Current Affairs - May 25, 2026 Current Affairs

Tata Power signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bhutan’s Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) on May 18, 2026, to strengthen clean energy development through specialised training programs. The partnership aims to support the creation of 5,000 MW of clean energy capacity in Bhutan and address skill gaps in the energy sector. Training will be conducted through the Tata Power Skill Development Institute and will cover emerging technologies such as solar power, wind energy, and green hydrogen, along with thermal and hydel power systems. The initiative is expected to enhance workforce capabilities and support Bhutan’s long-term sustainable energy goals.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI) in Oslo, Norway, on May 22, 2026. The five-year agreement aims to strengthen technical cooperation in tunnel engineering, slope stability analysis, natural hazard mitigation, and highway infrastructure development. The collaboration focuses particularly on geologically sensitive regions and challenging terrains. It also includes support for site characterization, preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), tunnel safety audits, and the use of advanced technologies such as InSAR for monitoring slopes. The partnership is expected to enhance the safety and efficiency of India's highway and tunnel projects.

Rajiv Singh, a 1993-batch IPS officer of the Tripura cadre, was appointed as the Secretary (Security) in the Cabinet Secretariat on May 22, 2026, following approval by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC). Prior to this appointment, he served as the Director General of Police (DGP) of Manipur, where he led the police force during a challenging period marked by ethnic unrest. As Secretary (Security), he becomes the administrative head of the Special Protection Group (SPG), which is responsible for providing proximate security to the Prime Minister of India and eligible family members. He succeeded Parag Jain, who had been holding additional charge of the position.

Haryana launched the ShramMitra application on May 20, 2026, with the objective of creating a digital platform that connects workers and employers more efficiently. Developed by the Haryana Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, the app functions as an Electronic Employment Exchange and aims to gradually replace the traditional labour chowk system. It supports Hindi, English, and Punjabi languages and already includes data on around 75,000 registered workers from 135 labour chowks. The platform facilitates employment opportunities for skilled workers such as masons, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, painters, welders, and various self-employed professionals, promoting greater transparency and accessibility in the labour market.

The Madhya Pradesh government partnered with Google on May 20, 2026, to establish an AI-powered governance ecosystem and an AI Centre of Excellence (AI CoE). The initiative aims to enhance public service delivery through advanced technologies such as real-time crowd monitoring, predictive safety analytics, digital twin models, and multilingual AI assistants. The partnership also focuses on innovation, startup incubation, and large-scale AI skill development. Additionally, Google Play plans to train 10,000 app developers, while AI-based solutions will be introduced in education, agriculture, and healthcare. The collaboration reflects the growing adoption of artificial intelligence for governance and socio-economic development.

Odisha introduced a policy on May 22, 2026, requiring the use of Electric Vehicles (EVs) for official government duties and encouraging virtual meetings to improve administrative efficiency. The initiative aims to reduce travel-related costs, enhance sustainability, and support environmentally friendly governance practices. The Finance Department of Odisha was tasked with preparing the implementation framework for the policy. The move aligns with broader efforts to promote clean transportation and digital governance. Odisha has often been recognized for progressive administrative reforms and is also known for landmarks such as the Konark Sun Temple and its role in hosting major international sporting events.

The First International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit was originally scheduled to take place in New Delhi on June 1, 2026. The event was planned alongside the Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS IV) but was later rescheduled due to the postponement of the India-Africa Forum Summit following an Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa. The IBCA is an initiative launched by India to promote the conservation of seven major big cat species, including the tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, puma, jaguar, and cheetah. The summit is expected to strengthen international cooperation among range countries and conservation stakeholders for big cat protection and habitat preservation.

Nibe Limited, a Pune-based defence manufacturing company, successfully carried out the test-firings of the Suryastra Universal Rocket Launcher at the Interim Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha, on May 18 and 19, 2026. Developed in collaboration with Israel’s Elbit Systems using Precise & Universal Launching System (PULS) technology, the system is planned for indigenous production in India. The launcher features rocket variants with ranges of 150 km and 300 km and demonstrated high accuracy during testing. Designed as a rapid-response precision weapon system, Suryastra aims to bridge the operational gap between conventional artillery systems and heavy ballistic missiles.

Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon, on May 20, 2026, to strengthen executive education and leadership development. The collaboration aims to create future-ready leaders through specialised leadership programs, strategy-focused learning interventions, overseas learning opportunities, and joint research initiatives. The partnership also emphasises action learning and customised case studies to generate measurable business outcomes. Implemented through SAIL’s Management Training Institute (MTI), the initiative operates under the Ministry of Steel and reflects SAIL’s commitment to enhancing managerial capabilities and organisational excellence within the public sector enterprise.

ICRA revised India's GDP growth forecast for FY27 to 6.2% on May 19, 2026, reducing it from its earlier estimate of 6.5%. The revision was influenced by concerns over rising crude oil prices, which were projected to average $95 per barrel during FY27 due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia and persistent supply constraints. The agency also highlighted challenges such as slowing global economic growth, weaker merchandise exports, and shipping disruptions. Despite the downward revision, the forecast reflects continued economic expansion, although at a more moderate pace than previously expected. The assessment provides important insights into India's growth outlook and macroeconomic conditions.