Daily current affairs for UPSC, SSC, BPSC, Railway and all competitive exams
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Topic-wise Current Affairs
may 2025 — 13 Categories
The 20th installment of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi was disbursed to eligible farmers in May 2025. The scheme provides ₹6,000 per year to small and marginal farmers in three installments of ₹2,000 each. Since its launch in February 2019, over ₹3 lakh crore has been disbursed to more than 12 crore farmer families.
Exam Tip: PM-KISAN: launched Feb 2019 (announced Budget 2019-20). ₹6,000/year in 3 installments. Direct Benefit Transfer to bank accounts. No upper landholding ceiling — all farmers eligible (some exclusions for institutional landholders, income tax payers).
The PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan added new projects in road, rail, and port connectivity as infrastructure investment continued at a record pace. Gati Shakti integrates 16 ministries on a common GIS platform for synchronized infrastructure development. Total infrastructure pipeline under the plan crossed ₹100 lakh crore.
Exam Tip: PM Gati Shakti: launched Oct 2021. GIS-based platform integrating 16 ministries. Aims to reduce logistics costs from 14% to 8% of GDP. Under Ministry of Commerce. National Infrastructure Pipeline under Finance Ministry.
A mid-implementation review of the National Education Policy 2020 was conducted in May 2025. NEP 2020 envisions 5+3+3+4 schooling structure (replacing 10+2), foundational literacy/numeracy by Grade 3, mother tongue/regional language as medium up to Grade 5, and a multi-disciplinary approach in higher education. GER in higher education target: 50% by 2035.
Exam Tip: NEP 2020: replaces NPE 1986. 5+3+3+4 structure: Foundational (3-8 yrs), Preparatory (8-11), Middle (11-14), Secondary (14-18). ECCE (Early Childhood Care & Education) emphasis. Language: 3-language formula reinforced.
India crossed 1,50,000 DPIIT-recognised startups under the Startup India initiative, launched on January 16, 2016. India has the world's third-largest startup ecosystem (after USA and China). The Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) managed by SIDBI and the Startup India Seed Fund (SISF) provide financial support to early-stage startups.
Exam Tip: Startup India: launched Jan 16, 2016. Recognitions by DPIIT (Dept for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade). India's unicorns: 100+. Third-largest startup ecosystem globally. Tax benefits: 3 years tax holiday for eligible startups.
Operation Sindoor was India's military response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack of April 22, 2025. On the night of May 6-7, 2025, the Indian Armed Forces conducted precision strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). Nine terrorist training camps, staging areas, and storage facilities used by Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba were targeted and destroyed.
Exam Tip: Operation Sindoor: May 7, 2025. India's military response to Pahalgam attack (April 22, 2025). Targeted: 9 terror sites in Pakistan/PoK. Groups targeted: JeM (Jaish-e-Mohammed) and LeT (Lashkar-e-Taiba). Compared to Balakot airstrikes 2019.
Following Operation Sindoor, India and Pakistan entered a tense military standoff with both nations's armed forces on high alert. Pakistan retaliated with drone and missile strikes on Indian military positions along the Line of Control, which were intercepted by India's air defence systems including the S-400 Triumf systems. A ceasefire was eventually brokered through international mediation.
Exam Tip: S-400 Triumf: India purchased from Russia despite US CAATSA sanctions threat. India received first S-400 squadron 2021. S-400 can engage targets at 400km range, altitude up to 30km. India deployed S-400 along Pakistan border.
An emergency session of Parliament was convened in May 2025 to brief members on the security situation post-Operation Sindoor and to pass resolutions supporting the armed forces. All major political parties expressed support for the military action, with cross-party solidarity on national security matters.
Exam Tip: Parliament emergency/special sessions: called by government under Article 85 of the Constitution. President summons Parliament on advice of Cabinet. Emergency sessions have been called for events like war, national crisis. Regular budget sessions and monsoon sessions follow annual schedule.
India intensified diplomatic efforts at the United Nations to designate the Pahalgam attack perpetrators and their handlers under the UNSC 1267 sanctions committee. India sought to add names of LeT and JeM leaders to the UN terrorism blacklist. China, as Pakistan's ally, threatened to block or hold the listing through a technical hold.
Exam Tip: UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee: blacklists Al-Qaida/Taliban-affiliated individuals and entities. India has repeatedly tried to get Masood Azhar (JeM) and Hafiz Saeed (LeT) listed — China blocked multiple attempts before eventual listings.
