In Current Affairs for 26 May 2025, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial for your upcoming NDA, CDS, CDS OTA, AFCAT, TA, Agniveer Army, Agniveer Navy, Agniveer Air Force, Women Military Police, INET, MNS, ACC exams, SCO, PCSL, CAPF, and SSB interviews, and direct entries for Army, Navy, and Air Force like SSC Tech, TGC, JAG, NCC, TES, 10+2 Cadet. Download a PDF file about current events at the end of this article. Let us now see the Current Affairs.
Current Affairs 26 May 2025
World’s 4th Largest Economy
- India has surpassed Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy. NITI Aayog CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam said, India is now poised to displace Germany from the third rank in the next 2.5 to 3 years. Briefing the media after tenth Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog in New Delhi, he said India is now a ‘four trillion dollar’ economy as per the IMF data. He said, it’s only the United States, China, and Germany’s economies which are larger than India.
- The IMF in its recent report has said that India will remain the world’s fastest-growing major economy. The IMF had stated earlier this month in the World Economic Outlook report that India continues to remain the world’s fastest-growing major economy and the only country expected to clock over 6 per cent growth in the next two years.
- According to the IMF, India’s GDP currently stands at 4.3 trillion dollar. India’s GDP was 2.1 trillion dollar in 2015, since then, the country has more than doubled its economy. According to the report, the high rate of growth will see India’s GDP increasing to 5.5 trillion dollar in 2028 overtaking Germany to become the third-largest economy.
- The IMF has projected a zero growth rate for Germany in 2025, followed by 0.9 per cent in 2026 as it is expected to be hit the hardest among the European countries due to the ongoing global trade war. The GDP of the US, the world’s largest economy, has been pegged at 30.5 trillion dollar for 2025, while that of China, the second biggest, is around 19.2 trillion dollars.
Rising North East Investors Summit
- Rising North East Investors Summit 2025, which was held in New Delhi, attracted investment proposals worth over 4 Lakh Crore rupees. Delegations from over 80 countries, from Japan to Europe to ASEAN nations, participated in the two-day summit, which culminated yesterday.
- In his valedictory address, Minister for Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya M. Scindia praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not just recognizing the vast potential of the Northeastern region but also embracing it.
- Mr. Scindia said that the Northeast has emerged as a hub of global partnership and mutual interest. He added that Northeast Region is set to become India’s next economic powerhouse. Commenting on the Summit, the Minister said that this is the first time that an investment summit has been organized on this scale with country’s top industry leaders collectively announcing investments worth more than 1 lakh 55 thousand crore rupees to explore opportunities in the North Eastern region.
Time’s Most Influential Philanthropists
- Billionaire industrialist Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani, former Wipro chairman Azim Premji and Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath have been named by Time magazine in its inaugural list of the 100 most influential people in philanthropy.
- The list includes Mukesh and Nita Ambani who, Time said, gifted Rs 407 crore (about USD 48 million) in 2024, placing them among the country’s biggest donors.
- Premji was the first Indian to sign the Giving Pledge and in 2013 endowed the foundation he launched nearly 25 years ago with over USD 29 billion in shares from his company, Wipro.
- The list also includes co-founder of Zerodha Nikhil Kamath, who in 2023 at age 36 became the youngest Indian to sign the Giving Pledge. The list also includes legendary footballer David Beckham, billionaire philanthropist Warren Buffet, American philanthropist Melinda French Gates and Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales.
Shirui Lily Festival
- Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla inaugurated the Shirui Lily Festival, held in the Naga-dominated Ukhrul district after a two-year gap due to the ethnic clashes between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei people.
- State Flower of Manipur Shirui Lily, scientifically known as Lilium Mackliniae, is a rare and enchanting pinkish-white flower endemic to the Shirui Hill range in Ukhrul district, approximately 83 kilometers from Imphal.
- Named after Jean Macklin, the wife of botanist Dr. Frank Kingdon Ward, who first spotted the flower in 1946.
