Table of Contents

Current Affairs Report: May 3, 2025

Staying updated with current affairs is essential for students preparing for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other government tests. This detailed report covers the significant events of May 3, 2025, drawing from credible sources such as The Hindu (The Hindu), The Indian Express (Indian Express), and Times of India (Times of India). It focuses on topics relevant to exam syllabi, including politics, economy, science, international relations, environment, defense, and sports, presented in an engaging, reader-friendly manner.

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Politics and Governance

The political landscape on May 3, 2025, was marked by significant developments, both domestic and international. A major focus was India’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which tragically claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists, in April 2025. In a decisive move, the Government of India suspended all categories of mail and parcel services with Pakistan through air and surface routes, as reported by The Hindu (India suspends mail services). This action, ordered by the Department of Posts under the Ministry of Communication, reflects the escalating tensions between the two nations. Additionally, India imposed a ban on direct and indirect imports from Pakistan, effective immediately, citing national security and public policy concerns (India bans imports). These measures underscore India’s firm stance against terrorism and its impact on bilateral relations.

Domestically, regional issues took center stage. In Haryana, an all-party meeting addressed the ongoing water-sharing dispute with Punjab, urging the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab to release water from the Bhakra dam unconditionally (Haryana water dispute). This stand-off highlights the persistent challenge of inter-state water management, a critical topic for UPSC aspirants studying federalism and resource allocation.

In Manipur, a shutdown called by various groups marked the second anniversary of ethnic strife, disrupting normal life in both the Meitei-controlled Imphal Valley and Kuki-dominated hill districts (Manipur shutdown). This event draws attention to the complex socio-political dynamics in India’s Northeast, a region often featured in exam questions on internal security and governance.

On the legislative front, no new bills were reported as introduced or passed on May 3, 2025, possibly due to the Parliament not being in session. However, recent legislative activities provide context. For instance, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, passed on April 4, 2025, by the Rajya Sabha with 128 votes in favor and 95 against, aims to reform the management of Waqf properties (Waqf Bill passed). The Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2025, which repeals the Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923, was also approved, marking a significant update to Waqf governance.

International Relations

India’s international engagements were prominent on May 3, 2025. Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that a defense pact with India would soon be presented in the Sri Lankan Parliament (Sri Lanka defense pact). This pact, discussed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka from April 4-6, 2025, aims to enhance bilateral security cooperation. This development is significant for UPSC aspirants studying India’s neighborhood policy and regional security frameworks like the QUAD.

Globally, Australia saw a historic political milestone as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese secured a second consecutive three-year term, the first in 21 years, as reported by The Hindu (Albanese re-elected). This victory, with Opposition Leader Peter Dutton conceding defeat, strengthens Australia’s political stability, which is crucial for India’s strategic partnerships within the QUAD and G20.

Tensions in the region were evident as Pakistan test-fired the Abdali missile, a surface-to-surface missile with a 450 km range, amid strained ties with India over the Pahalgam attack (Pakistan missile test). This action, coupled with Pakistan’s military exercises near the Line of Control (LoC), underscores the ongoing security challenges in South Asia, a key topic for exams focusing on international relations and defense.

Economy

Economic developments are critical for Banking and SSC aspirants. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reported that India’s inflation rate fell to 3.34% in March 2025, down from 3.61% in February, driven by lower food prices, particularly vegetables (India inflation rate). This rate is well below the RBI’s 4% target, creating room for potential further rate cuts. In April 2025, the RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) reduced the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6%, aiming to boost economic activity amid global trade uncertainties caused by US tariff hikes (RBI repo rate cut).

The RBI also lowered the growth projection for the financial year to 6.5% from 6.7%, reflecting global economic challenges (RBI growth projection). The inflation projection was revised to 4% from 4.2%, supported by good agricultural output and falling crude prices. These updates are vital for understanding monetary policy and economic indicators.

In the stock market, the S&P BSE Sensex closed at 80,501.99 on May 2, 2025, gaining 259.75 points or 0.32% (Sensex closing). Since May 3, 2025, was a Saturday, a non-trading day, the May 2 closing value is the latest available. This stability in the Sensex reflects investor confidence despite global volatility, a key point for Banking exam candidates studying financial markets.

