National Affairs
India-Pakistan Relations
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed soldiers at Adampur Airbase in Punjab, stating that India demonstrated its strength by giving a strong response not only to terrorists but also to the Pakistani army that supports them.
The Airports Authority of India announced reopening of 32 airports across northern and western India that were temporarily closed during recent India-Pakistan tensions.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri received widespread support from political leaders and diplomats after facing online criticism following his statement on Pakistan’s violations of the recently agreed ceasefire.
“Operation Sindoor,” carried out on May 7, was India’s response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians, mostly tourists. The operation involved destroying nine terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Economic Developments
Retail inflation hit a six-year low of 3.16% in April 2025, down from 3.34% in March, primarily due to lower prices of vegetables, fruits, pulses, and other protein-rich foods.
Food inflation declined significantly to 1.78% in April 2025, compared to 2.69% in March and 8.7% in April 2024, providing relief to households.
The NIFTY BANK index traded at 55,111.35 during yesterday’s session, experiencing a decline of 0.49% (-271.50 points). The index has shown a year-to-date return of 8.42%.
Sensex slumped 1,282 points after a volatile session, with Nifty falling below 24,600. GIFT Nifty traded at 24,919.50, down 155.50 points (-0.62%).
Government Initiatives
Union Minister Manohar Lal inaugurated the Bharat Bodh Kendra at New Delhi’s India Habitat Centre on May 10, 2025. This facility is integrated with the Habitat Library and Resource Centre and serves as a specialized hub for deepening public understanding of India’s civilizational legacy.
Union Health Minister J P Nadda marked International Nurses Day by emphasizing that the well-being of nurses is directly linked to the strength of the country’s health systems and national growth.
Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Nikhil Khadse, stated that her ministry envisions a greater role for youths in working toward Viksit Bharat by 2047.
International Affairs
United States
House Republicans are advancing efforts to cut $880 billion from Medicaid despite internal disagreements. The proposal includes imposing work requirements on able-bodied Medicaid recipients, conducting more frequent eligibility checks, and prohibiting Medicaid funds for gender transition for minors.
Dozens of protesters in wheelchairs tried to block the doors of the Energy and Commerce markup, chanting “No cuts to Medicaid!” Capitol Police reported making 25 arrests for “illegally demonstrating.”
The U.S. and China agreed to a 90-day reduction of heavy tariffs, announcing plans to suspend 24 percentage points of tariff rates while retaining 10% tariffs. This agreement has eased concerns about a prolonged trade war between the world’s two largest economies.
United Kingdom
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced sweeping reforms to significantly reduce net migration, describing it as ending the country’s “failed experiment in open borders.”
Under the new proposals, immigrants will need to reside in the UK for ten years, up from the current five years, before obtaining an automatic right to apply for indefinite leave to remain or full citizenship.
The UK government also plans to cease recruitment of care workers from abroad, which could exacerbate existing staff shortages in this critical sector.
Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated he would only join Ukraine-Russia talks in Turkey if Russian President Vladimir Putin is personally present, refusing to meet with any other Russian representatives.
The potential meeting follows a suggestion from US President Donald Trump, who encouraged Zelensky to meet with Putin. The meeting is tentatively scheduled for Thursday.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated that Putin’s decision about attending would be communicated in due time.
Vatican
Pope Leo XIV, the first US-born pontiff, called free speech and the press a “precious gift” during an audience with approximately 6,000 journalists.
The 69-year-old Augustinian missionary, born in Chicago, called for journalists to use words of peace, reject war, and give a voice to the voiceless.
He also advocated for the release of imprisoned journalists, saying their suffering “challenges the conscience of nations and the international community.”
Sports
Cricket
Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket after a 14-year career. At 36, he ends his Test career with 9,230 runs from 23 Tests at an average of 46.8, making him India’s fourth-highest run-scorer in Tests behind Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar.
The Indian women’s cricket team clinched the tri-series title by defeating Sri Lanka by 97 runs in the final at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. Smriti Mandhana scored 116 off 101 balls, while Sneh Rana took 4 wickets for 38 runs.
Other Sports
The Khelo India Youth Games 2025, the seventh edition of the event under the Indian government’s Khelo India initiative, is currently underway across multiple cities in Bihar and New Delhi from May 4 to 15.
Maharashtra is leading the medal tally at the Khelo India Youth Games with 80 medals, including 30 golds. Karnataka is second with 42 medals, and Rajasthan is third with 24 medals.
India named a 24-member women’s hockey team for the European leg of the Pro League in June, with midfielder Salima Tete as captain and forward Navneet Kaur as vice-captain. The team will play matches against Australia, Argentina, Belgium, and China from June 14 to 29 in London, Antwerp, and Berlin.
Appointments and Resignations
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis unveiled a new and larger statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Rajkot fort in Sindhudurg on Sunday (May 11, 2025). This comes nine months after a previous statue collapsed at the same location.
Important Days
International Nurses Day was observed on May 12, 2025, highlighting the crucial role nurses play in healthcare systems worldwide.
Defense Updates
Director General Air Operations, Air Marshal AK Bharti emphasized that India’s conflict was with terrorists and their support infrastructure, not with the Pakistani military. He noted that the Pakistani military’s decision to support terrorists compelled the Indian Armed Forces to respond accordingly.
Former Indian Army Chief General Manoj Naravane criticized those questioning the suspension of hostilities between India and Pakistan, stating that “war is not romantic, nor is it a Bollywood movie.”
Economy
The dollar maintained solid gains as investors welcomed the tariff truce between the United States and China, easing concerns about a potential global recession.
Wall Street’s three main indexes rallied on Monday, with the S&P 500 reaching its highest point since early March following news of the temporary U.S.-China tariff reduction agreement.
This comprehensive update covers all major events from May 13, 2025, providing essential information for those preparing for banking and other competitive examinations in India. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s update, where we’ll bring you the latest developments and important current affairs.
