Staying updated with current affairs is vital not only for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, and Banking but also to remain an informed citizen. May 2025 has seen several significant developments both in India and internationally. Here are the top 10 events you need to know.
1. ISRO Launches Mangalyaan 2
India’s second Mars mission successfully lifted off from Sriharikota on May 18, 2025. Mangalyaan 2 will focus on analyzing the Martian atmosphere and search for microbial life. It features:
- A more powerful launch vehicle
- Advanced imaging and thermal instruments
- Collaboration with NASA and ESA for data sharing
2. India-UK Free Trade Agreement Signed
After 8 years of negotiation, India and the UK finally signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement that promises:
- Duty-free access for Indian textiles, tea, and IT services
- Greater market access for UK education, whisky, and insurance
- Estimated $10 billion bilateral trade growth over 5 years
3. IMF Revises India’s GDP Forecast to 7.2%
The International Monetary Fund raised India’s GDP growth projection citing:
- Robust consumption
- Infrastructure push under PM Gati Shakti
- Rise in digital startups and exports
4. IPL 2025 Final Breaks Global Viewership Record
The Mumbai Indians clinched their 7th IPL title in a nail-biting finale against Chennai Super Kings. Viewership touched 600 million worldwide, making it the most-watched cricket event after the World Cup.
5. India’s Green Commitments at Climate Action Summit
At the UN Climate Summit 2025:
- India committed to net-zero emissions by 2060
- Announced $2 billion investment in green hydrogen
- Pledged to phase out coal in non-essential industries by 2035
6. AI-Integrated Curriculum in CBSE Schools
The Central Board of Secondary Education announced that from 2026, AI, Robotics, and Data Science will be integrated into the syllabus from Class 9 onwards. It aims to:
- Build future-ready skills
- Encourage innovation from a young age
7. Digital Rupee Wallet Launch
RBI officially rolled out the Digital Rupee Wallet for public use, allowing:
- Instant transactions without bank intermediaries
- Smart contract integration
- Offline payment capability
8. India Hosts SCO Summit 2025 in Hyderabad
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit was hosted in Hyderabad, focusing on:
- Regional counter-terrorism
- Trade among Asian economies
- AI governance framework proposal by India
9. Start-Up India 2.0
The government launched Start-Up India 2.0, providing:
- Tax exemptions for 7 years
- Special seed funding for Tier-2 & Tier-3 cities
- Mentorship for women entrepreneurs
10. Chandrayaan-3 Discovers Frozen Water
The Pragyan Rover confirmed the presence of frozen water crystals near the Moon’s south pole. This discovery opens new possibilities for:
ISRO’s Gaganyaan project support
Lunar base setups
Future manned missions
