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Current Affairs Report: May 29, 2025

India’s dynamic landscape of politics, economy, international relations, defense, environment, and sports was vividly showcased on May 29, 2025. This comprehensive report, tailored for students preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other government exams, draws from credible sources like The Hindu, Hindustan Times, Indian Express, and others to provide an engaging and detailed overview of the day’s key events. The following sections weave together the major developments, ensuring clarity and relevance for aspirants aiming to stay ahead in their studies.

Politics and Governance

The political scene in India was charged with significant developments on May 29, 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at a rally in Alipurduar, West Bengal, launched a sharp critique against the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government. He accused the TMC of fostering an environment of violence, corruption, and lawlessness, specifically pointing to the Murshidabad violence and the teacher recruitment scam in West Bengal. The Murshidabad violence refers to recent clashes that have disrupted peace in the region, while the teacher recruitment scam involves allegations of irregularities in hiring processes, affecting thousands of educators and their families. Modi’s remarks, reported by The Hindu, aimed to highlight governance failures, urging voters to reconsider their support for the TMC.

In a separate political controversy, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor faced criticism from his own party after praising India’s response to terrorism, particularly referencing the 2016 surgical strikes conducted post the Uri attack. His comments, part of an all-party delegation during Operation Sindoor, led to Congress leader Udit Raj labeling him a “super spokesperson” for the BJP. Tharoor clarified that his remarks focused solely on reprisals against terrorist attacks, dismissing critics as “zealots,” as noted by The Hindu and Hindustan Times. This internal discord within the Congress underscores the sensitivity of national security narratives in Indian politics.

Judicial developments also marked the day. On May 26, 2025, three new judges—Justices N.V. Anjaria, Vijay Bishnoi, and A.S. Chandurkar—were appointed to the Supreme Court, strengthening the apex court’s bench, as reported by The Hindu. Additionally, the Allahabad High Court Bar Association welcomed the Centre’s move to impeach Justice Yashwant Verma, emphasizing the need to maintain public trust in the judiciary, according to The Hindu. In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court quashed an FIR accusing a man of raping a woman on the pretext of marriage, terming the allegations a “bundle of lies,” as per Hindustan Times. This decision reinforces the judiciary’s commitment to evidence-based justice.

Prime Minister Modi also made a bold statement on Operation Sindoor, asserting that it is ongoing and that India has struck Pakistan three times within its territory, as reported by Hindustan Times. This claim, tied to India’s response to cross-border terrorism, highlights the government’s firm stance on national security. Additionally, a Delhi court issued a notice on Arvind Kejriwal’s plea for passport renewal in the Delhi excise policy case, indicating ongoing legal scrutiny of political figures, as noted by Hindustan Times.

Economy

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released its annual report on May 29, 2025, projecting that India will remain the world’s fastest-growing major economy in FY26. The report, covered by The Hindu, attributes this optimism to India’s robust macroeconomic fundamentals, a resilient financial sector, and a commitment to sustainable growth. It notes a benign inflation outlook and a moderation in GDP expansion, suggesting that monetary policy should continue to support economic growth. This projection is crucial for students, as it reflects India’s economic stability and policy direction, key topics for UPSC and Banking exams.

In a significant step towards digital financial innovation, the circulation of the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), or e-rupee, surged to ₹1,016 crore by March 2025, up from ₹234 crore the previous year, as reported by The Hindu. The RBI is also exploring pilot programs for cross-border payments using CBDC, signaling a push to modernize India’s financial infrastructure. This development is noteworthy for Banking aspirants, as digital currencies are increasingly relevant in financial policy discussions.

Taxpayers were reminded of the Income Tax Return (ITR) filing deadline for FY 2024-25 (assessment year 2025-26). The Indian Express reported that if the deadline is missed, a belated return can be filed by December 31, 2025, with applicable penalties and interest (Indian Express). This information is vital for students preparing for exams that cover taxation and financial regulations.

International Relations

India’s diplomatic engagements on May 29, 2025, reflected its assertive stance on regional and global issues. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed confidence that the people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) would voluntarily join India, emphasizing dialogue with Pakistan on terrorism and PoK, as reported by The Hindu. This statement comes amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions, particularly following the Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent military actions.

India rejected claims by a US official that it used trade to halt hostilities with Pakistan, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarifying that trade was not discussed in ceasefire talks, as noted by Hindustan Times. The MEA also addressed regional concerns, urging Bangladesh to hold inclusive, free, and fair elections to strengthen democratic processes, according to Hindustan Times. Additionally, India called on Canada to curb pro-Khalistan extremist activities, highlighting potential strains in bilateral relations (Hindustan Times).