Despite heightened India-Pakistan tensions, India's stock markets remained broadly stable and economic activity continued. Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) showed confidence with continued investment flows. The IMF affirmed India's 6.5% growth projection for FY2025-26, citing strong domestic demand and infrastructure spending.
Exam Tip: FII (Foreign Institutional Investors): invest in India's secondary market. FDI (Foreign Direct Investment): invest directly in companies/greenfield projects. India one of top FDI destinations globally. Geopolitical risks increase country risk premium for investors.
The international community had mixed reactions to Operation Sindoor. The USA and UK called for restraint while acknowledging India's right to self-defence. Russia expressed concern but did not condemn India. China called for de-escalation and supported Pakistan. The BRICS nations issued a statement calling for dialogue while recognising the threat of terrorism.
Exam Tip: India's position on cross-border terrorism: zero-tolerance, right of self-defence under UN Charter Article 51. USA-India Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership allows defence cooperation. Pakistan-China: "all-weather strategic cooperative partnership."
The United States played a key role in diplomatic back-channels during the India-Pakistan crisis following Operation Sindoor. High-level communications between the US National Security Advisor and Indian counterparts helped prevent further escalation. The USA also shared intelligence with India confirming the terrorist nature of the Pahalgam attack perpetrators.
Exam Tip: India-US NSA hotline: established for crisis communications. US-India Major Defence Partnership includes intelligence sharing arrangements. US special envoy for South Asia played role in Kashmir-related diplomatic efforts historically.
The ASEAN-India Summit and related East Asia Summit meetings continued India's active engagement in the Indo-Pacific. India's Act East Policy, launched in 2014, prioritises ASEAN connectivity, trade, and security cooperation. India pushed for the ASEAN-India FTA review and maritime security cooperation through the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).
Exam Tip: ASEAN: 10 members. India-ASEAN: Strategic Partnership 2012, Comprehensive Strategic Partnership 2022. Act East Policy: evolved from "Look East" (1991). ASEAN-India FTA in goods (2009), services, investment need upgradation. IPOI (Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative): 2019 India initiative, 7 pillars.
India participated as an invited partner nation to the G7 summit held in Kananaskis, Canada in June 2025 (preparatory engagements in May). India regularly participates in G7 summits as an outreach partner, reflecting its status as a major emerging economy. India is a G20 member but not G7 (G7 = USA, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Japan + EU).
Exam Tip: G7: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK, USA + EU. G8 existed (Russia expelled 2014 after Crimea annexation). India is G20 member (G20 = G7 + major emerging economies + EU). India held G20 Presidency 2023 (Delhi Declaration).
India's GDP growth for FY2024-25 was estimated at 6.4%, slightly below the 6.9% in FY2023-24, but making India the fastest-growing major economy. The moderation was partly attributed to slower government capital expenditure in the election year and the impact of geopolitical tensions. Private consumption remained strong, driven by a growing middle class.
Exam Tip: India GDP growth: FY24: 8.2%, FY25: 6.4% (estimate). India overtook UK as 5th largest economy (2022). India target: 3rd largest economy by 2030. GDP at Market Prices vs GVA at Basic Prices (GDP = GVA + Net taxes on products).
The Reserve Bank of India released its Annual Report for FY2024-25, providing a comprehensive overview of monetary policy, financial stability, and economic developments. The report highlighted India's digital payments ecosystem as a global model, with UPI transactions reaching 18 billion per month. Banking sector NPAs declined to a multi-year low of 2.6%.
Exam Tip: RBI Annual Report vs Report on Currency and Finance vs Financial Stability Report: three key annual RBI publications. NPA (Non-Performing Asset): loan overdue >90 days. GNPA ratio: Gross NPA/Gross Loans. India GNPA peaked ~11% in FY18, declining to ~2.6% FY25.
India's Current Account Deficit (CAD) narrowed to around 1.0% of GDP for FY2024-25, aided by strong services exports (IT/BPO, software), record remittances from the Indian diaspora ($120 billion), and moderated crude oil import costs. Remittances make India the world's top recipient country, per World Bank data.
Exam Tip: Current Account Deficit: imports > exports (goods + services + transfers). India structurally runs CAD. Current Account = Trade Balance + Services + Primary income + Secondary income (remittances). India world's top remittance recipient ($125 billion annually).
Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, launched across 14 sectors, generated cumulative manufacturing output crossing ₹10 lakh crore. PLI for mobile phones (Apple, Samsung moved production to India), semiconductors, solar panels, pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals, and textiles have been particularly successful.
Exam Tip: PLI Schemes: launched 2020-21 for 13 sectors (later 14 including drone sector). Total incentive outlay: ₹1.97 lakh crore. Objective: import substitution + export promotion. Apple (iPhone manufacturing by Foxconn, Tata) in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
The RBI Monetary Policy Committee cut the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.0% in May 2025, the second consecutive rate cut (first in February 2025 from 6.5% to 6.25%). With inflation within the 4% (±2%) target band and growth concerns from geopolitical tensions, the MPC moved toward an accommodative stance.
Exam Tip: Repo rate: rate at which RBI lends to commercial banks (short-term). Reverse Repo: rate at which banks park excess funds with RBI. CRR (Cash Reserve Ratio): % of deposits banks must keep with RBI. SLR (Statutory Liquidity Ratio): % kept in liquid assets.
The government expanded Digital Banking Units (DBUs) across the country. DBUs are specialised fixed-point business units providing digital banking products and services to customers in a paperless, fully digital environment. 75 DBUs were launched on October 16, 2022 (PM Modi's announcement), and the number continued expanding in 2025.
Exam Tip: Digital Banking Units: launched Oct 16, 2022, 75 DBUs in 75 districts (75th independence anniversary). Provide services 24/7 in digital format. Run by scheduled commercial banks (public and private sector).
The Reserve Bank of India's e-Rupee (Central Bank Digital Currency - Retail) pilot scaled up to more banks and cities. The e-Rupee CBDC uses a token-based model and is distributed through commercial banks as intermediaries. It differs from UPI/IMPS/NEFT as it is digital currency, not a payment mechanism for existing deposits.
Exam Tip: CBDC: Central Bank Digital Currency. India e-Rupee: digital form of Indian Rupee. Two types: Retail CBDC (e₹-R) for general public, Wholesale CBDC (e₹-W) for financial institutions. Different from cryptocurrency: CBDC is issued and backed by RBI.
The RBI issued a new regulatory framework for Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) in May 2025, providing a four-tier regulatory structure based on deposits. Large UCBs with deposits above ₹10,000 crore face commercial bank-equivalent regulations. The framework follows the Banking Regulation (Amendment) Act 2020 which strengthened RBI's oversight over cooperatives.
Exam Tip: UCBs (Urban Cooperative Banks): regulated by RBI (banking) and state registrars (incorporation). 4-tier framework: Tier I (small, < ₹100 cr deposits), Tier II, III, IV (up to > ₹10,000 crore). Post PMC Bank crisis, RBI's oversight strengthened by 2020 amendment.
India's National Security Advisor played a central role in coordinating India's diplomatic and military response to the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor. The NSA is not a constitutional post; it is a key policy position headed by a senior civil servant or former military officer. The NSA chairs the Strategic Policy Group and advises the PM directly.
Exam Tip: NSA: National Security Advisor. Key intelligence/security bodies: RAW (Research and Analysis Wing — foreign intelligence), IB (Intelligence Bureau — internal intelligence), NIA (National Investigation Agency — terrorism cases).
The Election Commission of India announced schedules for several state legislative assembly elections in 2025. The ECI, a constitutional body under Article 324, is responsible for conducting free and fair elections. The ECI has three members: Chief Election Commissioner + two Election Commissioners, all with security of tenure.
Exam Tip: Election Commission of India: Art 324. Chief Election Commissioner removal: same as Supreme Court judge (i.e., by Parliament). Election Commissioners: can be removed on recommendation of CEC. ECI conducts Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, state assembly, President, Vice President elections.
Following the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor, India recalled its High Commissioner from Pakistan and downgraded diplomatic relations. The High Commission was operating with reduced staff. India also expelled Pakistani diplomats. A High Commissioner is the ambassador-equivalent between Commonwealth nations.
Exam Tip: India-Pakistan: High Commissioners (not ambassadors) as both are Commonwealth members. India-Pakistan bilateral relations governed by: Simla Agreement 1972, Lahore Declaration 1999. Composite Dialogue (stalled). Relations primarily via back-channel and third parties since 2016.
