Table of Contents

Current Affairs Report: May 6, 2025

Staying informed about current affairs is essential for aspirants preparing for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other government tests. This detailed report covers the major events and developments from May 6, 2025, drawing from credible sources such as The Hindu (The Hindu), Indian Express (Indian Express), Times of India (Times of India), Press Information Bureau (PIB) (PIB), PRS Legislative Research, BBC News (BBC News), Reuters (Reuters), and Down To Earth (Down To Earth). The report is structured to provide an engaging, reader-friendly narrative, optimized for exam preparation and SEO to help students gain a competitive edge.

Politics and Governance

The political landscape in India on May 6, 2025, was heavily influenced by Operation Sindoor, a significant military operation launched by the Indian Armed Forces in response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which killed 26 tourists. The operation targeted nine terrorist infrastructure sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK), focusing on camps linked to banned outfits such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and Hizbul Mujahideen. The Ministry of Defence emphasized that the strikes were precise, measured, and non-escalatory, deliberately avoiding Pakistani military facilities to prevent broader conflict. The operation has heightened tensions, with Pakistan responding with heavy mortar shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch and Rajouri, resulting in civilian casualties on both sides.

Domestically, Rahul Gandhi, a key figure in the Indian National Congress, made a notable statement at Brown University, acknowledging the party’s historical wrongs, particularly towards the Sikh community during the 1984 riots. This admission is seen as an attempt to address past grievances and could influence voter sentiment in upcoming elections. Meanwhile, Jairam Ramesh, another Congress leader, criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an alleged shift in stance on the caste census, highlighting ongoing debates on social justice policies.

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is preparing for state elections in Delhi and Bihar, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)] exploring alliances to leverage regional voter bases, particularly from Bihar’s Poorvanchal region in Delhi. These strategic moves are expected to shape the political dynamics in these key states.

Political Event	Details	Source
Operation Sindoor	Targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK, response to Pahalgam attack	The Hindu
Rahul Gandhi’s Statement	Acknowledged Congress’s role in 1984 riots	Business Standard
NDA Alliances	BJP and JD(U) plan collaboration for Delhi and Bihar elections	The Hindu

Economy

The Indian economy faced a mix of challenges and opportunities. In April 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reduced the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6%, marking the second consecutive cut to stimulate growth amid global uncertainties, particularly due to U.S. tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. The RBI also revised its GDP growth forecast for 2025-26 to 6.5%, down from 6.7%, citing trade-related uncertainties. Governor Sanjay Malhotra noted that the impact of these tariffs on India is less severe compared to other economies, and inflation could see downward pressure due to softening global commodity prices (The Hindu).

The BSE Sensex and Nifty50 experienced volatility following Operation Sindoor, with the Sensex dropping to 80,387.58 (down 0.31%) and Nifty50 to 24,291.05 (down 0.36%) on May 7, 2025. Analysts, including VK Vijayakumar from Geojit Investments, attributed this to cautious investor sentiment amid India-Pakistan tensions, though they noted the operation’s non-escalatory nature limited deeper declines (Times of India).

Retail inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), was projected at 4.1% in February 2025, supported by declining vegetable prices due to winter crop arrivals. This stability within the RBI’s target range offers some relief to consumers (The Hindu BusinessLine).

Economic Indicator	Value (May 2025)	Previous Value	Source
Repo Rate	6%	6.25% (Feb 2025)	The Hindu
BSE Sensex	80,387.58	80,640.58 (est.)	Times of India
Nifty50	24,291.05	24,380.05 (est.)	Times of India
CPI Inflation	4.1% (Feb 2025)	4.3% (Jan 2025)	The Hindu BusinessLine

Science and Technology

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a historic milestone with the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission, successfully docking two satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), on January 16, 2025. This made India the fourth country, after the USA, Russia, and China, to demonstrate space docking technology, crucial for future missions like the Bharatiya Antariksh Station and lunar sample returns. The mission, launched on December 30, 2024, via PSLV-C60, also tested power transfer between docked spacecraft, advancing India’s space capabilities (The Hindu).

Another significant development is the upcoming mission of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force pilot, to the International Space Station (ISS) in May 2025 as part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4). Shukla will conduct experiments in space agriculture, microbe survival, and human adaptation, collaborating with NASA, ESA, and ISRO. This mission, funded by the Department of Space with ₹413 crore, marks India’s growing presence in international space exploration (Times of India).

