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1. From which format of cricket did Virat Kohli retire in May 2025?
a. One Day
b. Test
c. T20
d. All of the above
Answer: b. Test
– Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket on May 12, 2025.
– Kohli wrote on Instagram – “Test cricket tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons that I will remember for life.”
– Earlier, on May 10, Virat Kohli had informed the BCCI that he wanted to retire from Test cricket. The BCCI had asked Kohli to reconsider his decision. On May 11, a board official also spoke to him.
Virat Kohli in Test matches
– Debut: 2011
– Matches: 123
– Runs: 9230
– Average: 46.85
– Century: 30
– Half century: 31
– Best score: 254
– Double centuries: 7
– He was chosen as the Test Player of the Year in 2017 and 2018.
– Kohli wrote – Test cricket tested me and taught me life lessons
– Virat wrote: “I wore the Baggy Blue jersey for the first time in Test cricket 14 years ago. To be honest, I never imagined that this format would take me on such a journey. It tested me, gave me an identity, and taught me lessons that I will carry with me for life.”
– “Playing in the white jersey has been a very special and deeply personal experience for me — the hard work, the long days, the small moments that no one sees, but that always stay with you.”
– “As I now step away from this format, it’s not an easy decision — but it feels right at this point. I’ve given it everything I had, and it has given me far more than I ever expected.”
– “I’m grateful to the game, to those I shared the field with, and to every person who helped me move forward on this journey. I will always look back on my Test career with a smile.”
– He ended the note by writing his jersey number “269” and signed off with “Signing off.”
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2. Cricketer Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from which format of cricket in May 2025 after T20?
a. Ranji
b. ODI
c. IPL
d. Test
Answer: d. Test
– Rohit Sharma Announces Retirement from Test Cricket on May 7, 2025
– Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket via a social media post on May 7, 2025.
– He has been opening the innings in red-ball (Test) cricket for the past six years.
– He had already retired from T20 internationals after winning the series in 2024.
– He continues to play in the IPL for Mumbai Indians.
– Team India is scheduled to play a 5-Test series in England starting June 20, 2025.
– After Rohit’s retirement, the team will take the field under new leadership.
– The Indian squad for the series may be announced by May 23.
– This will be India’s first series in the new cycle of the World Test Championship.
Rohit Sharma’s Test Career Stats
– Debut: 2013
– Matches: 67
– Runs: 4,301
– Average: 40.57
– Centuries: 12
– Half-Centuries: 26
– Highest Score: 212
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3 . On the fifth day of the military operation Operation Sindoor, a ceasefire was established between India and Pakistan under the mediation of which country?
a. Russia
b. Japan
c. France
d. USA
Answer: d. USA
– On April 22, terrorists killed 26 tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
– In front of women and children, the men were shot in the head and chest. The terrorists told the women:
“We are sparing you so you can go and tell Modi.”
– 15 days after the incident, on the night of May 6–7, the Indian Army carried out air strikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
In just 25 minutes, 9 terrorist camps were destroyed, and over 100 terrorists were eliminated.
These locations were known training hubs for terrorists.
India named the mission “Operation Sindoor”, symbolizing how the terrorists had targeted the suhag (marital status) of the country’s daughters and sisters.
– Following this, on the night of May 8, Pakistan began heavy shelling on border areas and airbases.
India responded by targeting Pakistani military positions.
However, on May 10, a ceasefire was declared after U.S. President Donald Trump intervened as a mediator.
Ceasefire Talks Between DGMOs
– After the ceasefire announcement, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that a conversation had taken place between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMO) of both countries regarding the ceasefire.
– The next round of DGMO-level talks is scheduled for May 12.
– Multiple rounds of discussions are expected to take place at both diplomatic and military levels.
Pakistan Worn Out After Five Days of ‘Operation Sindoor’
– Operation Sindoor began as an airstrike targeting terrorist camps.
– Initially, no civilian or military installations were attacked.
