Why is the recent oil discovery in the Saudi-Kuwait neutral zone considered significant?

The recent oil discovery in the North Wafra Wara-Burgan field is considered significant because it is the first major find since 2020, with an output exceeding 500 barrels per day. It strengthens Saudi Arabia and Kuwait’s roles as reliable energy suppliers, enhances global oil supply stability, and demonstrates the strategic importance of Gulf cooperation in energy exploration and production.

Daily Current Affairs 26th May 2025, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update) |

National News

Government Retains 8.25% Interest Rate on EPF for FY2024-25

The Government of India has retained the 8.25% interest rate on EPF deposits for FY2024–25, reinforcing its commitment to stable retirement savings.
Approved by the Ministry of Finance and recommended by the Labour Ministry, this decision affects over 7 crore subscribers.
Compared to other fixed-income instruments, EPF continues to offer higher, tax-free returns, supporting financial security, formal employment, and social welfare.

National Writeshop in Delhi Launches Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has launched PAI 2.0 during a national-level Writeshop held on 26–27 May 2025 in New Delhi, targeting better data-driven governance at the Gram Panchayat level.
The upgraded index significantly simplifies monitoring indicators, improves portal usability, and includes features like a Decision Support System and auto-data integration.
The event also provided training and shared implementation experiences, ensuring effective adoption across states. PAI 2.0 aligns closely with the Localized Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs) and is expected to bolster rural planning and transparency in governance.

PM Modi Chairs 10th NITI Aayog Meet: Roadmap for Viksit Bharat @2047

Prime Minister Modi chaired the 10th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog focused on Viksit Bharat @2047, calling for the active participation of States in development through investment, skilling, river interlinking, urban planning, and women empowerment.
Announcements like the Rs 60,000 crore Skilling Scheme, Rs 1 lakh crore Urban Fund, and promotion of global-standard tourism hubs aim to align local and national progress under cooperative federalism.
Discussions also highlighted health, agriculture, cyber security, and the success of Operation Sindoor and the Aspirational District Programme.

India’s First Vistadome Jungle Safari Train Launched in Uttar Pradesh

The Uttar Pradesh Government, in collaboration with Indian Railways, has launched India’s first Vistadome jungle safari train, offering a unique eco-tourism experience across the Dudhwa, Katarniaghat, and Kishanpur forest regions.
Designed under the One Destination, Three Forests initiative, the train boasts panoramic glass windows, rotating seats, and a transparent roof for an immersive wildlife view.
With a 107 km route between Bichia and Mailani, this initiative blends sustainable tourism, wildlife conservation, and local empowerment, setting a new benchmark in India’s eco-luxury travel segment.

State News

Rail Connectivity Boost: New Agartala-Guwahati Train Approved by Railway Ministry

The Ministry of Railways has approved a new train service between Agartala and Guwahati, fulfilling a crucial infrastructure need in Northeast India. Announced by Tripura West MP Biplab Kumar Deb, the development comes shortly after Tripura’s first electric locomotive was introduced.
The move aligns with India’s Act East Policy, promotes green transport, and enhances interstate rail connectivity, especially in regions with limited accessibility.

International News

Six African Nations Sign MoU to Eliminate Kala-Azar

In May 2025, six East African nations signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to eliminate kala-azar, a life-threatening neglected tropical disease (NTD).
The agreement, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), the African Union, and the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), aims to bolster investment, enhance surveillance, and foster cross-border cooperation.
With over 70% of kala-azar cases found in the region, the MoU represents a crucial step in global public health efforts.
The initiative also aligns with global progress, where 56 countries have already eliminated at least one NTD.

Harvard’s SEVP Ban Triggers Panic Among Indian Students Planning US Education in Fall 2025

In a dramatic escalation, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revoked Harvard University’s SEVP certification, barring it from admitting international students for Fall 2025.
This decision, linked to campus protests and non-compliance with federal demands, has created visa uncertainty for over 7,000 international students, including nearly 800 Indians.
As Harvard seeks legal remedies, students face legal status issues, financial losses, and emotional stress.
The move is seen as part of a broader crackdown on universities perceived as resisting federal oversight, triggering concern across the global student community.

