Table of Contents

Current Affairs Report: May 23, 2025

For students preparing for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, and Banking, staying updated with current affairs is essential. This comprehensive report covers the significant events of May 23, 2025, drawing from trusted sources such as The Hindu (RBI Surplus Transfer), The Indian Express (Asiatic Lion Census), and others. From economic policies to international agreements, this report provides a detailed overview to help aspirants excel.

Politics and Governance

The Jain ritual of Santhara (Sallekhana), a practice of voluntary fasting unto death to achieve spiritual liberation, made headlines after a tragic incident in Indore. A three-year-old girl, diagnosed with a brain tumor, died after being administered Santhara, sparking ethical and legal debates (NDTV). In Jainism, Santhara is seen as a sacred act of renunciation, practiced under extreme conditions like terminal illness or old age, involving gradual withdrawal from food and water under religious supervision. The ritual aligns with Jain principles like Ahimsa (non-violence) and Aparigraha (non-possessiveness). Legally, the Rajasthan High Court in 2015 equated Santhara to suicide under Section 306 of the Indian Penal Code, but the Supreme Court stayed this ruling, protecting it under Article 25 of the Constitution, which guarantees religious freedom (The Hindu). The Indore case has reignited discussions, particularly about minors, as Indian law allows passive euthanasia only under strict conditions. This issue remains sensitive, balancing religious rights with legal protections, and is crucial for exam questions on ethics and governance.

Economic Developments

The Indian economy witnessed significant developments. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved a record surplus transfer of Rs 2.69 lakh crore to the Central Government for the fiscal year 2024-25, a substantial increase from the previous year’s Rs 2.11 lakh crore (Business Standard). This transfer, based on the Economic Capital Framework (ECF) recommended by the Bimal Jalan Committee, strengthens government finances, potentially reducing the fiscal deficit or funding welfare schemes. The Contingent Risk Buffer (CRB) was raised to 7.5%, reflecting cautious financial management.

Inflation trends were encouraging, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation dropping to 3.16% in April 2025, the lowest since July 2019, down from 3.34% in March (Trading Economics). This rate, below the RBI’s 4% target, was driven by a slowdown in food price increases to 1.78%. The decline strengthens the case for further rate cuts, following a 25 basis point reduction to 6.25% earlier in 2025, supporting economic growth amid global uncertainties (CNBC).

The stock market showed resilience, with the Nifty 50 closing at 24,447 on May 23, 2025, up 0.99%, supported by buying interest at lower levels (5paisa). The Bank Nifty remained stable, with analysts predicting consolidation between 53,500 and 56,000 (Times of India). These economic indicators are vital for banking and economic policy questions in exams.

Economic Indicator	Details
RBI Surplus Transfer	Rs 2.69 lakh crore for FY 2024-25, up from Rs 2.11 lakh crore
Inflation Rate	3.16% in April 2025, lowest since July 2019
Nifty 50	Closed at 24,447 on May 23, 2025, up 0.99%

Science and Technology

India advanced its scientific capabilities with the inauguration of Sagar Bhavan and Polar Bhavan at the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) in Goa on May 23, 2025. Union Minister Jitendra Singh highlighted their role in strengthening India’s blue economy and addressing climate concerns (ANI News). These facilities, among the few globally, will enhance research on polar and ocean studies, positioning India as a leader in ocean geopolitics by 2047, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat.

The Indian Navy inducted INSV Kaundinya, a traditionally built stitched ship, on May 21, 2025, at the Karwar naval base in Karnataka (PIB). Inspired by a 5th-century CE painting from the Ajanta Caves, the ship was constructed using ancient techniques, with wooden planks stitched together using coir ropes and natural resin, led by master shipwright Babu Sankaran. Named after the legendary mariner Kaundinya, it symbolizes India’s maritime heritage and is set to sail from Gujarat to Oman in late 2025, retracing ancient trade routes (Livemint). This project, a collaboration between the Ministry of Culture, Indian Navy, and Hodi Innovations, underscores India’s commitment to preserving its cultural legacy.

International Relations

On the global front, the World Health Organization (WHO) adopted its first Pandemic Agreement at the 78th World Health Assembly in May 2025, a landmark step after three years of negotiations (WHO). The agreement, adopted under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution, focuses on equitable access to vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments, and includes a Pathogen Access and Benefits Sharing (PABS) system. It will take effect after 60 ratifications, enhancing global preparedness for future pandemics, a critical topic for international relations questions.

