NATIONAL AFFAIRS
Prime Minister’s Bihar Visit
PM Narendra Modi commenced a significant two-day visit to Bihar on 29.05.2025
Inaugurated new terminal at Patna Airport and flagged off construction of Bihta Airport
Conducted a 5-kilometer roadshow from airport to BJP headquarters in Patna
32 stages were set up along the roadshow route with participation from 35 volunteer organizations
Scheduled to inaugurate and flag off 16 development projects worth approximately Rs 50,000 crore
Visit comes ahead of Bihar Assembly elections scheduled for later in 2025
Meeting with senior BJP leaders planned to discuss election preparations
Home Minister’s Jammu and Kashmir Visit
Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Jammu and Kashmir on 29.05.2025
Conducted high-level security review meetings
Discussed security arrangements for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra
Focus on counter-terrorism operations and border security measures
Financial Sector Updates
Major financial changes scheduled to take effect from 01.06.2025
EPFO 3.0 system rollout designed to expedite claim processing and KYC updates
Introduction of ATM-like cards for quicker access to EPF funds
TDS certificate deadline (Form 16 and Form 16A) set for 15.06.2025
SEBI implements new cut-off timings for overnight mutual fund schemes
Cut-off times: 3 PM for offline transactions, 7 PM for online transactions
Banking Sector Changes
Axis Bank to implement changes in REWARDS Credit Card from 20.06.2025
Modifications in point accrual rules and merchant categories
Suryoday Small Finance Bank reduces FD interest rates from 01.06.2025
New rates range from 4% to 8.4% for deposits under Rs 3 crore
HDFC Bank revises lounge access policy for Tata Neu credit cards from 10.06.2025
Kotak Mahindra Bank updates credit card fee structure from 01.06.2025
Aadhaar Update Deadline
Free online Aadhaar updates available until 14.06.2025
Post-deadline charges: Rs 25 for online updates, Rs 50 for physical centers
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
United States Political Developments
Federal appeals court allows Trump administration tariffs to remain in place temporarily
Legal uncertainty continues for businesses regarding tariff implementation
Elon Musk announces departure from Trump administration after leading Department of Government Efficiency
Musk expressed disappointment with the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”
Congressional Budget Office projects legislation would add $3.8 trillion to national debt over 10 years
Gaza Ceasefire Developments
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff presents new 60-day ceasefire proposal
Israel accepts the US-backed ceasefire framework
Hamas provides cautious response, seeking to study proposal before formal answer
Proposal includes release of 10 living Israeli hostages and remains of 18 deceased hostages
Framework calls for humanitarian aid distribution through UN and Red Crescent channels
Presidential support emphasized for adherence to ceasefire agreement
US-China Relations
Trump administration announces aggressive visa revocation policy for Chinese students
Halt in processing visas for international students announced
Special targeting of individuals with links to Chinese Communist Party
Chinese nationals represent second-largest proportion of overseas students in US after India
Harvard University asked to cap international student acceptance at 15%
Economic Impact Assessment
US tariffs and foreign retaliation projected to lower real GDP growth by 0.2 percentage points
Unemployment rate expected to rise by 0.10 percentage point
Consumer price increases of 0.6% anticipated from 2025 tariffs
Average household purchasing power loss estimated at $950
Steel and aluminum prices to rise by 6% and 13% respectively
SPORTS UPDATES
Athletics Achievements
Avinash Sable wins gold medal at Asian Athletics Championships in South Korea
Jyothi Yarraji secures gold medal in her event at the same championship
India wins total of six medals at the Asian Athletics Championships
Championships being held in South Korea with strong Indian participation
Chess Tournaments
D Gukesh participates in 2025 Norway Chess tournament
Arjun Erigaisi represents India in the prestigious event
R Vaishali and Koneru Humpy compete in women’s section
Tournament continues with Indian players showing strong performance
Badminton Events
PV Sindhu advances in Singapore Open Super 750 tournament
HS Prannoy progresses to next round
Satwik-Chirag duo achieves victory in doubles category
Lakshya Sen retires from first round due to undisclosed reasons
Boxing Success
Three Indian boxers reach semifinals at Thailand Open International Boxing Tournament
Tamanna, Priya, and Deepak advance to semifinal rounds
Strong representation showcases India’s growing boxing prowess
Cricket Updates
India squad announced for upcoming friendly match against Thailand
Virat Kohli announces retirement from Test cricket effective 12.05.2025
Major development in Indian cricket leadership structure
SECURITY AND DEFENSE
India-Pakistan Relations
Operation Sindoor conducted by Indian forces between 07.05.2025 and 10.05.2025
Ceasefire agreement reached between India and Pakistan on 10.05.2025
External Affairs Minister clarifies that trade and tariff issues did not feature in discussions
Direct contacts between Director Generals of Military Operations facilitated ceasefire
Missing Indians in Iran
Three Indian nationals reported missing in Iran
Indian Embassy in Iran actively coordinating with Iranian authorities
Daily communication maintained with Iranian officials for location and safe return
Families being provided with necessary support and updates
Counter-Terrorism Operations
Multiple successful operations against terrorist elements in Jammu and Kashmir
Enhanced security measures implemented across sensitive regions
Coordination between various security agencies strengthened
WEATHER AND ENVIRONMENT
Severe Weather Alerts
Enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms across west-central Texas
Large to very large hail expected with significant wind gusts
Tornado possibilities identified in affected regions
Storm systems moving through Arkansas into Tennessee Valley
Scattered storms expected with modest instability but favorable wind profiles
Climate Projections
Earth’s average temperature for 2025-29 likely to exceed 1.5°C limit according to World Meteorological Organization
Critical environmental milestone highlighting climate change acceleration
Global implications for policy and environmental management
TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
Space Sector Updates
EOS-09 satellite experiences failure shortly after launch from Satish Dhawan Space Centre on 19.05.2025
Setback for Indian space program requiring investigation and analysis
Continued focus on strengthening launch capabilities and satellite technology
Digital Infrastructure
EPFO 3.0 system represents significant upgrade in digital governance
Enhanced user experience and reduced processing times expected
Technology integration improving citizen services across government departments
ECONOMIC INDICATORS
Foreign Direct Investment
India records USD 81.04 billion FDI inflow in Financial Year 2024-25
Significant achievement demonstrating investor confidence in Indian economy
Sustained foreign investment supporting economic growth trajectory
Industrial Production
IIP growth slows to 8-month low of 2.7% in April 2025
Manufacturing sector shows mixed performance across different segments
Economic indicators requiring monitoring for policy adjustments
Minimum Support Price Updates
Cabinet approves hike in Minimum Support Price for agricultural products
Decision aimed at supporting farmer income and agricultural sustainability
Expected to boost rural economy and agricultural productivity
LEGAL AND JUDICIAL UPDATES
Supreme Court Decisions
Supreme Court dismisses plea regarding Savarkar’s name protection under Emblems Act
Significant constitutional and historical interpretation involved
Impact on freedom of expression and historical representation debates
Regulatory Changes
Ministry amends FCRA norms restricting NGOs receiving foreign funds from publishing news content
MHA notification affects civil society organizations and media landscape
Implications for non-profit sector operations and media regulations