In a boost to defense cooperation, India and the European Union (EU) announced a joint naval exercise in the Indian Ocean scheduled for June 13, 2025, as reported by Hindustan Times. This exercise aims to enhance maritime security and strengthen ties between India and the EU, a key topic for UPSC aspirants studying international relations.

Defense

India’s defense sector showcased remarkable achievements and vigilance on May 29, 2025. Two Indian Navy women officers completed a historic circumnavigation of the world, earning praise from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for their determination and skill, as reported by Hindustan Times. This feat highlights the growing role of women in India’s armed forces.

In a concerning security breach, a man from Thane was arrested for allegedly sharing sensitive information with Pakistan after being honeytrapped, as per Hindustan Times. This incident underscores the need for robust cybersecurity measures, a critical area for UPSC and SSC exams.

To ensure safety during the Amarnath Yatra, 580 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) were deployed in Jammu and Kashmir, as reported by Hindustan Times. This deployment reflects India’s commitment to securing major religious events amidst ongoing security challenges.

Environment

The Kerala government declared the sinking of the MSC ELSA-3 ship off the Kochi coast on May 24, 2025, a state disaster, as reported by The Hindu. The shipwreck, located 14.6 nautical miles off the coast, poses significant environmental and economic threats to Kerala’s 640 km coastline. This declaration mobilizes resources to mitigate potential damage, a key concern for environmental studies in competitive exams.

Sports

Sports enthusiasts had much to celebrate on May 29, 2025. India’s 4x400m men’s relay team, comprising Rince Joseph, Dharmveer Choudhary, Manu Thekkinalil Saji, and Mohit Kumar, qualified for the final at the Asian Athletics Championships with a stellar time of 3:06.67, as reported by The Hindu. This performance marks their best yet, raising hopes for a medal.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 was in its thrilling playoff stage, with the Qualifier 1 match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) drawing significant attention. The clash between captains Shreyas Iyer and Rajat Patidar was a highlight, as noted by Outlook India. The IPL’s popularity makes it a relevant topic for students tracking sports achievements.

Summary Table of Key Events

Category	Event	Key Details
Politics & Governance	PM Modi Criticizes TMC	Accused TMC of violence and corruption in West Bengal (The Hindu).
	Tharoor-Congress Controversy	Shashi Tharoor faced backlash over 2016 surgical strikes remarks (Hindustan Times).
	Supreme Court Appointments	Three new judges appointed on May 26, 2025 (The Hindu).
	Supreme Court Ruling	Quashed false rape FIR (Hindustan Times).
Economy	RBI Economic Forecast	India to remain fastest-growing economy in FY26 (The Hindu).
	E-Rupee Growth	Circulation reached ₹1,016 crore (The Hindu).
International Relations	India-Pakistan Tensions	Rajnath Singh on PoK and Operation Sindoor (The Hindu).
	India-EU Naval Exercise	Scheduled for June 13, 2025 (Hindustan Times).
Defense	Naval Officers’ Circumnavigation	Two women officers praised by Rajnath Singh (Hindustan Times).
	CAPF Deployment	580 companies for Amarnath Yatra (Hindustan Times).
Environment	Kochi Shipwreck	Declared state disaster by Kerala (The Hindu).
Sports	4x400m Relay Team	Qualified for Asian Athletics Championships final (The Hindu).
	IPL 2025 Playoffs	PBKS vs RCB Qualifier 1 (Outlook India).

This report provides a detailed and engaging overview of the day’s events, optimized for students seeking a competitive edge in their exam preparations. By focusing on credible sources and structuring the information in a storytelling format, it ensures high readability and relevance for UPSC, SSC, and Banking aspirants.

Key Citations

Daily quiz on current affairs with answers

Question 1: Which Indian state was targeted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for alleged governance failures during his rally on May 29, 2025?
Option 1: Uttar Pradesh
Option 2: Bihar
Option 3: Maharashtra
Option 4: West Bengal
Option 5: Kerala
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: On May 29, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal during a rally in Alipurduar. He accused it of fostering violence, corruption, and misgovernance, citing the Murshidabad violence and the teacher recruitment scam as key issues. This highlights the political tension between the BJP and TMC in the state.

Question 2: According to the RBI’s annual report released on May 29, 2025, which country is projected to remain the fastest-growing major economy in FY26?
Option 1: China
Option 2: India
Option 3: Indonesia
Option 4: Vietnam
Option 5: United States
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The Reserve Bank of India projected that India would continue to be the fastest-growing major economy in FY26. This is attributed to strong macroeconomic fundamentals, a resilient financial sector, and policy measures promoting sustainable growth, even as GDP expansion is expected to moderate.