Science & Tech Event	Details	Source
SpaDeX Mission	Successful docking on Jan 16, 2025, fourth country to achieve this	The Hindu
Shubhanshu Shukla’s Mission	ISS mission in May 2025 for experiments	Times of India

International Relations

Operation Sindoor drew significant international attention, with U.S. President Donald Trump calling the India-Pakistan conflict “a shame” and urging a swift resolution. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged with national security advisors from both nations, emphasizing open communication to avoid escalation. The United Nations chief, Antonio Guterres, also called for maximum military restraint (Reuters).

The India-U.S. Summit 2025 in February 2025 reinforced the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, yielding key agreements. These include a 10-year Major Defense Partnership framework for enhanced interoperability and co-production, procurement of Javelin Anti-Tank Missiles, Stryker Infantry Combat Vehicles, and P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, and the launch of the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA) for AI-based defense systems. The summit also set a Mission 500 goal to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030 and initiated collaborations in AI, semiconductors, and space technology, including the NASA-ISRO NISAR satellite mission.

India’s diplomatic efforts extended to multilateral forums, with active participation in the UN, G20, and BRICS. India’s term in the UN Peacebuilding Commission was extended for 2025-2026, reflecting its role in global peacekeeping (Diplomatist).

International Event	Details	Source
Operation Sindoor Reactions	U.S., UN urge de-escalation	Reuters
India-U.S. Summit 2025	Defense, trade, and tech agreements	Insights on India
UN Engagement	Extended term in Peacebuilding Commission	Diplomatist

Environment

India faces significant environmental challenges in 2025, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting above-normal temperatures and prolonged heatwaves from April to June, particularly in western India, followed by an above-average Southwest Monsoon with 5% more rainfall. This could lead to extreme rain events and flooding, driven by climate change and warming oceans, which increase atmospheric moisture by 7% per 1°C rise in global temperature (Down To Earth).

India ranks 10th in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2025, recognized for low per capita emissions and rapid renewable energy expansion, with non-fossil sources accounting for 46% of installed capacity. However, reliance on coal remains a concern, and experts suggest India could set more ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) targets (CCPI).

Environmental Issue	Details	Source
Weather Forecast	Heatwaves and above-average monsoon in 2025	Down To Earth
CCPI Ranking	India ranks 10th, high performer	CCPI

Defense

Operation Sindoor was a cornerstone of defense developments, showcasing India’s precision strike capabilities using advanced weapon systems from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The operation targeted key terror camps, including JeM’s headquarters in Bahawalpur and LeT’s base in Muridke, avenging the Pahalgam attack. India’s response also included suspending the Indus Water Treaty and imposing airspace restrictions, signaling a multifaceted approach (PIB).

Defense ties with the U.S. were strengthened through the India-U.S. Summit 2025, with agreements for procuring advanced military equipment and launching joint initiatives like ASIA. Tensions with Pakistan escalated, with Pakistan deploying Chinese-made SH-15 howitzers along the LoC, countered by India’s K-9 Vajra artillery (Indian Defence Research Wing).

A cybersecurity incident involved the Pakistan Cyber Force hacking Indian defense websites, highlighting the growing threat of cyber warfare (The Economic Times).

Defense Event	Details	Source
Operation Sindoor	Precision strikes on nine terror camps	PIB
U.S. Defense Deals	Procurement of Javelin, Stryker, P-8I	Insights on India
Cybersecurity Incident	Pakistan Cyber Force hacks defense websites	The Economic Times

Sports

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 was a major highlight, with the tournament reaching a critical stage. On May 6, 2025, the match between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Gujarat Titans (GT) featured standout performances, including Sherfane Rutherford’s sixes and the dismissal of Shubman Gill. A significant development was Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)’s elimination from the playoff race after their match against Delhi Capitals (DC) was abandoned due to rain, marking a turning point in the tournament (NDTV Sports).

Other sports news included the Indian cricket team’s slip to fourth in the ICC Men’s Test rankings, though they maintained top spots in ODIs and T20Is. Preparations for upcoming international tournaments, such as the Champions League and FIDE Women’s Grand Prix, were also underway (India Today).

Sports Event	Details	Source
IPL 2025	SRH out of playoffs, MI vs GT highlights	NDTV Sports
ICC Rankings	India 4th in Tests, 1st in ODIs/T20Is	India Today

Conclusion

This report provides a comprehensive overview of the major developments on May 6, 2025, across politics, economy, science, international relations, environment, defense, and sports. By staying informed about these events, aspirants can enhance their preparation for competitive exams and gain a deeper understanding of India’s role in a rapidly changing world. The information presented is sourced from credible outlets, ensuring accuracy and relevance for exam success.

