Daily Current Affairs – 24 & 25 May 2026 | UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway Exam Updates

Introduction

The Current Affairs 24 & 25 May 2026 compilation brings the most important updates for aspirants preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, Insurance, and State PSC examinations. Today’s coverage includes the Reserve Bank of India’s record dividend transfer, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Italy visit, Agni-1 ballistic missile test, and the United Nations award to Major Abhilasha Barak. These Latest Current Affairs 2026 updates are designed to improve conceptual clarity, factual retention, and exam-oriented preparation for both Prelims and Mains examinations.

Detailed Current Affairs - 24 & 25 May 2026

National Affairs

Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar Launches ‘JEEVAN’ Mobile App and ‘SHATAYU’ Dashboard

Why in News

In May 2026, Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE) launched the Joint Elderly Empowerment & Virtual Assistance Network (JEEVAN) mobile application and the Senior Holistic Care Assistance and Training For Your Utility (SHATAYU) dashboard for senior citizens. The launch took place during a virtual workshop titled “Creating a Well-Functioning Care Economy” organised by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE).

The initiative reflects India’s growing policy emphasis on elderly welfare and digital inclusion. With India witnessing a rapidly ageing population, the government aims to strengthen institutional support for healthcare, caregiving, emergency response, and social security services for senior citizens.

The platforms are significant because they integrate welfare delivery, digital governance, and geriatric care under one ecosystem, helping elderly citizens access services more efficiently across states and districts.

Key Highlights

• JEEVAN Mobile Application provides information regarding government welfare schemes, emergency services, old-age homes, and support programmes for senior citizens under the DoSJE framework.
• SHATAYU Dashboard serves as a national digital caregiving platform offering district-wise and state-wise information about trained geriatric caregivers across India.
• Accessibility Features such as simplified navigation tools and elderly-friendly interfaces were integrated to improve digital accessibility for senior citizens with limited technological familiarity.
• Care Economy Focus reflects the government’s increasing recognition of elder care as an important economic and social sector linked to healthcare, employment generation, and social security.
• National-Level Integration allows policymakers to monitor caregiver availability, regional gaps, and welfare infrastructure in real time for better policy implementation.
• Digital Governance Push aligns with India’s larger digital transformation initiatives including Digital India, e-governance reforms, and welfare delivery through online platforms.

Important Details / Quick Facts Table

Knowledge Booster

• Article 41 of the Indian Constitution directs the State to provide public assistance in old age.
• National Policy on Older Persons (1999) was India’s first major elderly welfare framework.
• Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana provides physical aids and assistive devices to senior citizens.
• India’s elderly population is projected to exceed 20% by 2050 according to demographic estimates.
• Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 legally obligates children to support parents.

ANRF Selects 10 Convergence Research Centres of Excellence

Why in News

The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) selected 10 institutions under its Convergence Research Centres of Excellence (CoE) programme in May 2026 to encourage multidisciplinary research integrating science, technology, humanities, and social sciences.

The initiative aims to solve complex societal challenges through collaborative research involving institutions such as IIT Gandhinagar, IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, IIM Jammu, and NIT Agartala.

The programme is important because India is increasingly promoting innovation-led development under the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and knowledge-driven economic growth.

Key Highlights

• Funding Support of up to ₹25 crore will be provided for projects with a maximum duration of five years.
• Research Areas include Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, sustainability, digital humanities, archaeology, language studies, and computational economics.
• Interdisciplinary Approach combines science, engineering, economics, and humanities to create comprehensive policy and technological solutions.
• Institutional Diversity includes technical institutes, universities, management institutions, and social science organisations.
• Innovation Ecosystem Development supports India’s ambition to become a global innovation and research hub.
• ANRF Formation follows the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 to strengthen research capacity.

Quick Facts Table

Knowledge Booster

• ANRF replaced the proposed National Research Foundation (NRF) concept under NEP 2020.
• NEP 2020 emphasises multidisciplinary education and research integration.
• IIT Madras hosts India’s leading deep-tech and startup innovation ecosystem.
• Artificial Intelligence Mission is a major strategic focus area under Digital India.
• India’s gross expenditure on R&D remains below 1% of GDP, lower than advanced economies.

International Affairs

Overview of PM Narendra Modi’s Visit to Italy

Why in News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Italy from 19-20 May 2026 at the invitation of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The visit marked the conclusion of PM Modi’s five-nation diplomatic tour covering the UAE, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy.