The 78th Cannes Film Festival was held in May 2025. Indian films continued to gain international recognition, with multiple films in various sections including Un Certain Regard and parallel sections. Payal Kapadia's "All We Imagine as Light" won the Grand Prix at Cannes 2024, marking a breakthrough moment for Indian cinema's global recognition.
Exam Tip: Cannes Film Festival: oldest/most prestigious film festival (since 1946). Palme d'Or: top prize. Un Certain Regard: second major section. India's Cannes wins: Payal Kapadia (2024 Grand Prix). India's Oscar foreign-language history: Mother India (1957), Salaam Bombay (1988) nominated.
The Booker Prize 2025 longlist was announced in May, with authors of Indian origin and Indian-themed literature featuring prominently. Indian authors have a strong history with the Booker Prize: Arundhati Roy (1997 — God of Small Things), Kiran Desai (2006 — Inheritance of Loss), Aravind Adiga (2008 — The White Tiger).
Exam Tip: International Booker Prize (formerly Man Booker International): for translated fiction. Booker Prize: English-language fiction (formerly Commonwealth only, now global). Indian Booker winners: Arundhati Roy 1997, Kiran Desai 2006, Aravind Adiga 2008.
BRICS nations organised sports cooperation events, with India winning several medals in various disciplines. The BRICS Sports Federation Games have been held periodically since 2014 to promote sporting ties among BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) and newer members (Iran, UAE, Ethiopia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia joined 2024).
Exam Tip: BRICS: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa. BRICS+: 6 new members from 2024: Argentina (declined), Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE. BRICS New Development Bank (NDB): HQ Shanghai. India: founding member.
ISRO continued progress on the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme with additional unmanned test missions. Astronaut-designates (Gaganauts) from the Indian Air Force — Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla (also selected for Axiom Space ISS mission), Group Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, Wing Commander Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander Ajit Krishnan — continue training.
Exam Tip: Gaganyaan: India's first crewed spaceflight. Target: Earth orbit (400 km). Duration: 3 days. 4 IAF officer astronaut-designates. TV-D1 (test vehicle abort mission): October 2023, success. G1 (unmanned): late 2024. Gaganyaan: national prestige + ISRO capability.
Tata Electronics and Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test (TSAT) broke ground on India's first semiconductor assembly and test facility in Jagiroad, Assam (with a facility also in Dholera, Gujarat). These mark India's entry into global semiconductor supply chains under the India Semiconductor Mission with ₹76,000 crore government support.
Exam Tip: India Semiconductor Mission: ₹76,000 crore package. Players: Micron (Memory, Sanand Gujarat), Tata-Powerchip (fab, Dholera), Tata SATS (assembly, Jagiroad Assam), CG Power-Renesas (assembly, Sanand). Semiconductors are strategic for electronics, defence, automotive.
India revised its National AI Policy and IndiaAI Mission guidelines, introducing responsible AI governance frameworks for high-risk AI systems. India aims to be a global AI hub by 2027, with focus on AI for public good, AI safety standards, and AI talent development. The IndiaAI mission allocated ₹10,372 crore for AI computing infrastructure, startups, and research.
Exam Tip: IndiaAI Mission: ₹10,372 crore. Components: IndiaAI Compute, IndiaAI Datasets, IndiaAI Application Development, IndiaAI FutureSkills, IndiaAI Startup Financing. NASSCOM: IT industry body. Global AI Governance: Bletchley Declaration 2023 (UK AI Safety Summit).
India's deep technology startup ecosystem in areas like space tech, semiconductor design, AI, defence tech, and agritech saw significant investment. ISRO's NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) and IN-SPACe continue to facilitate private sector space industry growth. Indian space startups including Skyroot, Agnikul, and Pixxel received funding and regulatory approvals.
Exam Tip: IN-SPACe: Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre. Enables private sector in space. Established 2020. Space sector reform 2023: Indian Space Policy allows private satellite launches, launch vehicles. Agnikul: Agnibaan rocket (semi-cryogenic, 3D-printed). Skyroot: Vikram rocket.
Operation Sindoor employed precision-guided munitions delivered by Indian Air Force Rafale jets, Su-30 MKI aircraft, and ground-launched BrahMos cruise missiles. The operation demonstrated India's capability for surgical, multi-domain strikes. India's air defence systems (S-400, Akash missiles, Barak-8) engaged Pakistani retaliatory strikes.