Key Citations

Daily quiz on current affairs with answers

Question 1: What strategic move did India take following the Pahalgam attack that escalated tensions with Pakistan?
Option 1: Imposition of full trade embargo on Pakistan
Option 2: Declaration of emergency in Jammu and Kashmir
Option 3: Direct military engagement with Pakistani troops
Option 4: Withdrawal from SAARC
Option 5: Launch of Operation Sindoor targeting terror camps
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: In response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, India launched Operation Sindoor, a precision military operation targeting nine terrorist camps across Pakistan and PoK. The strikes avoided Pakistani military installations to prevent a wider conflict but led to heightened border tensions.

Question 2: Which Indian space mission achieved the country’s first successful space docking in January 2025?
Option 1: Gaganyaan
Option 2: NISAR
Option 3: SpaDeX
Option 4: Ax-4
Option 5: PSLV-XL
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) by ISRO, completed in January 2025, involved the successful docking of two satellites. It marked India’s entry into an elite group of countries with space docking capabilities, essential for future space station missions.

Question 3: What change did the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) implement in April 2025 to boost economic growth?
Option 1: Increase in Cash Reserve Ratio
Option 2: Introduction of new currency denominations
Option 3: Reduction of the repo rate by 25 basis points
Option 4: Ban on cryptocurrency trading
Option 5: Hike in reverse repo rate
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: To address slowing economic growth and global trade uncertainties, the RBI reduced the repo rate to 6%, a 25 basis point cut. This is aimed at encouraging borrowing and investment, reflecting a dovish monetary policy stance amid external pressures like U.S. tariffs.

Question 4: What was Rahul Gandhi’s statement at Brown University focused on?
Option 1: Indian economy under BJP rule
Option 2: Congress’s responsibility in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots
Option 3: India-China border tensions
Option 4: Climate change and development
Option 5: Importance of digital education in India
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: Rahul Gandhi publicly acknowledged the Indian National Congress’s historical mistakes, particularly its role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. This gesture, made at Brown University, is seen as an attempt to reconcile with the Sikh community and influence voter perception.

Question 5: According to the IMD forecast, what major environmental challenge is expected in India during summer 2025?
Option 1: Prolonged heatwaves and above-average monsoon
Option 2: Record-breaking snowfall in the Himalayas
Option 3: Cyclones along the eastern coast
Option 4: Increased forest cover loss
Option 5: Earthquake risks in northeastern India
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has projected an intense summer with prolonged heatwaves followed by an above-average monsoon season. Climate change and warming oceans are major contributing factors to these shifts in weather patterns.

Question 6: What new defense procurement was agreed upon during the India-U.S. Summit 2025?
Option 1: Rafale fighter jets
Option 2: Javelin missiles and Stryker combat vehicles
Option 3: Iron Dome system
Option 4: Hypersonic cruise missiles
Option 5: F-35 Lightning II aircraft
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: DUring the India-U.S. Summit 2025, both countries signed agreements for the procurement of Javelin Anti-Tank Missiles, Stryker Infantry Combat Vehicles, and P-8I aircraft, bolstering India’s defense preparedness and interoperability with the U.S.

Question 7: Which Indian pilot is set to travel to the International Space Station (ISS) in May 2025?
Option 1: Rakesh Sharma
Option 2: Gagandeep Mann
Option 3: Abhinandan Varthaman
Option 4: Anil Menon
Option 5: Shubhanshu Shukla
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will participate in the Ax-4 mission to the ISS, conducting scientific experiments in collaboration with NASA, ESA, and ISRO. This mission strengthens India’s role in international space exploration.

Question 8: What ranking did India achieve in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2025?
Option 1: 4th
Option 2: 7th
Option 3: 10th
Option 4: 14th
Option 5: 18th
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: India was ranked 10th in the CCPI 2025, recognized for its low per capita emissions and rapid transition to renewable energy. Despite this progress, dependence on coal remains a challenge for meeting future climate targets.

Question 9: Which political strategy is being explored by the NDA for upcoming state elections?
Option 1: Merger with Aam Aadmi Party
Option 2: Alliance between BJP and JD(U)
Option 3: Support to regional parties without contesting
Option 4: Introduction of a third front
Option 5: Withdrawal from Bihar polls
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: The NDA, particularly BJP and JD(U), is exploring alliances for Delhi and Bihar elections. The aim is to tap into the Poorvanchal voter base, particularly in Delhi, where regional affiliations play a decisive role.

Question 10: What key sports update occurred in IPL 2025 on May 6?
Option 1: CSK secured playoff qualification
Option 2: GT defeated MI by 10 wickets
Option 3: SRH eliminated from playoffs due to rain
Option 4: RCB posted the highest score of the season
Option 5: KL Rahul scored a double century
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: On May 6, the SRH vs DC match was abandoned due to rain, leading to SRH’s elimination from the IPL playoff race. This was a pivotal moment in the tournament, affecting the final standings and momentum for other teams.