This is the current affairs of 23 to 26 May 2025. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
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1. Name the Everest Man who has made a record of climbing Mount Everest for the maximum number of times, i.e. 31 times?
a. Kami Rita Sherpa
b. Ang Rita Sherpa
c. Lhakpa Sherpa
d. Shubham Dhananjay
Answer: a. Kami Rita Sherpa
– Nepali mountaineer and guide Kami Rita Sherpa, famously known as the ‘Everest Man’, has successfully summited Mount Everest for the 31st time.
– He set this new record on May 27, 2025.
Kami Rita Sherpa
– Born on January 17, 1970, he developed a strong passion for climbing at a young age and has been scaling mountains for over two decades.
– Rita first climbed Mount Everest on May 13, 1994.
– In addition to Mount Everest, Rita has also conquered Mount Godwin-Austen (K2), Mount Lhotse, Mount Manaslu, and Mount Cho Oyu.
– According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Sherpa has climbed Everest almost every year since his first ascent, with a total of 31 successful climbs to date.
Sherpa – An Ethnic Group of the Snowy Regions
– The Sherpas are an ethnic group native to the snowy regions of the Himalayas. Their primary residence is in the Himalayan region of Nepal.
– However, they are also found in regions of India and Tibet. – The word “Sherpa” comes from the Tibetan words “Shar” and “Pa”, meaning “people from the East.”
– Sherpas are highly skilled in mountain climbing and are primarily known for guiding mountaineers and carrying their supplies in high-altitude expeditions.
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2. When is International Tea Day celebrated?
a. 21 May
b. 23 May
c. 24 May
d. 25 May
Answer: a. 21 May
Theme 2025
– Tea for Better Lives
– The first celebration of International Tea Day was held in 2005 in major tea-producing countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Kenya, with the aim of focusing on the conditions of tea producers and the changing tea market.
– Taking note of this issue, in 2019, the United Nations officially declared May 21 as International Tea Day.
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3. According to Global Forest Watch (GFW), which of the following is the biggest reason for loss of forest area in India?
a. Expansion of agricultural area
b. Occurrence of forest fires
c. Deforestation for wood
d. Urbanization
Answer: b. Occurrence of forest fires
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4. According to the new data from Global Forest Watch (GFW), India will lose how many hectares of primary forest by the year 2024?
a. 15300
b. 17700
c. 18200
d. 19100
Answer: c. 18200
– Global Forest Watch (GFW) released data in May 2025.
– One hectare is equal to 10,000 square meters, which is a standard unit of land measurement.
Forest Loss in the Past Few Years (in hectares):
2024 – 18,200 hectares
2023 – 17,700 hectares
2022 – 16,900 hectares
2021 – 18,300 hectares
2020 – 17,000 hectares
2019 – 14,500 hectares
Note: Between the years 2002 and 2024, India lost a total of 348,000 hectares of moist primary forests (5.4 percent). This accounts for 15% of the total tree cover loss in the country during the same period.
Which State Lost the Most Tree Cover?
– Assam recorded the highest loss, with 340,000 hectares of tree cover lost between 2001 and 2024.
– Significant losses were also observed in other northeastern states:
Mizoram – 334,000 hectares
Nagaland – 269,000 hectares
Manipur – 255,000 hectares
Meghalaya – 243,000 hectares
2.31 Million Hectares of Tree Cover Lost
– Since 2001, India has lost approximately 2.31 million hectares of tree cover, reflecting a 7.1% decline.
– This loss is estimated to have generated about 1.29 gigatons of CO₂ equivalent emissions.
Forest Loss Due to Fire
– Fire surpasses agriculture as the leading cause: For the first time in two decades, fire has become the primary driver of tropical forest loss, accounting for around 50% of total forest destruction.
– A combination of climate change and El Niño led to record-breaking heat and drought, creating ideal conditions for wildfires.
– From 2001 to 2024, approximately 8,330 hectares of forest in India were lost due to fires.
– 2008 saw the highest damage, with 2,770 hectares lost to wildfires.
– In 2024, around 2,270 hectares of forest were damaged by fire.