Economic Indicator	Value (March/May 2025)	Source
Inflation Rate	3.34% (March)	Moneycontrol
Repo Rate	6% (April)	Hindustan Times
Sensex Closing	80,501.99 (May 2)	Yahoo Finance
GDP Growth Forecast	6.5% (FY 2025-26)	Indian Express

Science and Technology

India’s advancements in science and technology were highlighted by ISRO’s upcoming missions. The Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), scheduled for May 29, 2025, will see Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force pilot, serve as the pilot for a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) (Axiom Mission 4). Launched by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, the mission involves a crew of four, including Peggy Whitson (USA), Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski (Poland), and Tibor Kapu (Hungary). The crew will spend up to 14 days conducting scientific experiments in microgravity, marking a significant milestone for India’s space program.

ISRO is also preparing for its 100th rocket mission, the launch of GSLV-F15 carrying the NVS-02 satellite, part of the second-generation NavIC system for enhanced navigation services (ISRO 100th mission). While the exact date is not confirmed, this mission underscores ISRO’s growing capabilities, a key topic for UPSC aspirants studying space technology.

In artificial intelligence (AI), India is making strides through initiatives like AI for India 2030, which aims to add $500 billion to the economy by integrating AI in sectors like healthcare and agriculture (AI for India 2030). While no specific AI advancements were reported on May 3, this initiative reflects India’s long-term vision, relevant for exams covering technological development.

Environment

Environmental issues remain a priority, though specific news from May 3, 2025, is limited. India’s commitment to global climate treaties, such as the Paris Agreement, and initiatives like the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) continue to shape its environmental policy. Recent efforts in wildlife conservation, such as protecting endangered species in national parks, align with Down To Earth’s focus on sustainable development (Down To Earth). These topics are crucial for UPSC questions on environmental governance.

Defense

Defense developments included the proposed India-Sri Lanka defense pact, which aims to enhance maritime security and counter regional threats. Additionally, India’s response to the Pahalgam attack involved heightened military preparedness, with Pakistan conducting exercises near the LoC (Pakistan exercises). India’s ongoing defense modernization, including deals for advanced weaponry and cybersecurity enhancements, is vital for SSC and UPSC aspirants studying national security.

In Assam, an encounter resulted in the death of three members of an NSCN faction, highlighting internal security challenges (Assam encounter). Such incidents are relevant for exams covering India’s security framework.

Sports

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 continued to dominate sports news. On May 3, 2025, the Gujarat Titans secured second place in the points table after defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad, who remained at ninth (IPL points table). The IPL’s popularity and economic impact make it a relevant topic for SSC aspirants studying sports and culture.

IPL Team	Position (May 3, 2025)	Source
Gujarat Titans	2nd	Indian Express
Sunrisers Hyderabad	9th	Indian Express

Conclusion

The events of May 3, 2025, offer a snapshot of India’s dynamic socio-political, economic, and technological landscape. From heightened tensions with Pakistan to ISRO’s ambitious space missions, these developments are critical for aspirants preparing for competitive exams. By understanding these issues, students can gain a competitive edge, aligning their knowledge with the demands of UPSC, SSC, and Banking syllabi. This report, optimized for readability and SEO, aims to be a comprehensive resource for exam preparation.

Key Citations:

Daily quiz on current affairs with answers

Question 1:
Which recent step was taken by India in response to the Pahalgam terror attack?
Option 1: Suspension of mail and parcel services with Pakistan
Option 2: Imposition of economic sanctions on Iran
Option 3: Declaration of emergency in Jammu & Kashmir
Option 4: Deployment of NSG forces to all major cities
Option 5: Imposition of AFSPA across the Northeast
Answer: Option 1
Explanation:
Following the terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 tourists, the Government of India took a firm stance by suspending all mail and parcel services with Pakistan through air and surface routes. This was done to show diplomatic disapproval and tighten security measures along with banning direct and indirect imports from Pakistan.

