National Affairs – 26.05.2025
Political Developments
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a crucial meeting of NDA-ruled state Chief Ministers in New Delhi focusing on Viksit Bharat 2047 vision and various developmental initiatives
The 122nd edition of Mann Ki Baat was broadcast where PM Modi addressed the nation on various social and developmental issues
NITI Aayog’s 10th Governing Council meeting witnessed participation from multiple state governments with discussions on economic targets for 2030, 2035, and 2047
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticized BJP MP Ramchandra Jangra’s controversial statements regarding Pahalgam attack victims’ families
A multi-party delegation led by NCP leader Supriya Sule visited Qatar to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at the Indian Embassy
BSP leadership underwent major restructuring with Akash Anand taking key decisions and replacing old zonal coordinators with new appointments
Security and Defense
Operation Sindoor continued with Indian security forces maintaining heightened alert in sensitive border areas
Army contributions in counter-terrorism operations were praised by senior officials emphasizing new policy approaches to eliminate terrorism
Border security measures were strengthened following recent incidents in Jammu and Kashmir region
Infrastructure and Development
PM Modi announced major railway projects worth over Rs 77,000 crores to be inaugurated in Gujarat including locomotive manufacturing facilities
Four significant water supply schemes were completed providing clean drinking water to 193 villages and one town across multiple talukas
The Locomotive Manufacturing Shop at Rolling Stock Workshop in Dahod was prepared for inauguration as part of Make in India initiative
Railway infrastructure projects including electrification and doubling of multiple railway lines were announced for Gujarat
Governance and Administration
Five legislative assembly constituencies across four states will witness by-elections on June 19 with results on June 23
States were urged to finalize intermediate development targets for 2030 and 2035 during NITI Aayog discussions
Urban Development Year 2025 launch preparations were completed for Gujarat with focus on housing and infrastructure
International Affairs – 26.05.2025
India-Pakistan Relations
India-Pakistan tensions escalated with Operation Bunyanun Marsoos announcement by Pakistan leading to military exchanges
US President Donald Trump and Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister announced immediate ceasefire between India and Pakistan
Indian airstrikes targeted multiple locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir resulting in casualties
Pakistan launched retaliatory strikes into India and Indian-administered Kashmir with claims of destroying Indian fighter jets
Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif declared Indian attacks as acts of war and vowed further retaliation
State of emergency was declared in Pakistan’s Punjab province with school closures and heightened hospital alerts
Global Conflicts
Russia-Ukraine prisoner exchange resulted in release of 307 soldiers from both sides showing potential for diplomatic progress
Russian drone and missile attacks on Ukraine killed 12 people and wounded over 30 in overnight operations
Russian Defense Ministry reported shooting down 110 Ukrainian drones during night-time defensive operations
Gaza conflict continued with Israeli airstrikes killing 23 Palestinians including three children in Gaza City
International Trade and Diplomacy
UK-India free trade agreement was finalized covering 99% of Indian exports with significant tariff reductions
The trade deal is expected to increase bilateral trade by 34 billion dollars annually from 2040
French President Emmanuel Macron and Polish PM Donald Tusk signed mutual assistance treaty
US President Trump announced lifting of all sanctions on Syria under previous Assad regime
Regional Developments
Bangladesh witnessed political tensions with army deployment in Dhaka streets and confrontation between military leadership and interim government
Kuwait government revoked citizenship of thousands of people overnight, particularly affecting women who acquired citizenship through marriage
German Bundestag elected Friedrich Merz as new Chancellor in second round voting with 325 votes
Romania conducted first round of presidential elections with George Simion leading with 40% votes
Economic and Banking Affairs – 26.05.2025
Banking Sector Updates
Reserve Bank of India maintained focus on credit growth monitoring while addressing concerns over unsecured lending
Indian Bank MD Binod Kumar highlighted potential impact of vigilance over unsecured loans on overall credit expansion
Punjab National Bank targeted Rs 16,000 crore recovery with sub-1% slippages for FY26 according to MD Ashok Chandra
IIFL Finance received RBI approval for opening branches in Jammu and Kashmir
Commercial credit supply reportedly dropped 11% in Q4 due to asset quality concerns
Stock Market and Investments
Nifty 50 index pushed towards 25,200 levels despite global tariff uncertainties and market volatility
Foreign Institutional Investors net purchased Rs 1,795 crores while Domestic Institutional Investors bought Rs 300 crores
Honasa Consumer Limited shares hit upper circuit of 20% following quarterly results announcement
Bharat Electronics Limited shares gained 6% after UBS upgraded rating to buy with 40% price target increase
Monetary Policy and Financial Sector
RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra’s monetary policy decisions continued to influence market sentiment
Focus remained on balancing inflation control with growth support measures
Banking holiday was announced for May 26 in specific regions as per RBI calendar
Microfinance sector faced challenges with firms like Fusion reporting consecutive quarterly losses
Sports Updates – 26.05.2025
Cricket – IPL 2025
Sunrisers Hyderabad achieved third-highest total in IPL history scoring 278/3 against Kolkata Knight Riders
Heinrich Klaasen scored brilliant 37-ball century leading SRH to crushing 110-run victory over KKR
Chennai Super Kings defeated Gujarat Titans by 83 runs in final league matches for both teams
MS Dhoni provided crucial updates on his IPL future while taking dig at critics
Gujarat Titans’ hopes of finishing in top two suffered major setback following loss to CSK
Delhi Capitals missed playoff qualification despite strong start with four consecutive wins
Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians remained separated by single point in race for top two positions
Other Sports
World Snooker Championship witnessed Zhao Xintong of China defeating Mark Williams 18-12 to become first amateur and first Chinese player to win championship
Pakistan Super League was suspended indefinitely due to ongoing military tensions between India and Pakistan
Various sporting events faced disruptions due to geopolitical tensions in South Asian region
Miscellaneous Updates – 26.05.2025
Technology and Innovation
Microsoft announced laying off 6,000 employees representing 3% of global workforce citing productivity concerns
Skype application was shut down after twenty years of operation in favor of Microsoft Teams
Hyperloop Pod Technology development announced for Kandla Port as part of futuristic transportation initiatives
Environment and Disasters
Russian wildfires prompted state of emergency declaration in Buryatia with over 53,000 hectares affected
Pre-monsoon showers across India lifted market sentiment ahead of anticipated above-normal monsoon predictions
Fourteen people died in Punjab from toxic liquor consumption highlighting ongoing public health challenges
International Summits and Conferences
World Police Summit concluded in Dubai with participation from 54,000 attendees from over 110 countries
Summit focused on modern policing challenges including crypto crimes, cyber security, and financial crimes
Global law enforcement cooperation initiatives were emphasized during three-day event