– In India, wildfire season typically begins in mid-February and lasts for about 13 weeks.
Additional Information
– These figures are sourced from Global Forest Watch (GFW).
– GFW is a project of the World Resources Institute (WRI), USA, and has been developed in collaboration with the University of Maryland (USA).
– The initiative was launched in 2014.
What Are India’s Initiatives to Address Forest Loss?
– Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 (Amended 2023):
Regulates the use of forest land for non-forest purposes. – The recent amendment aims to streamline procedures and improve implementation efficiency.
– National Forest Policy, 1988: Aims to maintain at least 33% of India’s geographical area under forest or tree cover.
– Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act (CAMPA), 2016: Ensures that funds collected for the diversion of forest land are used for afforestation and ecological restoration.
– Green India Mission: Part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change, this mission focuses on increasing forest and ecosystem services.
– State-Level Initiatives: For example, Uttar Pradesh plans to plant 350 million trees by 2025 to boost green cover.
– Joint Forest Management (JFM): A participatory approach involving local communities and forest departments in the collaborative management of forests.
– Forest Rights Act, 2006: Recognizes the rights of forest-dwelling communities, empowering them to manage and conserve forests.
– Satellite Monitoring: Use of satellite data for real-time monitoring of forest cover and detection of illegal activities.
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5. Who became the new member of the New Development Bank (NDB) / BRICS Development Bank?
a. Morocco
b. Algeria
c. Libya
d. Niger
Answer: b. Algeria
– On May 22, BRICS Bank (NDB) Accepted Algeria as Its Newest Member
Note: The notification for Algeria’s inclusion in the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB) was issued in September 2024.
Algeria – A Key Country for the World
– Welcoming Algeria, NDB President Dilma Rousseff stated that Algeria is not only important for North Africa’s economy but also for the world at large.
– She added that Algeria’s participation will strengthen NDB’s global reach and influence.
What is the New Development Bank (NDB)?
– The New Development Bank is a multilateral development bank established in 2015 by the BRICS countries – Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
– Its aim is to mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other Emerging Market and Developing Countries (EMDCs).
– President: Dilma Rousseff
– Headquarters: Shanghai, China
NDB Now Has 10 Member Countries
– Founding Members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa
– Other Members: Bangladesh, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Egypt, and Algeria
About BRICS
– Headquarters: Shanghai, China
– Founded: 2009
– It is a group of five major emerging economies.
– BRICS represents 41% of the world’s population.
– The bloc accounts for approximately 26% of global GDP.
– India has chaired the BRICS Summit three times – in 2012, 2016, and 2021.
BRICS – Full Form:
B – Brazil
R – Russia
I – India
C – China
S – South Africa
About Algeria
– President: Abdelmadjid Tebboune
– Capital: Algiers
– Currency: Algerian Dinar (DZD)
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6. When was Vesak Day celebrated in the year 2025?
a. 21 May
b. 12 May
c. 13 May
d. 24 May
Answer: b. 12 May
– The proposal to celebrate Lord Buddha’s birthday as Vesak Day was passed in the United Nations in 1999.
– Since the year 2000, it has been officially observed by the United Nations.
– The full moon day in the month of May, known as Vesak, is the holiest day for millions of Buddhists around the world.
– Around 2,500 years ago, in 623 BCE, Buddha was born on Vesak Day, attained enlightenment on the same day, and also passed away on the same day at the age of 80.
About Lord Buddha
– Gautama Buddha was born in 563 BCE near Lumbini, close to the capital of the Shakya republic, Kapilavastu.
– Before renunciation, his name was Siddhartha.
– He married Yashodhara at the age of 16.
– They had a son named Rahul.
– One day, after seeing a sick person, an old man, and a dead body, Siddhartha realized the harsh truths of life.
– At the age of 29, he renounced worldly life and left his home.
– After six years of intense meditation, at the age of 35, he attained enlightenment under a Peepal tree on the night of Vesak Purnima in Gaya, Bihar.
– From Siddhartha, he became Buddha (The Enlightened One).