Exam Tip: Indian Air Force aircraft: Rafale (36 delivered, French jets), Su-30 MKI (largest fleet, 260+), Tejas MkI (in service), Jaguar, Mirage 2000. India's air defence: S-400 (Russia), Akash (indigenous, BEL/DRDO), Barak-8 (Indo-Israeli). BrahMos: air-launched version deployed on Su-30 MKI.
Pakistan's retaliatory drone and missile strikes following Operation Sindoor were intercepted by India's integrated air defence network. This was the first operational test of S-400 in a real conflict scenario for India. The Akash missile system and the DRDO-developed air defence weapons demonstrated effectiveness against subsonic and supersonic threats.
Exam Tip: S-400 Triumf: Russia, 5 squadrons for India. Can engage fighters, bombers, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles. India became S-400 operator despite CAATSA (US). CAATSA: Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act. USA granted India waiver.
Following the security developments, India enhanced its defence budget allocations through supplementary demands for grants. India's defence budget for FY2025-26 was ₹6.81 lakh crore, representing about 1.9% of GDP. The additional allocation focused on ammunition replenishment, missile procurement, and border infrastructure.
Exam Tip: India defence budget: ~2% of GDP (below NATO benchmark of 2%). Components: revenue (salaries, maintenance) and capital (procurement, infrastructure). Capital budget includes capital procurement for equipment and construction. CDS created to improve tri-service coordination.
INS Vikrant (India's first domestically built aircraft carrier) conducted its first joint exercises with allied navies in the Arabian Sea during May 2025. The carrier, commissioned September 2022, is equipped with MiG-29K fighter jets, Ka-31 AEW helicopters, and various defence systems. A second indigenous carrier (INS Vishal) is in the planning stage.
Exam Tip: INS Vikrant: India's first indigenous aircraft carrier. Built at Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL). Commissioned Sept 2, 2022. Displacement: 45,000 tonnes. Aircraft: MiG-29K. INS Vikramaditya: second carrier (modified Kiev-class, from Russia). INS Vishal: future third carrier.
The cyclone season of 2025 saw early cyclone formations in the Bay of Bengal. India's National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and India Meteorological Department (IMD) enhanced early warning systems and evacuation preparedness. The Odisha model of cyclone disaster management has become a global best practice since Cyclone Fani (2019).
Exam Tip: Cyclones: named by WMO (World Met Organization). North Indian Ocean cyclones: named by RSMC New Delhi (IMD). Cyclone classification: Depression (<55km/h), Cyclonic Storm, Severe/Very Severe/Extremely Severe/Super Cyclonic Storm. Odisha cyclone preparedness: NDRF, shelter homes.
The National Green Tribunal issued orders against industries in several states for violations of environmental norms, including effluent discharge into rivers and air pollution from coal plants. The NGT, established in 2010, is a specialised environmental court empowered to hear civil cases relating to environmental protection and natural resource conservation.
Exam Tip: NGT (National Green Tribunal): est. 2010 under NGT Act. Principal bench in New Delhi. Zonal benches: Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata, Chennai. Can hear civil cases only (not criminal). Limitation: 6 months from the cause of action. Based on "polluter pays" and "precautionary" principles.
India's Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), launched at COP26 by PM Modi and institutionalised internationally through G20, released a global progress report. Mission LiFE promotes individual pro-environment behaviours: avoiding single-use plastics, reducing food waste, using public transport, and choosing sustainable products.
Exam Tip: Mission LiFE: Lifestyle for Environment. PM Modi launched at COP26 Glasgow 2021. Formally launched at Ekta Nagar (Statue of Unity) in October 2022. Concept: Pro-Planet People (P3). Made part of G20 agenda during India's presidency 2023.
The 2025 Indian Premier League culminated in May with a thrilling final. IPL 2025 featured all 10 franchises: Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Gujarat Titans, and Lucknow Super Giants.
Exam Tip: IPL: launched 2008. Most successful franchises (by titles): Mumbai Indians (5), Chennai Super Kings (5). IPL valued at ~$10 billion. BCCI earns ₹48,390 crore (2023-27 rights): Star Sports TV + Jio Cinema digital. Chairman BCCI: Roger Binny.
India competed in the Thomas Cup (men's badminton team championship) and Uber Cup (women's) in May 2025. India won the Thomas Cup for the first time in 2022 (defeating Indonesia 3-0 in the final), marking a historic achievement for Indian badminton. India also reached the Uber Cup semi-finals in recent editions.
