju, in a major encounter. This is a crucial achievement in India’s long-standing internal security battle against Naxalite insurgency, showing improved intelligence and operational coordination in conflict zones.

Post Views: 37