– The Peepal tree came to be known as the Bodhi Tree.
– After enlightenment, Buddha delivered his first sermon in Sarnath, near Varanasi.
– He passed away at the age of 80 in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh.
– Followers of Buddhism call this event ‘Mahaparinirvana’.
– Remarkably, Buddha was born, attained enlightenment, and passed away – all on the full moon day of Vesak (Vaishakh Purnima).
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7. Which state government launched India’s first Vistadome Jungle Safari train?
a. Madhya Pradesh
b. Bihar
c. Rajasthan
d. Uttar Pradesh
Answer: d. Uttar Pradesh
– According to an official statement issued on May 17, the Uttar Pradesh government has launched a special train service equipped with Vistadome coaches.
– This service connects the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary in Bahraich district to the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in Pilibhit.
– Vistadome trains are not new to India – they already operate in the Northeast, Western Ghats, and Himalayan regions.
– However, this is the first time a Vistadome train is being used for a jungle safari in Uttar Pradesh, making it India’s first Vistadome Jungle Safari Train.
Train Details
– This special train, launched for tourists, includes coaches with large glass windows and transparent roofs,
allowing passengers to enjoy panoramic views of forests and natural landscapes during the journey.
– The initiative aims to offer an adventurous wildlife travel experience and to showcase the natural beauty of Uttar Pradesh.
– Currently, the train operates on Saturdays and Sundays, but there are plans to make it a daily service in the future.
– The service has been introduced by the Uttar Pradesh Eco-Tourism Development Board.
– Its objective is to provide tourists with a year-round jungle trail and safari experience.
– Tourists can travel up to 107 kilometers inside the forest,
and the journey takes approximately 4 hours and 25 minutes.
– The ticket price for this route is ₹275 per person.
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8. When is World AIDS Vaccine Day Observed
a. 17 May
b. 18 May
c. 19 May
d. 20 May
Answer: b. 18 May
– There is currently no vaccine to prevent or cure HIV, but there are vaccines that can help people living with HIV.
– The first World AIDS Vaccine Day was observed in 1998, marking the anniversary of the first international AIDS vaccine trial held in 1997.
– This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the urgent need for an AIDS vaccine, and recognizing the efforts of individuals, including doctors, scientists, and community members, working towards that goal.
– AIDS, which stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
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9. Where was India’s largest aerospace grade titanium and superalloy material plant established?
a. Jaipur, Rajasthan
b. Mumbai, Maharashtra
c. Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
d. Patna, Bihar
Answer: c. Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
– Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the plant in May 2025.
– The newly constructed aerospace-grade titanium plant spans 50 acres with an annual capacity of 6,000 tons. It is the world’s largest single-site titanium remelting plant.
– India has now become capable of producing high-quality metals and materials required for aerospace domestically. – This has been made possible through advanced technologies such as Vacuum Arc Remelting (VAR), Electron Beam (EB), Plasma Arc Melting (PAM), and Vacuum Induction Melting (VIM).
Other Facilities Laid Foundation
– Along with the titanium plant, foundations for other modern facilities were laid:
– Aerospace Precision Castings Plant: Will produce single-crystal castings essential for jet engines.
– Aerospace Forge Shop and Mill Product Plant: Will manufacture billets, bars, and plates within the country.
– Aerospace Precision Machining Shop: Will produce highly precise CNC machined components.
– Foundation stone laid for the STRIDE Academy and R&D Center.
India’s Full-Spectrum Defence Material Capability
– India will join the few countries in the world that have full-spectrum defence material capability.
– India will no longer just be a buyer of weapons and defence equipment but will manufacture and even export these products.
India’s Annual Defence-Grade Material Imports
– A company spokesperson said India currently imports defence-related special materials worth around ₹14,000 crore annually.
– This expenditure may rise to ₹35,000 crore by 2026.
– However, with the Aero Alloy Complex, India’s dependence on foreign imports will reduce.
