National News
Prime Minister’s Activities and Announcements
PM Narendra Modi inaugurated 103 modernized railway stations across 18 states under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme worth ₹1,100 crore on 22.05.2025
The Prime Minister flagged off the Bikaner-Mumbai Express train from Deshnoke Railway Station in Rajasthan
PM Modi laid the foundation stone for railway electrification and roadway development projects worth ₹26,000 crore extending up to the Indo-Pak border
During his Bikaner rally, PM Modi made strong statements about Operation Sindoor, claiming India destroyed nine terrorist camps in Pakistan within 22 minutes in response to the Pahalgam attack
The Prime Minister emphasized that India conducted precision strikes against Pakistani air defense systems under the principle of “equal intensity in the same domain”
PM Modi visited Karni Mata Temple in Deshnoke and interacted with school students at the newly revamped railway station
Supreme Court and Legal Developments
The Supreme Court reserved its judgment on pleas challenging the Waqf Amendment Act 2025
Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih heard arguments from senior advocates opposing the amended waqf law
The court examined three key issues including the power to denotify properties declared as waqf by courts, user, or deed
Supreme Court mandated minimum three years of legal practice for entry-level judicial posts like Civil Judge (Junior Division)
The apex court expressed strong displeasure over Allahabad High Court’s 27 adjournments in a bail case
Political and Regional Updates
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi scheduled to visit Poonch, J&K to meet families affected by Pakistani firing and drone attacks
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticized UP government’s announcement of 1.93 lakh teacher recruitments as a political gimmick
Delhi witnessed hailstorm damage to 200 national flags, prompting government action for replacement
Four minors drowned in Munak canal in outer North Delhi while swimming
Economic and Financial News
Reserve Bank of India sold $34.5 billion on net basis in FY25, highest since the 2008 global financial crisis
RBI’s forward book decreased to $84.34 billion in March 2025 from $88.75 billion in February
The central bank is expected to transfer a record surplus of ₹2.5-3 trillion to the government for FY25
Indian rupee depreciated by 2.4% in FY25, reaching a low of 87.95 per dollar in February
RBI reduced repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.00% in April 2025, marking the second cut in 2025
Infrastructure and Development
Corbett Tiger Reserve placed on high alert due to Canine Distemper virus outbreak in dogs
Uttarakhand authorities taking special precautions in Ramnagar area to prevent wildlife infection
Intelligence agencies tracking two Maoist operatives in Chhattisgarh
Ministry of Home Affairs sanctioned 296 CISF personnel posts for Bhakhra Dam project security
State-Specific News
Mizoram officially declared as India’s first fully literate state with 98.20% literacy rate
Door-to-door survey identified 3,026 non-literate persons with 1,692 actively participating in learning programs
Bihar Assembly elections scheduled within six months, political parties strategizing over Waqf law impact
Mentha oil factory fire in Badaun, UP caused nitrogen cylinder explosions forcing residents to evacuate
Market Updates
Gold prices in Indore decreased by ₹300 per 10 grams to ₹96,700
Silver rates dropped by ₹200 per kilogram to ₹98,200
Silver coins priced at ₹1,150 per piece in local markets
International News
Diplomatic Developments
US President Donald Trump claimed he resolved India-Pakistan conflict through trade during meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa
Trump stated in Oval Office that the entire matter between Pakistan and India has been settled through trade mechanisms
South African President Ramaphosa’s visit to US aimed to strengthen bilateral relations and address economic cooperation
France pledged support for South Africa following President Ramaphosa’s Washington DC visit
Economic and Financial Updates
G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors met in Banff, Canada from 20-22 May 2025
Meeting focused on global economic situation, financial stability, and non-bank financial intermediaries
Discussions included cross-border payments enhancement and cyber risk mitigation in financial systems
US 30-year mortgage rates increased to 6.92%, highest in three months due to rising Treasury yields
Japan’s core machinery orders rose 13% to ¥1.01 trillion in March 2025, reaching two-decade high
Technology and Defense
Trump unveiled $175 billion ‘Golden Dome’ space-based missile defense system
The system aims to create multi-layered shield against hypersonic and space-launched threats
Project integrates terrestrial assets like THAAD, Patriot, and Aegis with orbital interceptors
Golden Dome expected to be operational by 2029 despite concerns over cost and feasibility
Global Events
World Hydrogen Summit 2025 held in Rotterdam, Netherlands from 20-22 May
India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy showcased green hydrogen plans targeting 5 MMT production by 2030
International Tea Day Convention 2025 celebrated in New Delhi emphasizing Indian tea industry growth
International Day for Biological Diversity observed on 22 May 2025 focusing on nature conservation
Sports News
Cricket Updates
Lucknow Super Giants defeated Gujarat Titans by 33 runs in IPL 2025 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Mitchell Marsh scored a century while Nicholas Pooran contributed fifty runs for LSG’s total of 235
Gujarat Titans restricted to 202/9 despite Shahrukh Khan’s half-century and contributions from Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler
Will O’Rourke starred with three-wicket haul for Lucknow Super Giants
Football Achievements
Tottenham Hotspur won UEFA Europa League 2025 Final against Manchester United with 1-0 victory
Brennan Johnson scored the decisive goal ending Spurs’ 17-year trophy drought
Victory secured Tottenham’s qualification for next season’s Champions League
Manager Ange Postecoglou achieved major breakthrough after challenging Premier League season
Science and Technology
Space and Defense
BrahMos-NG (Next Generation) missile development progressing for enhanced precision capabilities
INSV Kaundinya stitched sail ship technology advancement in naval applications
Quantum technologies impact on global financial systems being explored by central banks
AI applications in cybersecurity presenting both risks and opportunities for financial institutions
Health and Environment
Canine Distemper virus outbreak poses threat to wildlife in Corbett Tiger Reserve area
Asiatic lion population census data indicating significant growth requiring new habitat management
Blue Talks initiative promoting marine conservation awareness programs
Financial Fraud Risk Indicator launched by Department of Telecommunications to tackle cyber crime
Banking and Financial Services
Interest Rate Developments
Current repo rate stands at 6.00% following RBI’s 25 basis points reduction in April 2025
Reverse repo rate maintained at 3.35% while MSF rate adjusted to 6.25%
Bank rate and standing deposit facility rate set at 6.50% and 5.75% respectively
Home loan interest rates expected to decrease following repo rate cuts benefiting borrowers
Regulatory Updates
RBI’s record dollar sales indicating active forex market intervention to manage rupee volatility
Foreign exchange reserves fluctuated from $705 billion to below $625 billion during fiscal year
Banking sector focusing on external benchmark interest rate revisions every three months
Enhanced monitoring of non-bank financial intermediaries for systemic risk assessment