May 2025 was dominated by Operation Sindoor and the ceasefire with Pakistan, the decision to count caste in the Census, the India–UK trade deal conclusion, a Presidential Reference on Governors and India becoming the world's fourth-largest economy by IMF estimates. Major items are grouped below by GS paper.

In this compilation: 26 major items, grouped by GS theme · 10-question quiz at the end.

Timeline: key events of May 2025

Places in news, May 2025

Polity & Governance

1. Caste to be counted in the next Census

• The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs approved caste enumeration on 30 April.
• It is the first full caste count since 1931.
• The Census later got a reference date of 1 March 2027.

Why it matters for UPSC: Uses and risks of caste data.

Syllabus: GS2 – Social justice

2. Presidential Reference on timelines for assent

• The President sought the Supreme Court's opinion under Article 143 on 14 questions.
• It followed the April 2025 Tamil Nadu ruling fixing deadlines for Governors.
• The Court answered in November 2025.

Why it matters for UPSC: Advisory jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.

Syllabus: GS2 – Centre–state relations

3. SC strikes down ex-post facto environmental clearances

• In Vanashakti, the Court quashed rules allowing clearance after work began.
• It said such approvals defeat the precautionary principle.
• A larger bench later recalled this ruling in November.

Why it matters for UPSC: Rule of law in environmental governance.

Syllabus: GS3 – Environment law