About Uttar Pradesh
– Capital: Lucknow
– Governor: Anandiben Patel
– Chief Minister: Yogi Adityanath
– Population: Approximately 240 million (24 crore)
– Language: Hindi
– Neighboring States: Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar
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10. Who became the first Indian-origin musician to win the American Music Award (AMA)?
a. Anita Rao
b. Raja Kumari
c. Sarala Rao
d. Ritu Sharma
Answer: b. Raja Kumari
– On May 27, 2025, Indian-American singer-songwriter and rapper Raja Kumari won the American Music Award (AMA).
– She won the AMA for the soundtrack of “Arcane League of Legends.”
– She was nominated for the 51st AMA held in Los Angeles for “Arcane League of Legends: Season 2.”
About Raja Kumari
– Born on January 11, 1986, to Telugu parents, she currently resides in Claremont, California.
About the American Music Awards (AMA)
– The American Music Awards is an annual American music awards show produced by Dick Clark Productions since 1974.
– Nominees are selected based on commercial performance such as sales and airplay.
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11. When is World Metrology Day celebrated?
a. 17 May
b. 18 May
c. 19 May
d. 20 May
Answer: d. 20 May
Theme 2025
– Measurements for all times, for all people
What is Metrology?
– Metrology is the branch of physics in which we get knowledge about accurate measurement.
Why is the day celebrated:
– The Meter Convention was signed in Paris on 20 May 1875.
– It was an international treaty that worked to bring uniformity in units of measurement across the world.
– This day is supported by UNESCO.
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12. The President awarded the Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra to 39 personnel of the Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in May 2025, in which period is this award given?
a. Wartime
b. Peacetime
c. All of the above
d. None of the above
Answer: b. Peacetime
– President Droupadi Murmu presented the first phase of Gallantry Awards on May 22, 2025.
– The Defence Investiture Ceremony was held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
– President Droupadi Murmu, who is also the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, presided over the event.
Awards Presented
– Kirti Chakra: 6 recipients (4 posthumously)
– Shaurya Chakra: 33 recipients (7 posthumously)
India’s Highest Gallantry Awards: Wartime and Peacetime
– Wartime Gallantry Awards: Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, Vir Chakra
– Peacetime Gallantry Awards: Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra
– Other Gallantry Medals: Sena Medal (Army), Nao Sena Medal (Navy), Vayu Sena Medal (Air Force)
– After the Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra are India’s second and third highest peacetime gallantry awards, respectively.
#Kirti Chakra Recipients#
Kirti Chakra (Living Recipients)
1. Major Malla Ram Gopal Naidu – Indian Army
2. Major Manjeet – Indian Army
Kirti Chakra (Posthumous Recipients)
3. Rifleman Ravi Kumar – Indian Army
4. Colonel Manpreet Singh – Indian Army
5. Deputy Superintendent of Police Himayun Muzammil Bhat – Jammu & Kashmir Police
6. Naik Dilwar Khan – Indian Army
#Who got the Shaurya Chakra award#
Shaurya Chakra (living recipients)
1. Major Vijay Verma – Indian Army
2. Deputy Commandant Vikrant Kumar – CRPF
3. Inspector Jeffrey Hamingchullo – CRPF
4. Wing Commander Vernon Desmond Keane – Indian Air Force
5. Squadron Leader Deepak Kumar – Indian Air Force
6. Special Police Officer Abdul Latif – Jammu and Kashmir Police
7. Subedar Sanjeev Singh Jasrotia – Indian Army
8. Colonel Pawan Singh – Indian Army
9. Subedar P Pabin Singha – Indian Army
10. Major Sahil Randhawa – Indian Army
11. Lieutenant Colonel CVS Nikhil – Indian Army
12. Major Tripatpreet Singh – Indian Army
13. Lieutenant Commander Kapil Yadav – Indian Navy
14. Deputy Commandant Lakhveer – CRPF
15. Assistant Commandant Rajesh Panchal – CRPF
16. Constable Malkit Singh – CRPF
17. Subedar Mohan Ram – Indian Army
18. Commodore Sharad Sinsunwal – Indian Navy
19. Flight Lieutenant Aman Singh Hans – Indian Air Force
20. Sergeant Dabhi Sanjay Hifabhai – Indian Air Force
21. Major Kunal – Indian Army
22. Major Ashish Dahiya – Indian Army
23. Havildar Prakash Tamang – Indian Army
24. Major Satendra Dhankhar – Indian Army
25. Assistant Commandant Ashenthung Kikon – Assam Rifles
26. Subedar Vikas Tomar – Indian Army
Shaurya Chakra (Posthumous)
27. Major Ashish Dhonchak – Indian Army
28. Sepoy Pradeep Singh – Indian Army
29. Havildar Rohit Kumar – Indian Army
30. Constable Pawan Kumar – CRPF
31. Constable Devan C – CRPF
32. Vijayankutty G – BRO
33. Captain Deepak Singh – Indian Army
Gallant Acts Across Various Sectors
– Jammu & Kashmir and the Northeast: Personnel conducted anti-terror and counter-insurgency operations, resulting in the neutralization and arrest of terrorists, along with seizure of weapons.