– However, when Pakistan attempted failed drone and missile strikes on Indian military positions, India’s counter-response stunned Pakistan.
– India retaliated by targeting several Pakistani military bases, including destroying the air defense system in Lahore.
– Indian strikes severely crippled the Pakistan Air Force’s capability at multiple airbases.
Why Did India and Pakistan Agree to a Ceasefire?
1. India had achieved its objective — increasing the cost of terrorism for Pakistan.
2. Both nations agreed to “ramp off” — de-escalate instead of entering into full-scale war.
3. Mediation by U.S. President Donald Trump opened a path to resolution.
How the Ceasefire Unfolded
– U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio first spoke with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
– Rubio then reached out to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, but Sharif was not in a position to make decisions.
– As a result, Rubio directly contacted Pakistan Army Chief General Munir.
– This marked the first time top-level U.S. leadership directly engaged with the Pakistani military chief.
Traditionally, such decisions—though influenced by the military—were officially made by Pakistan’s Prime Minister.
– But this time, Pakistan’s democratic system had deteriorated to such an extent that the PM couldn’t make even a single strategic decision.
India Achieved Its Objective — Raised the Cost of Terrorism
– According to experts, India’s intent was to deliver a strong response to the terror attack, not to initiate a full-scale war.
– Kabir Taneja, Senior Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation and a foreign affairs expert, said:
“After the strikes on nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK on May 7, India clearly stated the next morning that it had targeted camps belonging to terrorist organizations responsible for attacks in India. Around 100 terrorists, including several top commanders, were killed. The operation was non-escalatory — it did not target Pakistani military bases.”
– He further added that even in response to past attacks like Pulwama and Uri, India had delivered firm military responses.
“India has now made it clear that any future terrorist attack from Pakistan will be treated as an act of war. This sends a strong message: Pakistan will have to pay a heavy economic and strategic price for sponsoring terrorism.”
The World Cannot Afford a Third War Right Now
– Currently, there are 32 military conflicts of varying scale across the world, including two major wars — one in Israel-Gaza and the other in Russia-Ukraine.
– These conflicts have already disrupted global trade and supply chains.
– An India-Pakistan war would have had global ramifications, adding further pressure on already strained global logistics and commerce.
– India is a major exporter of steel, pharmaceuticals, grains, raw materials, and metals.
– A conflict involving India would directly impact industries and economies in countries like the U.S., U.K., and many European nations, especially their pharma and health sectors.
– This is why most countries do not want India embroiled in a war. India maintains significant trade relations and strategic partnerships worldwide.
– A war would jeopardize these ties and destabilize the region further.
– Moreover, a conflict between India and Pakistan would be the first in the current era involving two nuclear-armed nations.
– No global power wants such a confrontation.
India Emerged Stronger Than Pakistan
– While the United States did mediate in the conflict between India and Pakistan, India clearly held the upper hand throughout the episode.
– Pakistan today stands globally isolated, whereas India is seen as a rising global power.
As a result, the U.S. and the international community recognize and respect India’s growing importance on the world stage.
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Pakistan in Deep Crisis, Lags Behind in Military Power
– According to a June 2024 report by the Government of Pakistan, the country is burdened with a public debt of $256 billion (approximately ₹21.6 lakh crore).
This debt accounts for 67% of Pakistan’s total GDP.
Recently, Pakistan also secured a loan of ₹20,000 crore from the IMF to stabilize its economy.
India’s Military Far Stronger Than Pakistan’s
– As per the Global Firepower Index, which ranks 145 countries, India is placed 4th globally in military strength, following the United States, Russia, and China.
– In comparison, Pakistan ranks 12th on the same list.
– This means India has the world’s fourth most powerful military, while Pakistan lags eight positions behind.
