Daily Current Affairs โ 25 May 2026
Daily Current Affairs ยท 25 May 2026
10 fully-analysed topics ยท 30 bilingual MCQs ยท 3 embedded videos ยท built for UPSC Prelims & Mains
๐ 10 Topics
๐ฏ 30 MCQs
๐ฌ 3 Videos
๐ฎ๐ณ Hindi + English
๐ฏ 30 MCQs
๐ฌ 3 Videos
๐ฎ๐ณ Hindi + English
Polity: 7 ยท History: 2 ยท Security: 1
โถ Start Here โ UPSC-Standard Quiz
UPSC Current Affairs MCQ โ 25 May 2026
10 UPSC-standard bilingual MCQs covering today's top stories ยท 10-sec timer per question
Score yourself as you go. Get a feel for how UPSC-level questions are framed around the day's news.
๐ฐ Today’s Top 5 Current Affairs
#01
Polity
Polity
Supreme Courtโs Revival of Sedition Trials
๐ฐ Why in News
The Supreme Court of India, in its May 2026 clarification in Kamran v
โ
Quick Facts
- Issues Arising Out of Design & Implementation of Policies
- The clarification has reignited discussions over the colonial-era sedition law
- The Supreme Court's 2026 clarification allowing consensual sedition trials under Section 124A has revived debate over the colonial-era law
- The issue raises concerns regarding free speech
- A Colonial Relic: Section 124A was drafted by Thomas Babington Macaulay in 1837 but was omitted when the IPC was first enacted in 1860
- Gandhi famously described Section 124A as "the prince among the political sections of the Indian Penal Code designed to suppress the liberty of theโฆ
- Romesh Thapar v. State of Madras (1950): The Supreme Court held that mere criticism of the government or creation of disaffection against it cannotโฆ
- The Court ruled that mere strong criticism of the government is not sedition unless it is accompanied by an incitement to violence or an intention toโฆ
- The Court observed that the law was engineered for a colonial regime and was entirely out of sync with the modern democratic social milieu.
- The Court directed that no fresh First Information Reports (FIRs) were to be registered
๐๏ธ Key Stakeholders
Supreme CourtHigh Court
#02
History
History
Sedition Law
๐ฐ Why in News
Recently, the government in the Supreme Court (SC) has said it has initiated the "Process of Re-examination" of Section 124A (sedition) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and consultations are in its "final stage".
โ
Quick Facts
- Issues Arising Out of Design & Implementation of Policies
- In May 2022, the court, in an interim order, had suspended the use of Section 124A, stalling pending criminal trials and court proceedings underโฆ
- Historical Background: Sedition laws were enacted in 17 th century England when lawmakers believed that only good opinions of the government shouldโฆ
- Today the Sedition is a crime under Section 124A of the IPC.
- Section 124A IPC: It defines sedition as an offence committed when "any person by words
- The SC in Balwant Singh v. State of Punjab (1995)
- It is a Non-Bailable Offence. Punishment under Section 124A ranges from imprisonment up to three years to a life term, to which a fine may be added.
- A person charged under this law is barred from a government job
- Reasonable Restrictions: The Constitution of India guarantees the freedom of speech and expression to its citizens
- Sedition law helps the government in combating anti-national, secessionist and terrorist elements.
๐๏ธ Key Stakeholders
Supreme CourtHigh Court
#03
Polity
Polity
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
๐ฐ Why in News
Recently, a Parliamentary Committee has reviewed the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 Bill, proposing significant changes to India's Criminalโฆ
โ
Quick Facts
- The BNS Bill, introduced by the Ministry of Home Affairs, seeks to replace the colonial-era IPC (Indian Penal Code).
- Adultery and Gender-Neutral Provision: The parliamentary committee has recommended including a gender-neutral provision that criminalizes Adultery
- The committee is considering a clause to criminalize non-consensual sex between men, women , or transpersons, as well as acts of bestiality.
- This indicates an effort to a ddress various forms of sexual offenses comprehensively.
- The committee has suggested better definitions for terms like "community service" and "life imprisonment" in the bill.
- The new draft code has included the removal of Section 124A (Sedition) and provisions for prosecuting offenses committed in foreign countries.