Cannes Film Festival
- Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi has won the top honour at the 78th Cannes Film Festival. His film, It Was Just an Accident, took home the prestigious Palme d’Or. The festival featured 22 films in its main competition. Panahi, known for his bold criticism of the Iranian government, has faced multiple arrests over the years. The audience gave Panahi a standing ovation as the award was announced.
- On stage, he spoke about the importance of freedom in Iran, saying, “No one should tell people what to wear, or what not to say.” Japanese director Hayakawa Chie’s film Renoir, starring Suzuki Yui, was also nominated but did not win the top prize. Cannes is considered one of the world’s most important film festivals, alongside those in Venice and Berlin.
BRICS’ New Development Bank
- In a significant development for international finance and South-South cooperation, Algeria has formally joined the New Development Bank (NDB)—an institution established by the BRICS nations—on May 19, 2025.
- This move reinforces Algeria’s commitment to sustainable development and underlines NDB’s expanding global footprint beyond its founding members. Algeria officially deposited its instrument of accession on May 19, completing its membership process to join the NDB.
- The announcement was made on May 22, 2025, by the Shanghai-headquartered bank. This marks an important milestone in NDB’s mission to broaden global participation in infrastructure and development financing. Key Objectives of NDB
- Mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects.
- Offer alternative financial solutions to existing Western-dominated institutions like the IMF and World Bank.
- Strengthen South-South cooperation and global partnerships.
- About the NDB
- Established in 2015 by BRICS nations: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa.
- Headquarters: Shanghai, China.
- Has approved over 120 projects worth $40 billion.
- Focus areas: Clean energy, water sanitation, transportation, digital infrastructure, and environmental protection.
- Leadership: Presidency and vice-presidency rotate among founding BRICS members.
- Current President: Dilma Rousseff (Brazil).
- Algeria’s Significance
- Geographically located in North Africa with access to Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Rich in natural resources and energy reserves.
- Recognized for its strategic importance and growth potential.
Saudi Arabia Launches TOURISE
- On May 22, 2025, Saudi Arabia officially launched TOURISE, a global platform designed to connect leaders across tourism, technology, investment, and sustainability sectors. Unveiled by Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb, TOURISE aims to unlock investment opportunities, address challenges facing the tourism industry, and shape future travel policies through collaboration and innovation.
- This initiative underscores Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a leading global tourism hub, supported by strategic infrastructure investments and policy reforms.
- As global tourism continues to evolve rapidly, impacted by technological disruption, shifting traveler preferences, and growing sustainability demands, Saudi Arabia has positioned itself at the forefront by launching TOURISE. This platform arrives at a pivotal moment, shortly after the kingdom surpassed its Vision 2030 target of 100 million visitors by 2024, demonstrating the country’s growing influence in global tourism. TOURISE’s launch aims to guide the sector’s future growth while promoting inclusive, sustainable, and technologically advanced tourism.
- Aim : To establish a year-round global platform that fosters collaboration, innovation, and investment in the tourism sector.
- Objectives
- Connect leaders from tourism, tech, investment, and sustainability fields worldwide.
- Unlock new investment opportunities in tourism infrastructure and services.
- Address sector-wide challenges such as sustainability and digital transformation.
- Develop and guide global tourism policies for future growth phases.
- Promote inclusive and sustainable tourism practices.
- Key Features of TOURISE
- Supported by an advisory board consisting of global experts from tourism, hospitality, technology, entertainment, and investment sectors.
- Formation of working groups focused on core themes such as AI in tourism, business innovation, travel experience upgrades, and sustainability.
- Publication of white papers and global indices in partnership with international organizations.
- Hosting the first TOURISE Summit in Riyadh from November 11-13, 2025.
- An Innovation Zone to showcase emerging public and private sector technologies.
- An awards program recognizing leadership in sustainability, digital transformation, cultural preservation, inclusive tourism, and workforce development.
- Award nominations open on June 2, with winners announced at the summit’s opening day.