Question 2:
What was the main agenda of the all-party meeting held in Haryana on May 3, 2025?
Option 1: Imposition of President’s Rule
Option 2: Expansion of rural healthcare
Option 3: Opposition to farm laws
Option 4: Water-sharing dispute with Punjab
Option 5: Reservation policy for government jobs
Answer: Option 4
Explanation:
The all-party meeting in Haryana addressed the ongoing water-sharing dispute with Punjab. Haryana urged the Punjab government to release water from the Bhakra dam unconditionally, reflecting the continued tension in inter-state water management and resource distribution.

Question 3:
What was India’s reported inflation rate for March 2025 as per RBI data?
Option 1: 4.2%
Option 2: 3.34%
Option 3: 3.61%
Option 4: 2.95%
Option 5: 4.0%
Answer: Option 2
Explanation:
India’s inflation rate for March 2025 was reported at 3.34%, a decline from 3.61% in February. This was largely attributed to falling vegetable prices and indicated a positive development in price stability, staying below the RBI’s 4% target.

Question 4:
Who among the following is part of the Axiom Mission 4 crew representing India?
Option 1: Rakesh Sharma
Option 2: Anil Menon
Option 3: Shubhanshu Shukla
Option 4: Rajeev Joshi
Option 5: S. Somanath
Answer: Option 3
Explanation:
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force has been selected to serve as the pilot for Axiom Mission 4 to the ISS. This mission, launching on May 29, 2025, marks an important milestone for India in international space exploration.

Question 5:
Which country recently test-fired the Abdali surface-to-surface missile amid tensions with India?
Option 1: China
Option 2: Iran
Option 3: North Korea
Option 4: Afghanistan
Option 5: Pakistan
Answer: Option 5
Explanation:
Amid rising tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan test-fired the Abdali surface-to-surface missile, which has a range of 450 km. This was viewed as a provocative act contributing to regional instability in South Asia.

Question 6:
Which bill passed recently by the Rajya Sabha aims to reform the management of Waqf properties?
Option 1: Wakf Estates Act, 2025
Option 2: Minority Property Rights Bill, 2025
Option 3: Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025
Option 4: Religious Endowments Act, 2025
Option 5: Trust Reforms Bill, 2025
Answer: Option 3
Explanation:
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was passed in the Rajya Sabha with 128 votes in favor and 95 against. It aims to reform the governance and management of Waqf properties across India, improving transparency and accountability.

Question 7:
Which Indian initiative aims to add $500 billion to the economy using artificial intelligence by 2030?
Option 1: Digital Bharat 2030
Option 2: AI for India 2030
Option 3: National AI Framework
Option 4: Smart Economy Vision 2030
Option 5: AI Mission Shakti
Answer: Option 2
Explanation:
The “AI for India 2030” initiative focuses on integrating artificial intelligence across sectors like agriculture, education, and healthcare. It has a goal of contributing $500 billion to India’s economy by 2030 through technological innovation and deployment.

Question 8:
Which country’s Prime Minister was re-elected for a second consecutive term, as reported on May 3, 2025?
Option 1: Japan
Option 2: Australia
Option 3: Canada
Option 4: UK
Option 5: France
Answer: Option 1
Explanation:
Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia, secured a second consecutive term, a political milestone in the country after 21 years. This outcome reinforces political stability in Australia, an important member of strategic groups like the QUAD.

Question 9:
Which IPL team secured second place in the points table on May 3, 2025?
Option 1: Rajasthan Royals
Option 2: Kolkata Knight Riders
Option 3: Chennai Super Kings
Option 4: Delhi Capitals
Option 5: Gujarat Titans
Answer: Option 5
Explanation:
On May 3, 2025, Gujarat Titans defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad and moved to the second position in the IPL points table. This performance keeps them in strong contention for the playoffs and reflects their consistent form in the tournament.

Question 10:
Which upcoming ISRO mission will launch the NVS-02 satellite?
Option 1: PSLV-C55
Option 2: SSLV-D3
Option 3: GSLV-F12
Option 4: GSLV-F15
Option 5: GSLV-MkIII-X
Answer: Option 4
Explanation:
ISRO’s 100th rocket mission will involve the launch of GSLV-F15 carrying the NVS-02 satellite, part of the second-generation NavIC system. This

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satellite is designed to enhance regional navigation capabilities and is crucial for India’s space-based positioning infrastructure.

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