- Legalizing Adultery: Individual Autonomy and Privacy: The Supreme Court, in Joseph Shine vs
- Legalizing adultery acknowledges the right of adults to make decisions about their personal relationships without state interference
- This doctrine, not recognised by the Constitution, holds that a woman loses her identity and legal right with marriage, is violative of herโฆ
- Ability to make sexual choices is essential to human liberty. Even within private zones, an individual should be allowed her choice.
๐๏ธ Key Stakeholders
Supreme CourtMinistry of Home Affairs
#04
Polity
Polity
Reasonable Classification Test
๐ฐ Why in News
The Anwar Ali Sarkar Case, 1952 is a landmark Supreme Court ruling that laid the foundation for the reasonable classification test under Article 14 of the Indian Constitution.
โ
Quick Facts
- This test has now become a standard for evaluating the constitutionality of laws .
- About: It is a legal principle under Article 14 of the Indian Constitution that ensures fair treatment by permitting the grouping of individuals orโฆ
- Classification must be based on a clear and reasonable distinction .
- The distinction must logically connect to the law's purpose.
- The classification should address social or policy needs without violating rights.
- Large groups cannot be arbitrarily selected for different treatment (no class legislation)
- Support Specific Regulations: It allows tailored laws for distinct societal conditions, ensuring equal treatment doesn't lead to unfairness
- Risk of Unjustified Differentiation : If not applied properly, it can lead to unjust differentiation and potentially violate fundamental rights.
- Subjectivity: Classification factors (e.g., age, gender, physical strength ) can be subjective, leading to inconsistent judicial interpretations ofโฆ
- Background : In 1950, Anwar Ali Sarkar was convicted under the West Bengal Special Courts Act, 1950 by the Alipore Sessions Court that sentenced himโฆ
๐๏ธ Key Stakeholders
Supreme CourtHigh Court
#05
Polity
Polity
Right to Safe Travel on National Highways under Article 21
๐ฐ Why in News
The Supreme Court has declared that the safety of commuters against road accidents and the right to safe passage on highways are part of the fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.
โ
Quick Facts
- Alarming Statistics: National Highways (NHs) comprise merely 2% of India's total road network but account for nearly 30% of all road fatalities
- Constitutional Interpretation: The Court held that Article 21 imposes a positive obligation on the State to ensure a safe environment
- Immediate Prohibitions: The Court issued an immediate ban on the construction or operation of any new commercial structures
- Strict Parking Regulations: Heavy and commercial vehicles are strictly prohibited from parking or stopping on any National Highway
- Enforcement Actions: District Magistrates have been directed to demolish or remove all unauthorized structures within 60 days
๐ Key Numbers & Data
- National Highways (NHs) comprise merely 2% of India's total road network but account
- total road network but account for nearly 30% of all road fatalities , highlighting
๐ โ๏ธ Core Subject Drill โ Indian Polity
โ๏ธ Indian Polity MCQ Quiz ยท เคญเคพเคฐเคคเฅเคฏ เคฐเคพเคเคตเฅเคฏเคตเคธเฅเคฅเคพ
10 bilingual MCQs ยท Indian Polity ยท Members Only on YouTube
Today's rotation: Indian Polity. Take this break between news topics to sharpen the core concept.
๐ More Current Affairs Coverage
#06
Polity
Polity
Supreme Court of India Foundation Day
๐ฐ Why in News
The Supreme Court (SC) of India , established on 26 th January 1950 under Article 124 , was inaugurated on 28 th January 1950 and began operations from the old Parliament House .
โ
Quick Facts
- SC initially envisioned with a Chief Justice of India (CJI) and 7 puisne judges
- Unlike the original, based on Justitia (Roman goddess) with a blindfold, scales, and a sword, the new statue's open eyes signify that the law is notโฆ
- The Indian Constitution replaces the sword, emphasizing its supremacy in justice.
๐๏ธ Key Stakeholders
Supreme CourtHigh CourtParliament
#07
History
History
Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri
๐ฐ Why in News
Prime Minister of India paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri on their birth anniversaries, recalling their invaluable contributions to India's freedom, integrity, and nation-building.
โ
Quick Facts
- Early Life: Born on 2 nd October 1869 at Porbandar , Gandhi married Kasturbai in 1882 and studied law in England (188891)
- Experiences in South Africa: In 1893 , racial humiliation at Pietermaritzburg shaped his resolve against injustice
- He promoted Khadi and the Charkha as tools of self-reliance and dignity of labour
- Gandhi revered as the "Father of the Nation," his legacy of truth and non-violence remains globally relevant.