The Chagos Islands sovereignty dispute saw progress as the UK signed an agreement on May 22, 2025, to transfer control to Mauritius, while retaining a 99-year lease for the Diego Garcia military base (The Guardian). India supported Mauritius’s claim, reinforcing its stance on decolonization. The deal faced a temporary legal challenge in the UK but was finalized, securing the US-UK military base and addressing the rights of displaced Chagossians (Reuters). This development highlights India’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean region.

India also assumed the chairmanship of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) for 2025-26 at the 67th Governing Body Meeting in Jakarta, led by Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia. The APO, founded in 1961 and based in Tokyo, promotes productivity across its 21 member countries, and India’s leadership will focus on Green Productivity 2.0 and regional collaboration (News on Air).

Environmental Initiatives

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change launched the “One Nation, One Mission: End Plastic Pollution” campaign on May 22, 2025, ahead of World Environment Day (Packaging Gateway). Led by Minister Bhupender Yadav, the campaign aligns with Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), encouraging eco-friendly alternatives and involving stakeholders like local governments and educational institutions. It addresses India’s significant plastic waste challenge, as the country emits 9.3 million tonnes annually, according to a 2024 study (Down To Earth).

Conservation efforts in Gujarat yielded positive results, with the 16th Asiatic Lion Census reporting a 32.2% increase in the Asiatic lion population, reaching 891 from 674 in 2020 (India Today). Conducted across 35,000 sq km in 11 districts, the census showed 44.22% of lions living outside protected areas, highlighting both conservation success and challenges like human-wildlife conflict. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the Asiatic lion as vulnerable, a step up from endangered in 2008, reflecting Gujarat’s efforts (Times of India).

Conservation Metric	Details
Asiatic Lion Population	891 in 2025, up 32.2% from 674 in 2020
Range Expansion	35,000 sq km across 11 districts, up 17%
Protected Areas	394 lions in Gir National Park and sanctuaries

Sports Achievements

In sports, Kanak Budhwar, a 17-year-old shooter from Haryana, won India’s first gold medal in the women’s 10m air pistol event at the ISSF Junior World Cup 2025 in Suhl, Germany (Free Press Journal). Scoring 239.0 in the final, she defeated Moldova’s Anna Dulce by 1.7 points, showcasing India’s growing strength in shooting sports. Another Indian, Prachi, qualified for the final, finishing fifth. India’s 57-member contingent competed in 17 medal events, reinforcing the country’s sporting prowess (Olympics).

Other Notable Developments

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) initiated a crackdown on the use of calcium carbide for fruit ripening, promoting safer alternatives like ethylene gas under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. This move ensures food safety and public health, a key topic for governance-related questions.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved acquisitions, including Jongsong Investments acquiring a stake in Haldiram Snacks Food Pvt Ltd and 360 ONE WAM acquiring Batlivala & Karani Securities, reflecting India’s dynamic business environment (Guidely).

The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) received an ‘Excellent’ rating from the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) for FY 2023-24, scoring 98+, highlighting its role in renewable energy under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

Conclusion

The events of May 23, 2025, offer a wealth of information for competitive exam aspirants. From the RBI’s record surplus transfer to the Santhara debate, India’s scientific advancements, global health agreements, environmental campaigns, and sporting achievements, these developments span critical areas of study. Understanding these topics not only prepares students for exams but also fosters a deeper awareness of India’s role in a rapidly changing world.

Key Citations:

Daily quiz on current affairs with answers

Question 1: Which constitutional article protects the practice of Santhara under religious freedom in India?
Option 1: Article 14
Option 2: Article 25
Option 3: Article 32
Option 4: Article 21
Option 5: Article 19
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: Article 25 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion. In the case of Santhara, the Supreme Court stayed the Rajasthan High Court’s 2015 judgment that equated it with suicide, thus recognizing it as a religious practice protected under Article 25. The issue gained renewed attention after a minor was administered the ritual in Indore, raising questions about religious freedom versus child protection.

