Current Affairs Report: May 24, 2025

This detailed report covers the significant events of May 24, 2025, tailored for students preparing for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other government examinations. Drawing from credible sources such as The Hindu, The Indian Express, Times of India, Hindustan Times, Business Standard, Livemint, The Economic Times, Press Information Bureau (PIB), Reuters, and others, this article provides an in-depth, engaging, and reader-friendly analysis of key developments in politics, international relations, economy, science, environment, and sports. The content is structured to enhance readability and retention, with bold formatting for critical terms and proper nouns to aid quick identification of exam-relevant points.

Politics and Governance: Charting India’s Future

On May 24, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 10th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The meeting, themed Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat@2047, brought together Chief Ministers, Lieutenant Governors, Union Ministers, and NITI Aayog officials to discuss strategies for making India a developed nation by 2047. The focus was on leveraging each state’s unique strengths to drive transformative changes in areas like human development, economic growth, sustainability, technology, and governance reforms. Discussions emphasized data-driven processes, outcome-based transformations, and the establishment of Project Monitoring Units and Monitoring & Evaluation Cells to ensure effective policy implementation. The meeting built on insights from the 4th National Conference of Chief Secretaries held in December 2024, which highlighted entrepreneurship, skilling, and sustainable employment as key drivers of India’s demographic dividend. Topics included fostering manufacturing and services in Tier 2 and 3 cities, supporting MSMEs, and promoting a green economy through renewable energy and circular economy initiatives. This event underscores India’s commitment to cooperative federalism, a recurring theme in exam questions related to governance and policy-making.

Table: Key Details of NITI Aayog Meeting

International Relations: Tensions at the UNSC

India made headlines at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on May 24, 2025, with a strong rebuttal to Pakistan’s remarks on civilian protection. Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish accused Pakistan of hypocrisy, citing its support for terrorism, particularly in the context of the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, which claimed 26 civilian lives. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting nine terror-related sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), including Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi and Rahim Yar Khan airbase. Pakistan retaliated with cross-border shelling and drone attacks, leading to over 20 civilian deaths and 80 injuries in Jammu and Kashmir, with damage to gurudwaras, temples, and medical facilities. A ceasefire was established on May 10, but tensions persisted. India also criticized Pakistan for violating the Indus Waters Treaty, accusing it of economic sabotage through terror attacks. These developments highlight the complex dynamics of India-Pakistan relations, a critical topic for exams, especially in the context of bilateral agreements and global forums like the UNSC.

Economic Milestones: A Global Powerhouse

India achieved a historic milestone by becoming the world’s fourth-largest economy, overtaking Japan, with a USD 4 trillion economy, as announced by NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam. Based on IMF data, India now trails only the US, China, and Germany, with projections indicating it could surpass Germany to become the third-largest economy within 2.5 to 3 years. This growth is driven by a favorable geopolitical environment and cost advantages in manufacturing, positioning India as a global economic leader. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) further bolstered the economy by approving a record surplus transfer of Rs 2,68,590.07 crore to the central government for the financial year 2024-25, a 27% increase from the previous year’s Rs 2.11 lakh crore. This transfer, fueled by exchange gains from dollar sales and higher revenue from foreign assets, is expected to reduce the fiscal deficit by approximately 20 basis points to 4.2% of GDP or enable additional spending of around Rs 70,000 crore. The RBI also raised its Contingent Risk Buffer (CRB) to 7.5% of its balance sheet, a prudent move to mitigate potential revaluation losses on forex reserves amid rising US treasury yields. These economic developments are crucial for understanding India’s fiscal policy and global economic standing.

Table: Economic Highlights

Science and Technology: A Setback for ISRO

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) faced a rare setback on May 24, 2025, when its PSLV-C61 rocket, carrying the EOS-9 Earth observation satellite, failed 6.26 minutes into flight. Traveling at 20,160 km per hour and 888 km from Sriharikota over the Indian Ocean, the rocket’s third-stage motor, which uses solid fuel, experienced a suspected fibre casing rupture, leading to a chamber pressure fall. A National Failure Analysis Committee, comprising experts from IISc and IITs, was formed to investigate, with a report expected by mid-June. This marks only the fourth failure in 63 PSLV launches, maintaining a 94% reliability rate. ISRO has paused future launches pending the committee’s findings, and an internal audit is underway to review all systems. This incident is significant for understanding India’s space program and its contributions to scientific advancements.