During the visit, India and Italy elevated bilateral ties to a Special Strategic Partnership (SSP) and signed several agreements covering defence, critical minerals, higher education, climate research, and maritime cooperation.

The visit is strategically important because it strengthens India’s engagement with Europe amid changing geopolitical dynamics, energy security concerns, and global supply chain diversification.

Key Highlights

• India-Italy Relations were elevated to a Special Strategic Partnership, signalling deeper political and economic cooperation.
• Agricola Medal, the highest honour of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), was conferred upon PM Narendra Modi by FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu.
• Trade Target between India and Italy was set at EUR 20 billion by 2029, reflecting expanding economic cooperation.
• 10 MoUs were signed in sectors including agriculture, Ayurveda, maritime transport, and climate research.
• Defence Industrial Roadmap and Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) were adopted to boost strategic defence cooperation.
• 2027 was declared as the Year of Culture and Tourism between India and Italy.

Quick Facts Table

Analysis

The India-Italy partnership demonstrates India’s increasing strategic engagement with Europe beyond traditional defence and trade relationships. Cooperation in critical minerals, climate technology, and innovation ecosystems is particularly important because these sectors are central to future economic competitiveness and supply chain resilience. For UPSC aspirants, the visit is relevant for GS Paper II covering international relations, India-Europe relations, and strategic diplomacy.

Economy & Banking

RBI Declares ₹2.87 Lakh Crore Dividend to Government of India

Why in News

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved a record surplus transfer of ₹2,86,588.46 crore to the Government of India (GoI) for FY26 during the 623rd meeting of the Central Board of Directors chaired by Governor Dr. Sanjay Malhotra.

The transfer is significantly higher than last year’s dividend of ₹2.69 lakh crore and reflects higher RBI income from foreign exchange operations, investments, and liquidity management activities.

The development is economically significant because RBI dividends strengthen government finances, reduce fiscal deficit pressures, and support public expenditure priorities.

Key Highlights

• Record Surplus Transfer of ₹2.87 lakh crore marks the highest-ever RBI dividend transfer to the Government of India.
• Balance Sheet Expansion of RBI increased by 20.61% to ₹91.97 lakh crore as of March 31, 2026.
• Contingency Risk Buffer (CRB) allocation rose sharply to ₹1,09,379.64 crore, maintaining CRB at 6.5% of RBI’s balance sheet.
• Economic Capital Framework (ECF) requires RBI to maintain CRB within the range of 4.5%-7.5%.
• Gross Income Growth increased by 26.42%, indicating stronger earnings from financial operations.
• Fiscal Impact of the dividend may support welfare spending, infrastructure development, and deficit management.

Quick Facts Table

Knowledge Booster

• Section 47 of RBI Act, 1934 governs surplus transfer to the government.
• Bimal Jalan Committee recommended the revised Economic Capital Framework in 2019.
• Contingency Risk Buffer (CRB) protects RBI from financial instability and market risks.
• RBI earns income through foreign exchange reserves, government securities, and liquidity operations.
• Fiscal deficit management is a major macroeconomic objective in Union Budgets.

Analysis

The record dividend transfer provides substantial fiscal space to the central government ahead of major infrastructure and welfare commitments. However, economists also monitor whether excessive surplus transfers could reduce the RBI’s financial resilience during periods of global uncertainty. For exam aspirants, this topic connects directly with monetary policy, fiscal management, and central banking functions.

Defence & Security

India Successfully Test-Fires Agni-1 Ballistic Missile

Why in News

India successfully test-fired the Agni-1 Short-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, Odisha under the supervision of the Strategic Forces Command (SFC).

The test validated the missile’s operational readiness, technical capabilities, and strategic deterrence role under India’s nuclear doctrine. The missile is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads.

The successful launch reinforces India’s strategic deterrence capabilities amid evolving regional security challenges in Asia.

Key Highlights

• Agni-1 Missile is a single-stage, solid-fuelled, road-mobile ballistic missile developed by DRDO.
• Strike Range ranges between 700-900 km, extendable up to 1,200 km in certain configurations.
• Payload Capacity is approximately 1,000 kg, capable of carrying conventional or nuclear warheads.
• Strategic Forces Command (SFC) supervises India’s nuclear-capable missile systems under civilian political control.
• Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) led to the development of the Agni missile series.
• Rapid Deployment Capability through transporter erector launcher systems improves operational flexibility.