Exam Tip: Thomas Cup: men's international badminton team championship, every 2 years. Uber Cup: women's. India Thomas Cup win: 2022 (first ever). Badminton World Federation (BWF) governs. India's top players: Lakshya Sen, Satwiksairaj-Chirag Shetty, Kidambi Srikanth.
Indian athletes qualified for the World Athletics Championships (Budapest/Tokyo cycle). Neeraj Chopra continued his dominance in javelin throw, targeting the world record (104.80m by Jan Zelezny, Czech Republic). Neeraj's personal best: 89.94m (Munich Diamond League 2023). He won Olympic Gold at Tokyo 2020 and Silver at Paris 2024.
Exam Tip: Neeraj Chopra: first Indian to win Olympic athletics gold (Tokyo 2020, javelin). Paris 2024: javelin silver. World Champion 2023 (Budapest). Asian Games Gold 2018, 2023. SAI, JSW Sports sponsorship. Arjuna Award 2018, Khel Ratna (Major Dhyan Chand) 2022.
The Global Peace Index 2025, published by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), measured 163 countries on 23 indicators of peace. India typically ranks in the lower quartile due to internal conflicts, terrorism indices, and neighbourhood tensions. The GPI covers: Societal Safety, Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict, and Militarisation.
Exam Tip: Global Peace Index: published by IEP (Institute for Economics and Peace), Sydney. Annual since 2008. Most peaceful: Iceland, Ireland, Austria (typically). Least peaceful: conflict zones. India rank: typically 130-140 range. Positive Peace Index is a related IEP concept.
The United Nations released its World Population Prospects 2025 update, confirming India as the world's most populous country at 1.44 billion. The report projected India's population to peak around 2060 at approximately 1.7 billion before declining, reflecting falling fertility rates. India's TFR (Total Fertility Rate) is approximately 2.0, close to replacement level (2.1).
Exam Tip: World Population: 8.2 billion (2025). India: 1.44 billion (largest). China: 1.41 billion. India pop peak: ~2060. TFR replacement: 2.1. India TFR: ~2.0 (southern states below 1.7). UNFPA (UN Population Fund): lead UN agency on population.
Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) released the 2026 edition of World University Rankings. IIT Bombay consistently ranks as India's top institution in global rankings. India has significantly increased its representation in global top-1000 universities. The QS ranking uses six indicators: academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty-student ratio, citations per faculty, international faculty ratio, international student ratio.
Exam Tip: QS Rankings: Quacquarelli Symonds, UK. Top global: MIT, Oxford, Cambridge, Stanford, Harvard. India top: IIT Bombay (~140 rank), IIT Delhi, IISC Bangalore. NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework): India's own ranking system, launched 2016.
Following Operation Sindoor and India's enhanced global role in crisis management, India intensified its advocacy for a permanent UNSC seat. India is part of the G4 (Brazil, Germany, India, Japan) seeking UNSC reform and expansion of permanent membership. India's last UNSC non-permanent membership was 2021-22.
Exam Tip: UNSC: 5 permanent (P5: USA, UK, France, Russia, China) + 10 non-permanent (elected for 2-year terms, regional basis). Total: 15. India-UNSC non-permanent: 1950-51, 1967-68, 1972-73, 1977-78, 1984-85, 1991-92, 2011-12, 2021-22 (8 times). G4 reform bid ongoing.
India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) represents India at INTERPOL and coordinates international law enforcement cooperation through the INTERPOL channel. Following Operation Sindoor, India sought INTERPOL Red Notices against fugitive terrorist handlers in Pakistan. INTERPOL HQ is in Lyon, France; India has been a member since 1949.
Exam Tip: INTERPOL: International Criminal Police Organization. HQ: Lyon, France. 195 member countries. Types of notices: Red (arrest), Blue (information), Yellow (missing persons), Green (warning), Orange (threat), Purple (criminal methods), Black (unidentified remains). India: member since 1949.
India participated in WTO dispute settlement proceedings on multiple fronts in May 2025. India challenged US steel and aluminium tariffs, and faced complaints on its IT hardware tariffs. India also pushed for agriculture subsidy reforms in developed countries at the WTO, arguing that domestic support by rich nations distorts global agricultural markets.
Exam Tip: WTO: est. 1995 (replaced GATT 1947). HQ: Geneva. DG: Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Nigeria, first African, first woman). 164 member countries. India has been active in agriculture, TRIPS flexibilities for pharma (Doha Declaration 2001), services trade negotiations.