Environmental Developments: Monsoon and Climate Challenges

The southwest monsoon arrived in India on May 24, 2025, eight days earlier than the usual June 1 date, marking the earliest onset since May 23, 2009. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the monsoon covered Kerala, parts of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Mizoram, with expectations of spreading to Goa, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and northeastern states within days. The IMD forecasts above-average rainfall for 2025, ranging from 96% to 104% of the 50-year average of 87 cm, which could significantly benefit agriculture and water resources. However, a survey by the Yale Program and CVoter revealed that 71% of 10,751 Indians experienced severe heatwaves, floods, water shortages, or irregular monsoons between December 2024 and February 2025, underscoring the growing impact of climate change. These environmental updates are vital for exam sections on geography and environmental challenges.

Table: Monsoon Details

Sports: Cricket Takes Center Stage

In cricket, Shubman Gill was named India’s 37th Test captain for the five-Test series against England, starting June 20, 2025, in Leeds. Rishabh Pant was appointed his deputy, following Rohit Sharma’s retirement from Test cricket. The 18-member squad, selected by a panel led by Ajit Agarkar, includes players like Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair, signaling a blend of youth and experience. This transition is a pivotal moment for Indian cricket, often featured in exam questions on sports achievements. In the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Sunrisers Hyderabad secured a 42-run victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Ekana Stadium, Lucknow, with Ishan Kishan scoring a remarkable 94 runs. This match highlights the continued popularity and competitive nature of the IPL.

Table: Cricket Highlights

Additional Developments

Health concerns resurfaced with Delhi reporting 23 COVID-19 cases by May 22, 2025, prompting an advisory for hospital preparedness. Similar cases were reported in Ahmedabad (20), Karnataka (35), and Ghaziabad (4), with samples sent for genome sequencing to monitor variants. In law and order, four Maoists were killed in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, reflecting ongoing security challenges. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu pushed for amending the Reorganisation Act to recognize Amaravati as the state capital, alongside promoting aerospace, defence, and green energy projects. These developments provide additional context for exam topics like public health, internal security, and state policies.

This report offers a comprehensive and engaging overview of the key events of May 24, 2025, designed to equip students with the knowledge needed to excel in competitive exams. By focusing on credible sources and presenting information in a clear, storytelling format, this article aims to be a valuable resource for aspirants seeking a competitive edge.

Key Citations:

• PM to Chair 10th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog
• India slams Pakistan’s ‘grossly hypocritical’ remarks at UN
• India Becomes World’s Fourth Largest Economy
• RBI board clears record surplus transfer
• ISRO Rocket Fails 7 Minutes Into Flight
• India’s monsoon rains arrive 8 days early
• 71% Indians experienced severe heatwave
• India’s squad for England Test series
• IPL 2025, RCB vs SRH

Daily quiz on current affairs with answers

Question 1: Who has been appointed as India’s 37th Test cricket captain ahead of the five-match Test series against England in June 2025?
Option 1: Rishabh Pant
Option 2: Rohit Sharma
Option 3: Karun Nair
Option 4: Hardik Pandya
Option 5: Shubman Gill
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: Shubman Gill has been named as the 37th Test captain of the Indian cricket team for the upcoming Test series against England, starting on June 20, 2025. He replaces Rohit Sharma, who recently retired from Test cricket. Rishabh Pant has been appointed as the vice-captain. This leadership transition reflects the emphasis on grooming the next generation of Indian cricket talent.

Question 2: What was the primary cause of the PSLV-C61 mission failure on May 24, 2025?
Option 1: Software glitch in onboard systems
Option 2: Fuel leakage in the first-stage engine
Option 3: Suspected rupture in the third-stage motor fibre casing
Option 4: Guidance system failure
Option 5: Satellite separation error
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: ISRO’s PSLV-C61 mission failed due to a suspected rupture in the third-stage solid-fuel motor’s fibre casing, leading to a drop in chamber pressure just over six minutes into the launch. The failure occurred while the rocket was traveling at high speed over the Indian Ocean. A National Failure Analysis Committee was formed to investigate the issue, highlighting the complexities and risks involved in space missions.

