Stay updated with the top headlines from 25th and 26th May 2025. This GK update covers national, international, economy, banking, defense, science, sports, and important days — curated for competitive exam aspirants.
National Affairs
1. What commemorative stamp was announced in Tamil Nadu?
Answer: A postage stamp honoring Tamil king Perarasar Perumpidugu Mutharaiyar was announced by Union MoS L. Murugan during his 1,350th birth anniversary celebration in Tiruchirapalli. It will be released in 2026.
2. What was launched under the “Born to Fly” campaign?
Answer: A special postal cover was released in Coimbatore by the Department of Posts and Tamil Nadu Forest Department to mark International Day for Biological Diversity 2025.
3. What ocean-focused event was hosted by MoES in Delhi?
Answer: The 2nd Blue Talks were held ahead of the UN Ocean Conference 2025, promoting SDG 14 and releasing a white paper on India’s Blue Economy strategy.
4. What tribal welfare initiative was launched in Tamil Nadu?
Answer: India’s first Mahouts’ Village was inaugurated at Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, featuring 44 eco-friendly houses for elephant caretakers from tribal communities.
5. What eco-tourism train was launched in Uttar Pradesh?
Answer: India’s first Vistadome jungle safari train was launched, connecting Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary and Dudhwa Tiger Reserve with panoramic coaches.
6. What new scheme was launched to boost spice exports?
Answer: The SPICED scheme was launched by the Spices Board to support 45,000 beneficiaries with ₹422.3 crore, promoting GI-tagged, organic, and value-added spices.
7. What IPR initiative was announced for MSMEs?
Answer: The Ministry of MSME partnered with Denmark’s DKPTO to help MSMEs acquire patents and trademarks under the MSME-SCIP program.
International Affairs
8. Where was the 2025 World Hydrogen Summit held?
Answer: The summit took place in Rotterdam, Netherlands. India’s MNRE Secretary Santosh Kumar Sarangi represented India, and Juno Joule signed an MoU for a green hydrogen facility in Andhra Pradesh.
9. What did the WOAH report reveal about animal diseases?
Answer: The report stated that 47% of animal diseases have zoonotic potential, with avian influenza outbreaks doubling in 2024 across 55 countries.
10. What was India’s stance at the 15th BRICS Trade Ministers’ Meeting?
Answer: India opposed export controls and proposed the “30 for 30” WTO reform initiative, while hosting a digital transformation session for BRICS nations.
Banking & Finance
11. What decline was reported in RBI’s LRS remittances?
Answer: Outward remittances under LRS fell 6.85% to $29.56 billion in FY25, mainly due to reduced spending on education and medical treatment abroad.
12. What surge was seen in NRI deposits in FY25?
Answer: NRI deposits hit an 11-year high of $16.2 billion, with strong growth in FCNR(B), NRE(RA), and NRO accounts.
13. What new regulatory board was formed by RBI?
Answer: RBI established a six-member Payments Regulatory Board (PRB) to oversee payment systems, replacing the BPSS.
14. What penalties did RBI impose?
Answer: RBI fined Union Bank of India ₹63.6 lakh and Transactree Technologies ₹40 lakh for regulatory violations.
15. What funding did Vivriti Asset Management secure?
Answer: Vivriti Fund received $20 million from Austria’s Development Bank, raising its capital base to $165 million for MSME and women-focused lending.
Science & Technology
16. What engine breakthrough was achieved by Agnikul Cosmos?
Answer: Agnikul successfully fired India’s first electric motor-driven semi-cryogenic engine, developed with 3D-printed components at IIT Madras.
Defense News
17. What partnership was signed for Malaysia’s Su-30MKM fleet?
Answer: Samtel Avionics partnered with Malaysia’s ATSC to provide avionics upgrades and MRO services for the Royal Malaysian Air Force.
Sports News
18. What education initiative was launched by Amity University Online?
Answer: Amity signed an MoU with Hockey India to offer scholarships and degree programs to athletes, including Salima Tete and Jyoti Singh.
Important Days
19. Why is International Day of the Markhor observed on May 24?
Answer: It raises awareness about the conservation of the markhor, a wild goat species found in South and Central Asia. The UN declared it in 2024.
20. What is the theme of World Schizophrenia Awareness Day 2025?
Answer: “Rethink the Label: Reclaim the Story” — promoting humane treatment and awareness of schizophrenia.
21. Why is Commonwealth Day observed in India on May 24?
Answer: It commemorates Queen Victoria’s birthday and India’s colonial history, though globally it’s observed on the second Monday of March.