Current Affairs — Monday, 25 May 2026

Tamil Nadu

- Tamil Nadu Rejects Three-Language Policy; Holds Firm on Two-Language Formula — The TVK government under CM Vijay has firmly refused to adopt the three-language policy, citing cultural and federal concerns, even as the Union Government has withheld Rs 3,500 crore in PM-SHRI scheme funding for two years.

- TN Education Minister Rajmohan: No Compromise on Two-Language Policy — Education Minister Rajmohan stated that Tamil Nadu will not bow to any indirect pressure and will continue the state's long-held two-language (Tamil + English) policy.

- Tamil Nadu Tells Supreme Court: Navodaya Schools Incompatible With Two-Language Policy — The state government argued before the Supreme Court that Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, which follow the three-language formula, are incompatible with Tamil Nadu's education framework.

- Tamil Nadu Launches First Urban Greening Policy — The state introduced its first-ever Urban Greening Policy aimed at boosting climate resilience and increasing green cover across urban areas.

- MRF to Invest Rs 3,500 Crore in Tamil Nadu — CM Stalin launched multi-sector development projects across the state; tyre major MRF announced a Rs 3,500 crore investment in Tamil Nadu.

- Tamil Nadu 'Green School Scheme' Could Offset 91% of Government Institution Power Demand — A study found that if scaled fully, TN's Green School Scheme could meet nearly 91% of the power requirements of government institutions through renewable energy.

India — National

- Union Cabinet Approves Increase in Supreme Court Judges from 33 to 38 — The Cabinet has approved raising the sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges from 33 to 38 to address the mounting pendency of cases before India's apex court.

- Modi Government Introduces Three Delimitation Bills in Parliament — The Centre has tabled three delimitation-related bills that could significantly alter parliamentary and assembly constituency boundaries, raising debates about representation and federal balance.

- Supreme Court Censures Freebie Schemes; Calls Them a Hindrance to Economic Growth — While hearing Tamil Nadu's plea against Union electricity rules, the Supreme Court remarked that largesse and freebie schemes hamper economic growth.

- Supreme Court Holds Line Against Executive-Legislative Control Over Tribunals — The apex court reaffirmed judicial independence by resisting attempts by the executive and legislature to exert control over tribunal appointments and functioning.

- Tamil Nadu Moves Supreme Court Against Madras HC Order on Government Ads — The state challenged a Madras High Court order that restrained use of living persons' names and former Chief Ministers' photos in government scheme advertisements.

- SC Collegium Recommends Judges for Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka High Courts — The Supreme Court Collegium has forwarded recommendations for judicial appointments to two High Courts as part of ongoing efforts to fill judicial vacancies.

Economy & Finance

- Budget 2026-27: Air Quality Management Outlay Cut by 10% — The Union Budget for 2026-27 has reduced allocation for air quality management by 10% and also seen a dip in pollution control spending, raising environmental concerns.

- Meghalaya's GSDP Growth Nearly Double the National Average — Meghalaya's Governor highlighted that the state's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) growth rate is almost twice the national average, reflecting strong regional economic momentum.

- CM Vijay's Key Welfare Policies Face Fiscal Scrutiny — Tamil Nadu's new TVK government's flagship promises — including closing liquor shops, free electricity, and 8 grams of gold for women — are being assessed for their combined fiscal impact on the state budget.

Science & Technology

- India Targets Record Medal Haul at Asian Games; LA 2028 Olympics the Primary Goal — India is preparing for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics with a focus on hockey, wrestling, badminton, and athletics, aiming for its best-ever Olympic performance.

- Cricket at LA 2028 Olympics Scheduled to Kick Off on July 12 — The International Olympic Committee has confirmed that cricket will make its Olympic return at the Los Angeles 2028 Games, with matches beginning on July 12.

Environment

- State of India's Environment 2026 Report Highlights Rising Climate Risks and Pollution Gaps — The report flags increasing climate-related risks, rising human-wildlife conflicts, and significant gaps in pollution monitoring infrastructure across India.

- India Notifies Environment Audit Rules, 2025 — The Union Government has officially notified the Environment Audit Rules, 2025, to strengthen environmental compliance and governance frameworks across industries.

- Budget 2026-27 Cuts Pollution Control and Air Quality Management Spending — Reduced budgetary allocation for pollution control has drawn criticism from environmentalists amid worsening air quality in major Indian cities.

Sports

- Cricket Makes Olympic Return at LA 2028; Matches Begin July 12 — Cricket returns to the Olympics for the first time since 1900, with the LA 2028 schedule confirmed; India's participation is a major talking point for global cricket's expansion.

- India Eyes Podium Finishes in Hockey, Wrestling, Badminton, and Athletics at LA 2028 — India's Olympic preparation is ramping up across multiple disciplines, with hockey and badminton seen as the strongest medal prospects.

- Norway Leads 2026 Winter Olympics Medal Tally; Italy and USA Close Behind — Norway continues its dominant run at the 2026 Winter Olympics, with Italy and the United States closely contesting the second and third positions.

Appointments & Awards

- Justice M. Fathima Beevi, First Woman Judge of the Supreme Court of India, Passes Away — Justice Fathima Beevi, a landmark figure in Indian judicial history who became the first woman to be appointed to the Supreme Court of India, has passed away.

- Bhagat Singh Koshyari Awarded Padma Bhushan — Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister and Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari has been conferred the Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian honours.

- Padma Vibhushan Conferred on Former SC Judge K.T. Thomas — Justice K.T. Thomas, known for his landmark judgments including views on the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, has been awarded the Padma Vibhushan.

- Justice Manikumar Appointed as New SHRC Chairman — Justice Manikumar has been named the new Chairperson of the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC), as per a Times of India report.

- Former CJI J.S. Khehar Awarded Padma Recognition — Former Chief Justice of India J.S. Khehar, known for judgments that often took positions contrary to the government's stance, has received a Padma award in recognition of his judicial contributions.

International

- India–Norway Bilateral Relationship Elevated to Green Strategic Partnership — India and Norway have upgraded their bilateral ties to a 'Green Strategic Partnership', focusing on renewable energy, climate cooperation, and sustainable development.

- 16th India–EU Summit Held (January 25–27, 2026) — India hosted the 16th India-EU Summit with the Presidents of the European Council and European Commission; both sides sought closer relations amid global geopolitical shifts driven by US policy changes.

- India–Finland Joint Statement Issued After State Visit (March 4–7, 2026) — The President of Finland visited India in March 2026; both nations issued a joint statement emphasising trade, technology, and bilateral cooperation.