- 2 nd October is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti and globally as the International Day of Non-Violence , as declared by the United Nations.
- Early Life: Lal Bahadur Shastri was born on 2 nd October 1904 at Mughalsarai, Uttar Pradesh
- He is well known for resigning as Railway Minister (1956) taking moral responsibility for a train accident, a rare act of political accountability.
- As Prime Minister (196466), Shastri showed firm leadership in the 1965 Indo-Pak war
- Shastri died suddenly in Tashkent on 11 th January 1966, shortly after signing the Tashkent Declaration .
- Mahatma Gandhi was instrumental in the abolition of the system of 'indentured labour'.
๐ฏ UPSC Relevance
3. What was Lal Bahadur Shastri's famous slogan and its significance? "Jai Jawan
#08
Security
Security
Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967
๐ฐ Why in News
The Supreme Court of India denied bail in the 2020 Delhi riots case, relying on the wide definition of a "terrorist act" under Section 15 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 .
โ
Quick Facts
- The decision has renewed debate on how the anti-terror law has expanded far beyond conventional notions of terrorism.
- The UAPA has evolved from a limited post-Independence law into a wide-ranging anti-terror framework
- While the UAPA remains crucial for national security and global counterterror commitments
- About: The UAPA,1967 is India's principal anti-terror and national security law to curb activities threatening sovereignty
- 2004 Amendment: Introduced terrorism into the UAPA by adding Chapter IV (Sections 1523) on terrorist acts and punishments
- The amendment tightened bail norms by barring anticipatory bail
- They also classified counterfeit currency offences as terrorist acts and extended liability to companies
- The law covers acts committed using explosives, firearms, poisons, chemicals, hazardous substances, or "any other means"
- Under the UAPA, terrorist acts are punishable with imprisonment for a minimum term of five years, which may extend to life imprisonment, and whereโฆ
- The broad wording allows acts likely to cause fear or disruption to be prosecuted as terrorism.
๐๏ธ Key Stakeholders
Supreme CourtParliamentNIA
#09
Polity
Polity
Judicial Decorum in the Digital Age
๐ฐ Why in News
The Chief Justice of India (CJI) issued a formal clarification following public outrage over sharp oral observations made during a Supreme Court hearing.
โ
Quick Facts
- The Restatement of Values of Judicial Life (1997): Adopted by the Supreme Court Full Court in 1997
- Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct (2002): Endorsed by the United Nations
- The Epistemic Utility of Bench Speech: Acknowledged the necessity of judicial questioning to foster a "spontaneity of thought" and provide clarityโฆ
- The Primacy of the Written Record: Established unequivocally that "the formal opinion of a judicial institution is reflected through its judgmentsโฆ
- The Court warned that judges must not use the bench as a pulpit to express personal grievances, "spasmodic sentiment," or unregulated anger.
- However, the final written judgment went the opposite way, proving that oral testing does not equate to the final judicial stance.
- The Magna Carta of Judges (Council of Europe, 2010): Drafted by the Consultative Council of European Judges (CCJE), it emphasizes that judicialโฆ
- He argued that a judge must draw inspiration from "consecrated principles" and exercise discretion disciplined by the system
- Erodes Public Trust: Intemperate remarks create perceptions of bias and prejudgment
- Undermines Procedural Justice: Litigants accept legal outcomes when they feel respected
๐๏ธ Key Stakeholders
Supreme CourtHigh Court
๐ฏ UPSC Relevance
1. What is the significance of the Restatement of Values of Judicial Life
#10
Polity
Polity
Justice Surya Kant: 53rd Chief Justice of India
๐ฐ Why in News
Justice Surya Kant has been appointed as the 53 rd Chief Justice of India (CJI) , succeeding Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna(B.R) Gavai.
โ
Quick Facts
- Appointment: The notification was issued by the Department of Justice in the Union Law Ministry under Article 124(2) of the Constitution
- Appointment: A Supreme Court judge, including the CJI, is appointed by the President under Article 124 (2)
- The CJI can only be removed by the President after an address by Parliament, supported by a special majority in both Houses.
๐๏ธ Key Stakeholders
Supreme CourtHigh CourtParliament
๐๏ธ Wrap Up โ Simple CA Quiz
Simple Current Affairs MCQ โ 25 May 2026
10 accessible MCQs covering the same topics ยท great for quick revision
End your study session with these simpler MCQs to lock in recall of today's current affairs.