Question 3: What was the circulation value of the e-rupee (CBDC) as of March 2025?
Option 1: ₹234 crore
Option 2: ₹520 crore
Option 3: ₹800 crore
Option 4: ₹940 crore
Option 5: ₹1,016 crore
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: The circulation of the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), or e-rupee, reached ₹1,016 crore by March 2025, up significantly from ₹234 crore the previous year. This sharp rise reflects the growing adoption of digital currency in India’s financial ecosystem and the RBI’s push for modernization.

Question 4: Who among the following faced intra-party backlash after praising India’s past response to terrorism during Operation Sindoor?
Option 1: Shashi Tharoor
Option 2: Rahul Gandhi
Option 3: Mallikarjun Kharge
Option 4: P. Chidambaram
Option 5: Udit Raj
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor faced criticism from his party after he praised India’s counterterrorism efforts, specifically referring to the 2016 surgical strikes. His comments, made during an all-party delegation as part of Operation Sindoor, led to accusations of siding with the BJP narrative, causing controversy within the Congress.

Question 5: What is the significance of the India-EU naval exercise scheduled for June 13, 2025?
Option 1: Promoting coastal tourism
Option 2: Joint anti-piracy patrols in the Mediterranean
Option 3: Enhancing maritime security cooperation
Option 4: Disaster relief operations in the Bay of Bengal
Option 5: Testing ballistic missile capabilities
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The India-EU naval exercise scheduled for June 13, 2025, in the Indian Ocean aims to enhance maritime security and strategic cooperation between the two entities. It underscores India’s growing defense collaboration with the European Union amid regional and global maritime challenges.

Question 6: Which sporting event did India’s 4x400m men’s relay team qualify for the finals in, as reported on May 29, 2025?
Option 1: Olympic Games
Option 2: South Asian Games
Option 3: Commonwealth Games
Option 4: World Athletics Championships
Option 5: Asian Athletics Championships
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: India’s 4x400m men’s relay team, featuring Rince Joseph, Dharmveer Choudhary, Manu Thekkinalil Saji, and Mohit Kumar, qualified for the final of the Asian Athletics Championships. Their time of 3:06.67 was their best yet, signaling strong prospects for a medal.

Question 7: What action did the Kerala government take following the sinking of the MSC ELSA-3 ship near the Kochi coast?
Option 1: Requested international aid
Option 2: Ordered a judicial inquiry
Option 3: Declared it a state disaster
Option 4: Filed a case against the ship’s owner
Option 5: Called for a ban on marine transport
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: After the MSC ELSA-3 ship sank off the Kochi coast on May 24, 2025, the Kerala government declared it a state disaster. This decision allows the mobilization of emergency resources to manage the environmental and economic threats posed by the wreck, located just 14.6 nautical miles off the coast.

Question 8: What plea did Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal make in court as part of the excise policy case proceedings?
Option 1: Bail cancellation
Option 2: Passport renewal
Option 3: Adjournment of trial
Option 4: Change of judge
Option 5: Transfer to another jail
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: Arvind Kejriwal, currently under legal scrutiny in the Delhi excise policy case, submitted a plea seeking renewal of his passport. A Delhi court issued a notice regarding this request, reflecting ongoing legal challenges faced by the AAP leader amid a high-profile corruption case.

Question 9: Which high-profile counter-terror operation was discussed by PM Modi, wherein India reportedly struck targets inside Pakistan?
Option 1: Operation Vijay
Option 2: Operation Parakram
Option 3: Operation Cactus
Option 4: Operation Sindoor
Option 5: Operation Trident
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that under Operation Sindoor, India had struck terrorist targets inside Pakistan three times. This claim is part of India’s strong posturing against cross-border terrorism and reaffirms its proactive national security strategy.

Question 10: Who was among the three judges appointed to the Supreme Court of India on May 26, 2025?
Option 1: D.Y. Chandrachud
Option 2: S. Ravindra Bhat
Option 3: A.S. Chandurkar
Option 4: R.F. Nariman
Option 5: Sanjay Kishan Kaul
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: Justice A.S. Chandurkar was one of three new judges appointed to the Supreme Court of India on May 26, 2025, along with Justices N.V. Anjaria and Vijay Bishnoi. These appointments aim to strengthen the judiciary and enhance the capacity of the apex court to handle cases efficiently.

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