Current Affairs 26 May 2025 Question
- TOURISE Is launched by
A. Saudi Arabia
B. UK
C. Japan
D. Germany
ANSWER: A - Which Indian Couple Has Been Featured In TIME Magazine’s Inaugural List Of
100 Most Influential People In Philanthropy
A. Ratan and Anjali Tata
B. Mukesh and Nita Ambani
C. Gautam and Meera Adani
D. Kumar and Neelam Birla
ANSWER: B - Who Appointed As Chairman Mastercard India
A. Shreya Mittal
B. Dinesh Kumar
C. Soma Sankara
D. Rajnish Kumar
ANSWER: D - Jafar Panahi Who Won Top Honour At Cannes Film Festival belongs from
A. Iran
B. Iraq
C. Syria
D. Nigeria
ANSWER: A - Which Country Won The Inaugural FIFA Youth Series Title During World
Football Week
A. New Zealand
B. Paraguay
C. Switzerland
D. Tunisia
ANSWER: B - Who Chaired 10th Governing Council Meeting Of NITI Aayog Held In New Delhi
A. Amit Shah
B. Rajnath Singh
C. Narendra Modi
D. Nirmala Sitharaman
ANSWER: C - Under e-Zero FIR System What Is Minimum Amount Required Cyber Financial
Fraud Automatically Converted Into Zero FIRs
A. ₹1 lakh
B. ₹5 lakh
C. ₹10 lakh
D. ₹50,000
ANSWER: C - Which Country Officially Became A Member Of The Brics-founded New
Development Bank On May 19, 2025
A. Algeria
B. Egypt
C. Argentina
D. Ethiopia
ANSWER: A - Who Has Been Appointed As The Brand Ambassador Of Karnataka Soaps &
Detergents Limited (KSDL) For A Two-year Term
A. Tamannaah Bhatia
B. Rashmika Mandanna
C. Deepika Padukone
D. Kiara Advani
ANSWER: A - What Is The Scientific Name Of The Shirui Lily, The State Flower Of Manipur
A. Rosa Manipuria
B. Lilium Ukhruli
C. Macklinia Indica
D. Lilium Mackliniae
ANSWER: D - On Which Date Is World Football Day Celebrated Annually
A. May 21
B. July 13
C. June 10
D. May 25
ANSWER: D - Where Is The Wings India 2026 Civil Aviation Event Scheduled To Be Held
From January 28 To 31
A. New Delhi
B. Mumbai
C. Hyderabad
D. Bengaluru
ANSWER: C - When Is World Turtle Day Observed Every Year
A. May 20
B. May 22
C. May 21
D. May 23
ANSWER: D - Which Union Minister Led The Inauguration Ceremony Of “Sagar Bhavan” And
“Polar Bhavan”
A. Narendra Modi
B. Dharmendra Pradhan
C. Dr. Jitendra Singh
D. Rajnath Singh
ANSWER: C - How Many Shaurya Chakras Were Conferred By President Murmu During The
Phase-i Of The Defence Investiture Ceremony 2025
A. 30
B. 31
C. 33
D. 35
ANSWER: C - How Much Has The UK Agreed To Pay Mauritius Annually For Leasing The
Military Base On Diego Garcia
A. $100 million
B. $136 million
C. $200 million
D. $300 million
ANSWER: B - What Is The Revised Medium-term GDP Growth Forecast For India Till FY2026,
As Per Fitch Ratings
A. 5.9%
B. 6.0%
C. 6.2%
D. 6.4%
ANSWER: D - Which Country Has Recently Been Elected To The Executive Board Of The
International Association Of Anti-corruption Authorities
A. India
B. Saudi Arabia
C. United States
D. United Arab Emirates
ANSWER: D - Which Ministry Organized The Rising Northeast Investors Summit 2025
A. Ministry of Commerce and Industry
B. Ministry of External Affairs
C. Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region
D. Ministry of Finance
ANSWER: C - Kheer Bhawani Temple, is located in which state/UT
A. Sikkim
B. Assam
C. Lakshadweep
D. Jammu and Kashmir
ANSWER: D