Question 2: How much surplus did the Reserve Bank of India transfer to the central government for FY 2024-25?
Option 1: Rs 2.69 lakh crore
Option 2: Rs 2.11 lakh crore
Option 3: Rs 3.00 lakh crore
Option 4: Rs 1.95 lakh crore
Option 5: Rs 2.45 lakh crore
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: The RBI approved a record surplus transfer of Rs 2.69 lakh crore to the central government for the fiscal year 2024-25, a sharp increase from Rs 2.11 lakh crore in the previous year. This transfer, guided by the Bimal Jalan Committee’s Economic Capital Framework, will aid in reducing the fiscal deficit or financing welfare schemes.

Question 3: Who won India’s first gold medal at the ISSF Junior World Cup 2025 in Suhl, Germany?
Option 1: Prachi
Option 2: Anna Dulce
Option 3: Manu Bhaker
Option 4: Elavenil Valarivan
Option 5: Kanak Budhwar
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: Kanak Budhwar, a 17-year-old shooter from Haryana, clinched India’s first gold at the ISSF Junior World Cup 2025 in the 10m air pistol event with a score of 239.0, beating Moldova’s Anna Dulce. This victory highlighted India’s rising prominence in shooting sports.

Question 4: Which country recently signed an agreement with Mauritius to transfer control over the Chagos Islands?
Option 1: United States
Option 2: France
Option 3: India
Option 4: United Kingdom
Option 5: Australia
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: The United Kingdom signed an agreement on May 22, 2025, to hand over control of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, while retaining a 99-year lease on the Diego Garcia base. This geopolitical shift strengthens decolonization efforts and was supported by India.

Question 5: What was the CPI inflation rate in India for April 2025, the lowest since July 2019?
Option 1: 3.34%
Option 2: 4.12%
Option 3: 3.16%
Option 4: 2.89%
Option 5: 3.75%
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate in India dropped to 3.16% in April 2025, the lowest since July 2019. This decline was driven by reduced food inflation and is below the RBI’s target of 4%, bolstering prospects for further interest rate cuts.

Question 6: What unique feature distinguishes INSV Kaundinya, recently inducted by the Indian Navy?
Option 1: Nuclear propulsion
Option 2: Solar-powered engine
Option 3: Submersible capability
Option 4: Fiber-reinforced hull
Option 5: Stitched wooden construction
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: INSV Kaundinya is a traditional stitched ship constructed using wooden planks bound with coir rope and sealed with natural resin. Inspired by 5th-century Ajanta Cave art, it revives ancient maritime techniques and was inducted by the Indian Navy to preserve cultural heritage.

Question 7: Which newly inaugurated facility in Goa will enhance India’s ocean and polar research?
Option 1: Sagar Vikas Bhavan
Option 2: Deep Sea Research Hub
Option 3: Sagar Bhavan and Polar Bhavan
Option 4: Antarctic Mission Center
Option 5: Indian Ocean Sciences Institute
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) in Goa inaugurated Sagar Bhavan and Polar Bhavan to bolster India’s research on polar and marine environments. These facilities play a crucial role in India’s Blue Economy and climate strategies.

Question 8: Which organization did India assume the chairmanship of for the 2025-26 term?
Option 1: SAARC
Option 2: Asian Productivity Organization (APO)
Option 3: BIMSTEC
Option 4: Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)
Option 5: G20
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: India assumed the chairmanship of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) for 2025–26, with Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia leading the delegation. The APO, based in Tokyo, promotes productivity and regional cooperation among its 21 member nations, with India focusing on Green Productivity 2.0.

Question 9: What was the total number of Asiatic lions recorded in the 16th census conducted in 2025?
Option 1: 891
Option 2: 674
Option 3: 756
Option 4: 903
Option 5: 821
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: The 16th Asiatic Lion Census recorded 891 lions in Gujarat, a 32.2% rise from the 2020 figure of 674. The expansion of their range across 11 districts reflects effective conservation but also raises concerns over human-lion conflicts as many live outside protected zones.

Question 10: What is the name of the campaign launched by India to combat plastic pollution in 2025?
Option 1: Mission Clean Earth
Option 2: Bharat Plastic Mukt
Option 3: Swachh Plastic Abhiyan
Option 4: One Nation, One Mission: End Plastic Pollution
Option 5: Life without Plastic
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: On May 22, 2025, the Ministry of Environment launched “One Nation, One Mission: End Plastic Pollution” to address India’s plastic waste problem. Aligned with Mission LiFE, the campaign aims to promote eco-friendly alternatives and public participation across sectors.