– Indian Navy: Officers led successful anti-piracy missions, rescued hostages, and brought oil tanker fires under control.
– Indian Air Force: Pilots took brave decisions during emergencies to protect lives and safeguard national assets.
– CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force): Carried out daring missions in Left-Wing Extremism-affected areas, leading to the arrest of Maoists and recovery of arms.
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13. When is Anti-terrorism day observed?
a. 21 May
b. 22 May
c. 23 May
d. 24 May
Answer: a. 21 May
– Anti-Terrorism Day is declared on the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
– Who was assassinated on May 21, 1991 in Sriperumbudur, a village near Madras (now Chennai).
– The purpose behind celebrating Anti-Terrorism Day is to keep people away from terrorism and violence.
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14. What did Karnataka change the name of Ramnagar district to without the NOC of the central government?
a. Ramghar
b. Bengaluru South
c. Bengaluru News
d. None of these
Answer: b. Bengaluru South
– Karnataka changed the name of Ramanagara district to Bengaluru South without the approval of the central government.
– The Karnataka Cabinet made this decision on May 22.
– However, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has not issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC).
– Technically, state governments have the authority to rename districts, but the rule requires an NOC from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
– Despite the MHA not granting the NOC on Karnataka’s request, the state government went ahead and issued the renaming notification.
About Karnataka
– Capital: Bengaluru
– Governor: Thawar Chand Gehlot
– Chief Minister: Siddaramaiah
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15. The Central Government has constituted ‘Payments Regulatory Board’ (PRB) in place of ‘Board for Regulation and Supervision of Payment and Settlement System’ (BPSS). Who is its chairman?
a. RBI Governor
b. Finance Minister
c. SEBI Chairman
d. none of these
Answer: a. RBI Governor
– On May 21, 2025, the Central Government introduced a major reform in the payment ecosystem by establishing the Payments Regulatory Board (PRB).
– The PRB replaces the Board for Regulation and Supervision of Payment and Settlement Systems (BPSS).
– The board will have a total of 6 members.
– The Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been appointed the ex-officio Chairperson of the board.
– The board will also include three members nominated by the government.
Who Can Be Invited by PRB?
– The PRB can invite experts from fields such as IT, law, and payment systems, either permanently or temporarily, to its meetings, as needed.
– The Chief Legal Advisor of the RBI will be a permanent invitee to the board.
– The board is mandated to meet at least twice a year.
When Was the Proposal Introduced?
– This decision has come after years of discussion and deliberation.
– In 2018, the government proposed the creation of an independent regulator for the payment systems through a panel headed by the Secretary of Economic Affairs.
– However, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) opposed this proposal and stated that the Payments Regulatory Board (PRB) should remain under the purview of the central bank.
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16. When is International Biodiversity Day observed?
a. 20 May
b. 21 May
c. 22 May
d. 23 May
Answer: c. 22 May
Theme 2025
– Harmony with nature and sustainable development
– “This theme calls on governments, Indigenous peoples and local communities, non-governmental organizations, lawmakers, businesses, and individuals to showcase their efforts in supporting the implementation of the biodiversity plan.”
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