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4. When is World Red Cross Day celebrated?
a. 7 May
b. 8 May
c. 9 May
d. 10 May
Answer: b. 8 May
Theme 2025
– Keeping Humanity Alive
World Red Cross Day – In Honor of Henry Dunant
– This day is also celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Jean Henry Dunant, the founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
– Henry Dunant was born on May 8, 1828, and he was also a Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
Red Cross
– The Red Cross is a global humanitarian network committed to helping those in need without any discrimination.
– Its mission is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for human beings.
– The Red Cross provides assistance in the face of natural or man-made disasters, conflicts, and chronic poverty.
– The Red Cross is made up of three main components:
1. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
2. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
3. 192 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
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5. Name the new Pope who will be elected in May 2025?
a. Pope Robert-10
b. Pope Leo-14
c. Pope Francis-2
d. Pope Leo-24
Answer: b. Pope Leo-14
– On Thursday, May 8, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the new pope of the 1.4 billion-strong Roman Catholic Church.
– He has chosen the papal name Pope Leo XIV.
– This marks the first time in history that a U.S. citizen has been elected pope.
– As per tradition, a newly elected pope selects a new name which is used throughout his papacy.
– Pope Leo XIV succeeds Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 after a prolonged illness.
– His funeral was held on April 26 at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City.
Who Is the Pope and How Influential Is the Role?
– Christianity has several branches, including Catholicism, Protestantism, and Orthodoxy.
– Among these, the Pope is the highest spiritual authority in the Catholic Church.
– The pope operates from Vatican City, the smallest sovereign nation in the world, which also serves as the global headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church.
– In addition to being a spiritual leader, the pope’s views carry significant weight on social and political matters.
– He is widely respected by Christian-majority nations and often regarded as a moral and ethical voice on global issues.
How Is a Pope Elected?
– About three weeks after the funeral of a pope, a highly confidential and traditional process to elect a new pope begins.
– The election takes place in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican, where cardinals from around the world gather.
– Although there are 252 cardinals globally, only those under the age of 80 are eligible to vote — around 135 cardinals.
– From India, four cardinals under the age of 80 were eligible to vote in the conclave:
– Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão
– Cardinal Cleemis Baselios
– Cardinal Anthony Poola
– Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad
– A two-thirds majority is required to elect a new pope.
If no one secures this majority after four rounds of voting, the process is repeated until someone does.
– After each unsuccessful round, black smoke is emitted from the Sistine Chapel chimney.
When a new pope is chosen, white smoke is released — signaling to the world that a pope has been elected.
Three-Day National Mourning in India
– India declared three days of national mourning following the death of Pope Francis.
– On April 22, 23, and 26 (the two days following his death and the day of the funeral), the national flag was flown at half-mast across the country as a mark of respect.
Vatican City
– Vatican City State is a country located in the continent of Europe.
– It is completely surrounded by the city of Rome, the capital of Italy.
– It is the smallest independent state on Earth, covering an area of only 44 hectares (108.7 acres) or 0.44 square kilometers.
– Vatican City is the center of the Roman Catholic Church, one of the major branches of Christianity, and it is the residence of the Pope, the supreme spiritual leader of the Catholic faith.
– It was recognized as an independent state in the year 1929 through a formal treaty.
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6. When is the World Thalassemia Day observed?
a. 7 May
b. 8 May
c. 9 May
d. 10 May
Answer: b. 8 May
Theme 2025
– Together for Thalassemia: Uniting Communities, Prioritizing Patients
– Thalassemia is a genetic blood disease in which the patient is unable to produce hemoglobin properly. Due to this, the patient has to receive blood transfusions repeatedly.
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7. According to the data of International Monetary Fund (IMF), India will overtake which country to become the fourth largest economy in 2025?
a. Japan
b. China
c. America
d. France
Answer: a. Japan
– According to IMF (International Monetary Fund) data, India will become the fourth-largest economy in 2025, with an estimated GDP of $4.187 trillion.
– The IMF projects that India’s GDP will reach $4.187 trillion, just ahead of Japan’s GDP of $4.186 trillion.
