Expected Topics from Current Affairs for UPSC Prelims 2025

Expected Topics from Current Affairs for UPSC Prelims 2025: May Edition

The UPSC Prelims 2025 is just around the corner, and as always, current affairs will play a pivotal role in deciding your score. In recent years, 4 to 6 questions in Prelims have been directly or indirectly linked to recent events, schemes, international reports, environmental developments, and government initiatives.

This article curates a carefully selected list of high-probability current affairs topics from April–May 2025 that you should not miss during your revision. Each topic is aligned with the UPSC Prelims GS Paper 1 syllabus and includes a brief explanation to help you revise quickly.

1. Operation Sindoor

• What to know: India’s high-altitude precision strike operation on terror camps across the border.

• Why important: Involves India’s defense strategy, international relations, and regional security.

• Link to syllabus: International Relations, Security Challenges.

2. India’s Stand at Petersberg Climate Dialogue 2025

• What to know: India’s demand for climate finance, adaptation support, and equity.

• Why important: Key climate summit before COP30.

• Link to syllabus: Environment & Ecology, International Bodies.

3. RBI’s Digital Rupee Update (CBDC Progress)

• What to know: E₹ usage in interbank and retail transactions, pilot programs.

• Why important: Tech + economy intersection.

• Link to syllabus: Indian Economy, Monetary Policy, Technology in Governance.

4. India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)

• What to know: Strategic partnership updates, trade routes, counter to China’s BRI.

• Why important: Long-term geopolitical implications.

• Link to syllabus: International Relations, Indian Foreign Policy.

5. Gaganyaan Mission Preparations

• What to know: Astronaut training, ISRO’s timeline, technology modules tested.

• Why important: Science & Tech hotspot, recurring theme.

• Link to syllabus: Space Technology, Achievements of Indians in Science & Tech.

6. PM-Aatmanirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana (Updated Budget 2025-26)

• What to know: Infrastructure boost for rural health, allocations, targets.

• Why important: Possible government scheme-based question.

• Link to syllabus: Government Schemes, Health.

7. India’s Performance in SDG Index 2025

• What to know: Best/worst performing states, NITI Aayog’s insights.

• Why important: UPSC loves index-based questions.

• Link to syllabus: Social Justice, Reports & Indices.

8. Reforms in Election Commission Appointments

• What to know: Supreme Court’s decision and new bill.

• Why important: Constitutional Bodies, separation of powers.

• Link to syllabus: Polity and Governance.

9. GI Tags Recently Awarded

• What to know: Unique geographical products awarded GI tag in early 2025 — handicrafts, agricultural items, etc.

• Why important: UPSC often asks one GI tag question every year.

• Link to syllabus: Indian Culture, Economy.

10. Heatwaves and NDMA’s Updated Guidelines

• What to know: New norms for heatwave management, states under red alert, urban vulnerability.

• Why important: Climate change + disaster management = high UPSC relevance.

• Link to syllabus: Disaster Management, Geography, Environment.

Quick Tips to Tackle Current Affairs Questions in Prelims

• Always link factual knowledge to static concepts (e.g., GI Tags to Culture, CBDC to Economy).

• Focus on source credibility — PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Yojana, and Kurukshetra.

• Practice elimination techniques using facts and logic.

• Keep revising monthly compilations and attempt mock tests regularly.

The UPSC Prelims does not test memory alone—it tests your awareness and relevance to current national and international developments. Focusing on the most expected current affairs topics for May 2025 will give you a clear edge and help you eliminate wrong options confidently.

At The Prayas India, our expert faculty curates daily current affairs, MCQs, and revision capsules designed specifically for UPSC aspirants. Follow us for daily updates that matter.