Quick Facts Table

Knowledge Booster

• IGMDP was launched under Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
• India follows the doctrine of Credible Minimum Deterrence.
• No First Use (NFU) remains India’s declared nuclear policy.
• Agni missile series includes Agni-I to Agni-V.
• Strategic Forces Command was established in 2003.

Awards & Recognitions

Major Abhilasha Barak Receives UN Military Gender Advocate Award 2025

Why in News

Major Abhilasha Barak of the Indian Army was announced as the recipient of the United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award 2025 for her contribution to gender sensitisation and women’s engagement during peacekeeping operations in Lebanon.

She served as Commander of the Female Engagement Team (FET) in the Indian Battalion (INDBATT-XXVI) deployed under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

The recognition highlights India’s growing role in UN peacekeeping and women’s participation in defence leadership roles.

Key Highlights

• Major Abhilasha Barak became the third Indian recipient of the prestigious UN gender advocacy award.
• She was India’s first woman combat helicopter pilot in the Army Aviation Corps.
• Her outreach work focused on women and adolescent girls in conflict-affected regions.
• She conducted gender sensitisation training for UN peacekeepers in Lebanon.
• She was trained at the Combat Army Aviation Training School (CAATS) in Nashik.
• She co-piloted the indigenous Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH).

Important Days

National Anti-Terrorism Day 2026 - 21 May

• National Anti-Terrorism Day is observed annually on 21 May to mark the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
• The observance was designated by the Government of India in 1992 to spread awareness against terrorism and violence.
• The Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2026 ranked Pakistan first among countries most affected by terrorism, while India ranked 13th.

Today’s Current Affairs One-Liners - 24 & 25 May 2026

National Affairs

● National Affairs - Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar launched the JEEVAN mobile application and SHATAYU dashboard under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to improve welfare access, emergency assistance, and geriatric caregiver support for senior citizens across India.

● National Affairs - The JEEVAN app provides simplified digital access to government schemes, senior citizen homes, welfare programmes, and emergency services with elderly-friendly accessibility features and navigation tools.

● National Affairs - The SHATAYU dashboard was introduced as a nationwide geriatric caregiving platform that provides district-wise and state-wise data regarding trained caregivers for elderly healthcare and support services.

● National Affairs - The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) selected 10 premier institutions, including IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, and IIM Jammu, under its Convergence Research Centres of Excellence initiative.

● National Affairs - The selected ANRF Convergence Research Centres will receive funding support up to ₹25 crore for five-year multidisciplinary research projects involving AI, robotics, sustainability, digital humanities, and computational economics.

● National Affairs - The Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBP) successfully completed its first-ever all-women international expedition to Mount Everest, with a 14-member team scaling the 8,848-metre peak via Nepal’s South Col Route.

● National Affairs - The Border Security Force (BSF) conducted its first all-women Everest expedition named Mission Vande Mataram during its Diamond Jubilee celebrations, promoting women’s participation in high-altitude operations.

● National Affairs - The all-women teams of ITBP and BSF supported the “Clean Himalaya - Save Glacier” campaign by collecting non-biodegradable waste from the Everest region during the expedition.

● National Affairs - BIT Mesra and the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) signed a five-year MoU in Ranchi to strengthen collaboration in GeoAI, remote sensing, satellite data applications, and geospatial technologies.

● National Affairs - Under the BIT Mesra-NESAC agreement, scientists and research scholars will participate in joint supervision, specialised GeoAI courses, internships, workshops, and collaborative geospatial research programmes.

● National Affairs - The Bharath Digital Infrastructure Association (BDIA) launched Bharat Digital Samvad in New Delhi as India’s first national forum focused on digital sovereignty, cybersecurity, and infrastructure policy discussions.

● National Affairs - Bharat Digital Samvad promotes the principle of “Data Swaraj”, emphasising India’s sovereign control over data governance, monetisation, storage, and cybersecurity in the digital economy.

International Affairs

● International Affairs - Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Italy from 19-20 May 2026 and elevated India-Italy relations to a Special Strategic Partnership during bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

● International Affairs - During his Italy visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the prestigious Agricola Medal, the highest honour awarded by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) headquartered in Rome.

● International Affairs - India and Italy signed 10 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering critical minerals, Ayurveda, maritime transport, higher education, agriculture, and climate research cooperation.

● International Affairs - India and Italy set a bilateral trade target of EUR 20 billion by 2029 and announced 2027 as the “Year of Culture and Tourism” to strengthen people-to-people relations.