– This marks a significant shift from 2024 when India was the fifth-largest economy, with a GDP of $3.9 trillion, trailing Japan’s $4.1 trillion.
– The expansion of the Indian economy highlights its rapid growth, which has consistently outpaced other major economies.
How Will India Become the Fourth-Largest Economy?
– The IMF has indicated a growth rate of 6.2% in 2025 and 6.3% in 2026 for India.
– In contrast, Japan’s economy is expected to grow by only 0.6% in 2025, showing a much more modest economic performance.
– These projections highlight the different economic trajectories of the two countries.
– India’s rapid growth is causing a shift in the global economic landscape.
– IMF data shows that strong domestic demand and favorable demographic trends will continue to drive India’s robust economic performance.
– This projected growth comes amid global economic uncertainties, including trade tensions and policy changes, which have affected several developed economies, including Japan.
– Japan’s economic outlook has been disrupted by external pressures and trade disputes.
– The IMF recently downgraded Japan’s growth estimate for 2025 from 1.1% (forecasted in January) to 0.6%, reflecting the negative impact of tariffs imposed by the United States.
– According to IMF projections, by 2030, India’s economy is expected to be 20% larger than Germany’s (estimated to reach $6.8 trillion) and 33% larger than Japan’s.
– In 2020, India overtook the United Kingdom to become the fifth-largest economy.
– The IMF predicts a 10.1% growth in India’s economy over the next four years.
– IMF Headquarters: United States
– President: Kristalina Georgieva
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8. When is Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti celebrated?
a. 7 May
b. 8 May
c. 9 May
d. 10 May
Answer: a. 7 May
– Rabindranath Tagore was born on 7 May 1861 in a Bengali family.
– India’s national anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana’ and Bangladesh’s national anthem ‘Amar Sonar Bangla’ were written by Rabindranath Tagore.
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9. When is BRO (Border Roads Organization) Raising Day celebrated?
a. 7 May
b. 8 May
c. 9 May
d. 10 May
Answer: a. 7 May
– The aim is to secure India’s borders, especially focusing on the development of infrastructure in the remote areas of India’s northern and northeastern states.
BRO (Border Roads Organisation)
– Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is a road construction executive force in India.
– It is responsible for the construction and management of roads and bridges in the border areas of India, often working in adverse conditions.
– BRO is a statutory body owned by the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
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10. Who has been appointed as the new Prime Minister of Yemen?
a. Ahmad Awad bin Mubarak
b. Salim Saleh bin Brik
c. Baid al-Ahad
d. Ali Saleh
Answer: b. Salim Saleh bin Brik
– The Presidential Council of the country appointed Salim Saleh as the new Prime Minister on May 5, 2025.
– This change occurred shortly after the resignation of Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak.
– Ahmed Awad resigned, citing serious constitutional limitations as the reason for stepping down.
– Salim Saleh bin Brik has been Yemen’s Finance Minister since 2019.
– Prior to this, he served as the Deputy Finance Minister and held several administrative roles.
Current Situation in Yemen
– Yemen has been in a state of civil war since 2014, when Iran-backed Houthi rebels seized control of the capital, Sana’a.
– The internationally recognized government operates from Aden.
– In 2022, following Houthi attacks, oil exports came to a halt, worsening the country’s economic crisis.
– The Houthi group is demanding a revenue-sharing agreement before allowing oil exports to resume.
– The Yemeni rial has seen a sharp decline, further increasing the hardships faced by the population.
– The United Nations has classified the Yemen crisis as one of the worst humanitarian disasters in the world.
Key Facts about Yemen
– Capital: Sana’a
– Currency: Yemeni Rial
– Population: 35.2 million (2024)
– Official Language: Arabic
Neighboring regions/countries:
– Saudi Arabia
– Red Sea
– Gulf of Aden
– Arabian Sea
– Oman
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