Saudi Arabia and Kuwait Discover Oil in Neutral Zone After 5 Years

On May 26, 2025, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait announced a significant oil discovery in the neutral zone, specifically in the North Wafra Wara-Burgan field.
This is the first such find since 2020, with output exceeding 500 barrels per day.
The discovery is expected to boost global oil supply, strengthen bilateral cooperation, and enhance both countries’ positions as reliable global energy suppliers.
This milestone underscores the strategic importance of the neutral zone and reflects the Gulf region’s commitment to energy security.

Economy News

India Surpasses Japan to Become the World’s 4th Largest Economy

India has achieved a significant economic milestone by becoming the fourth-largest economy in the world, surpassing Japan, with a nominal GDP of USD 4 trillion.
This was officially confirmed by NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam during the 10th Governing Council Meeting, citing IMF’s April 2025 World Economic Outlook.
India is now projected to maintain its status as the fastest-growing major economy, with expected GDP growth of 6.2% in 2025 and 6.3% in 2026, far above the global average.
This economic momentum supports India’s ambitious “Viksit Bharat @2047” vision, aiming to become a developed nation by its 100th year of independence, with potential to soon surpass Germany and become the third-largest economy globally.

Science & Technology News

Google Unveils Beam: The Future of 3D Video Communication

Google Beam, the latest evolution of Project Starline, is set to revolutionize remote communication using AI-powered 3D video and light-field displays.
It offers a realistic, dimensional video experience that enables users to read emotions and expressions as if meeting in person.
With built-in speech translation and partnerships with global companies like Zoom, HP, and Deloitte, Google Beam is expected to reshape enterprise communication and cross-cultural collaboration worldwide.

Google’s AI Matryoshka: Layered Intelligence and Looming Privacy Concerns

Google’s AI Matryoshka strategy, unveiled at I/O 2025, is a sweeping re-architecture of its services around Gemini 2.5 models, powerful TPU hardware, and agentic functionalities across search, apps, and commerce.
Tools like SynthID, Deep Search, and Gemini Canvas highlight both innovation and the potential for privacy intrusions.
With a tiered access model, concerns arise over whether AI safety, ethical data usage, and transparency will be universally enforced or remain features for premium users.

India Boosts Polar & Ocean Research with New State-of-the-Art Hubs in Goa

Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated Sagar Bhavan and Polar Bhavan at NCPOR, Goa during its Silver Jubilee celebration, enhancing India’s capabilities in polar and ocean research.
These advanced facilities, costing ₹68 crore, feature state-of-the-art laboratories, 3D climate visualization tools, and India’s first Polar and Ocean Museum.
The initiative strengthens India’s leadership in global ocean governance, aligns with the Blue Economy goals, and is backed by frameworks like the Indian Antarctic Act (2022) and Arctic Policy (2022). India maintains robust research stations in the Arctic, Antarctica, and the Himalayas.

India Launches World’s Highest Resolution Weather Forecast System — BFS

The Bharat Forecasting System (BFS), launched on May 26, 2025, is a state-of-the-art weather prediction platform developed by IITM Pune and powered by the supercomputer Arka.
Offering 6-km resolution forecasts—the highest in the world—it enhances localised weather forecasting, especially useful for agriculture, disaster preparedness, and public safety.
With nowcasting capabilities and expanding Doppler radar support, BFS marks a technological milestone in India’s meteorological advancement.

Important Days News

Memorial Day 2025: Date, History, Significance and Celebrations

Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May (May 26 in 2025), is a federal holiday in the United States dedicated to honouring U.S. military personnel who died in service.
Originating after the Civil War as Decoration Day, it became a national holiday in 1971.
While it also marks the unofficial start of summer, the day is mainly about remembering fallen heroes through traditions like visiting graves, laying flags and flowers, attending parades, and observing the National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 PM.

Miscellaneous News

National Pride: Joint Indian Mountaineering Team Scales Mount Everest

A Joint Indian Mountaineering Team comprising elite instructors from JIM&WS, NIM, and HMI scaled Mount Everest (8,848.86 m) on May 23, 2025, under the leadership of Col Anshuman Bhadauria and Col Hem Chandra Singh.
The expedition, flagged off by Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth, included a successful acclimatisation climb to Mt. Lobuche and marked a historic collaboration among India’s premier institutes.
The achievement underscores India’s prowess in high-altitude mountaineering and promotes a national spirit of resilience, unity, and adventure.