● International Affairs - The World Bank Group’s report titled “State and Trends of Carbon Pricing 2026” identified India among the world’s largest emerging carbon markets following the launch of the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS).

● International Affairs - According to the World Bank report, global carbon pricing systems currently cover 29% of greenhouse gas emissions, while carbon pricing revenues crossed USD 107 billion in 2025.

● International Affairs - The report highlighted that if all proposed carbon pricing mechanisms are implemented globally by 2030, nearly one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions could fall under carbon pricing frameworks.

Economy & Banking

● Economy & Banking - The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved a record surplus transfer of ₹2,86,588.46 crore to the Government of India for FY26, surpassing the previous year’s transfer of ₹2.69 lakh crore.

● Economy & Banking - The dividend transfer decision was taken during the 623rd meeting of the RBI Central Board chaired by Governor Dr. Sanjay Malhotra in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

● Economy & Banking - RBI’s balance sheet expanded by 20.61% to ₹91.97 lakh crore as of March 31, 2026, while the Contingency Risk Buffer remained maintained at 6.5%.

● Economy & Banking - Cross-border payment platform Skydo received in-principle approval to operate as a Payment Service Provider (PSP) at GIFT City, Gujarat, strengthening India’s fintech ecosystem.

● Economy & Banking - Skydo also received RBI approval under the Payment Aggregator-Cross Border (PA-CB) framework to process outbound remittances and overseas vendor payments.

● Economy & Banking - Fintech platform Jumpp, operated by Finvasia Group, received IRDAI Corporate Agency and Insurance Self-Network Platform (ISNP) licences for digital insurance distribution.

● Economy & Banking - Jumpp plans to offer AI-powered health, life, motor, business, and home insurance products while integrating financial accounts through the Account Aggregator framework.

● Economy & Banking - Jumpp partnered with YES Bank for banking services and supports UPI and BBPS transactions through authorisation from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

Awards & Recognitions

● Awards & Recognitions - Major Abhilasha Barak of the Indian Army was selected for the United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award 2025 for her peacekeeping contributions in Lebanon.

● Awards & Recognitions - Major Abhilasha Barak became India’s first woman combat helicopter pilot in the Army Aviation Corps after qualifying to co-pilot the indigenous Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH).

● Awards & Recognitions - Karnataka Grameena Bank (KGB) received the national award from the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) for exceptional performance under the Atal Pension Yojana (APY).

● Awards & Recognitions - Karnataka Grameena Bank achieved 142% of its APY enrolment target by opening 2,49,185 accounts, the highest achievement among Karnataka banks.

Appointments & Resignations

● Appointments & Resignations - The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) extended the tenure of NCB Director General Anurag Garg till 31 July 2027 under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

● Appointments & Resignations - Anurag Garg, a 1993-batch IPS officer of the Himachal Pradesh cadre, previously served as ADGP Law and Order and headed the state’s Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau.

Science & Technology

● Science & Technology - India successfully test-fired the Agni-1 Short-Range Ballistic Missile from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, Odisha, under the supervision of the Strategic Forces Command (SFC).

● Science & Technology - The Agni-1 missile, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has a strike range between 700 and 900 kilometres and can carry nuclear warheads.

● Science & Technology - The Agni-1 ballistic missile is a single-stage, solid-fuelled, road-mobile strategic missile inducted into the Indian Armed Forces under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP).

Books & Authors

● Books & Authors - Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan released the book “The Library Man of India: The Story of P.N. Panicker” authored by P.P. Sathyan at Uprashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

● Books & Authors - The book highlights the contribution of P.N. Panicker, known as the “Father of the Library Movement in Kerala,” who expanded Kerala’s public library network to over 6,000 libraries.

Important Days

● Important Days - The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development 2026 was observed globally on 21 May to promote intercultural harmony, inclusion, and sustainable development initiatives.

● Important Days - The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed 21 May as the World Day for Cultural Diversity through Resolution A/RES/57/249 adopted in December 2002.

● Important Days - National Anti-Terrorism Day 2026 was observed across India on 21 May to commemorate the assassination anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

● Important Days - According to the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2026, Pakistan ranked first among countries most affected by terrorism, while India ranked thirteenth globally.

● Important Days - The International Day for Biological Diversity 2026 was observed on 22 May with the theme “Acting locally for global impact.”

● Important Days - The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) organised India’s national-level celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity 2026 in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.

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