Question 3: India recently overtook which country to become the world’s fourth-largest economy in terms of GDP?
Option 1: Germany
Option 2: France
Option 3: Japan
Option 4: United Kingdom
Option 5: Brazil
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: As of May 24, 2025, India has overtaken Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy with a GDP of USD 4 trillion. This growth is credited to India’s strong manufacturing sector, geopolitical advantages, and efficient use of its demographic dividend. The countries now ahead of India in GDP terms are the US, China, and Germany.

Question 4: Which of the following was one of the targets of India’s Operation Sindoor in May 2025?
Option 1: Abbottabad Military Base
Option 2: Nur Khan Airbase, Rawalpindi
Option 3: Karachi Port Complex
Option 4: Islamabad Parliament House
Option 5: Gwadar Naval Base
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: Operation Sindoor, launched by India on May 7, 2025, was a retaliatory strike following the Pahalgam terror attack. Among the targeted sites was the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. The operation aimed at neutralizing terror-linked infrastructures across Pakistan and PoK, reflecting India’s assertive counterterrorism strategy at the global stage.

Question 5: Where was the 10th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog held on May 24, 2025?
Option 1: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
Option 2: Hyderabad International Convention Centre
Option 3: Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi
Option 4: Pragati Maidan, New Delhi
Option 5: Rashtrapati Bhavan
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: The 10th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog took place at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Themed “Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat@2047”, the meeting focused on collaborative governance and harnessing state-specific strengths to propel India toward becoming a developed nation by 2047.

Question 6: What is the revised Contingent Risk Buffer (CRB) rate announced by the Reserve Bank of India for 2024-25?
Option 1: 7.0%
Option 2: 7.5%
Option 3: 6.0%
Option 4: 8.0%
Option 5: 6.5%
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The Reserve Bank of India increased the Contingent Risk Buffer (CRB) from 6.5% to 7.5% of its balance sheet for 2024-25. This move is aimed at cushioning potential losses due to foreign exchange revaluations and global economic volatility, especially in the context of rising U.S. Treasury yields. The CRB serves as a safety reserve, and its hike reflects a proactive risk management approach.

Question 7: What percentage of surveyed Indians reported experiencing extreme weather events such as heatwaves or floods between December 2024 and February 2025?
Option 1: 52%
Option 2: 63%
Option 3: 68%
Option 4: 71%
Option 5: 59%
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: According to a joint survey by the Yale Program and CVoter, 71% of 10,751 Indians reported experiencing at least one extreme weather event, such as heatwaves, floods, water shortages, or irregular monsoons between December 2024 and February 2025. This data highlights the pressing impact of climate change on the Indian population and underlines the importance of sustainable environmental policies.

Question 8: Who represented India at the United Nations Security Council in response to Pakistan’s statements on civilian protection in May 2025?
Option 1: Ruchira Kamboj
Option 2: T. S. Tirumurti
Option 3: Parvathaneni Harish
Option 4: Jaishankar Subrahmanyam
Option 5: Syed Akbaruddin
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: Parvathaneni Harish, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, delivered a strong rebuttal at the UNSC, calling out Pakistan for its double standards on civilian protection and terrorism. His remarks came after Pakistan referenced the April 2025 Pahalgam attack. India’s stance emphasized the need for global accountability and counter-terror cooperation.

Question 9: When did the southwest monsoon officially arrive in India in 2025?
Option 1: May 24
Option 2: May 28
Option 3: June 1
Option 4: May 30
Option 5: May 22
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: The southwest monsoon made its earliest arrival since 2009 on May 24, 2025, covering Kerala and parts of southern and northeastern India. The India Meteorological Department expects above-average rainfall this season, which could significantly impact agriculture and reservoir levels positively.

Question 10: Which team won the IPL 2025 match held at Ekana Stadium, Lucknow, on May 24, and who was the standout performer?
Option 1: Royal Challengers Bengaluru; Virat Kohli
Option 2: Gujarat Titans; Shubman Gill
Option 3: Chennai Super Kings; Ruturaj Gaikwad
Option 4: Sunrisers Hyderabad; Ishan Kishan
Option 5: Delhi Capitals; Prithvi Shaw
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: On May 24, 2025, Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 42 runs in an IPL 2025 match held at Ekana Stadium, Lucknow. Ishan Kishan emerged as the key performer, scoring 94 runs, demonstrating his potential as a future T20 stalwart for India.