Current Affairs · 18 May 2026
TNPSC current affairs published on 18 May 2026.
Sweden Joins ISRO's Shukrayaan Venus Mission
ISRO and the Swedish space agency signed an MoU for Sweden's participation in the Shukrayaan Venus mission, contributing the Venusian Neutrals Analyser instrument.
RBI Discontinues Investment Fluctuation Reserve for Banks
The RBI discontinued the mandatory Investment Fluctuation Reserve (IFR) for banks; existing balances are to be moved to statutory/general reserves.
Tamil Nadu Congress ministerial share: Rajeshkumar and Viswanathan emerge as likely picks in 2026 coalition talks
In May 2026, Congress MLAs Rajeshkumar and P. Viswanathan were reported as the likely choices for ministerial berths in the new TVK government.
Election Commission inquiry on alleged foreign-citizen voting in Tamil Nadu Assembly polls
The Election Commission has reportedly ordered an inquiry into alleged voting by foreign-citizens in the Tamil Nadu Assembly election, after 25 people were arrested.
Anaimangalam copper plates returned from Netherlands: key Chola-era facts for TNPSC
The 11th-century Anaimangalam copper plates were returned to India from the Netherlands in 2026, highlighting Chola administration, land grant practice and religious tolerance.
Madras High Court upholds benefits for STF officers who fought Veerappan case
The Madras High Court ruled that benefits granted to 16 Special Task Force officers, who were part of the operation against Veerappan, should not be withdrawn.
Ooty Flower Show 2026: 128th edition, 10 lakh saplings and 7 lakh floral decorations in Nilgiris
The 128th Ooty Flower Show began on 18 May 2026 at the Government Botanical Garden in Nilgiris with 10 lakh saplings and 7 lakh flowers used for decorations.
Illegal voting by Singapore citizen in Tamil Nadu election: 51-year-old Mumtaz Begum arrested
A 51-year-old Singapore citizen from Papanasam, Mumtaz Begum, was arrested after officials found she had illegally voted in the Tamil Nadu Assembly election.
Home Guards regularisation demand in Tamil Nadu: 15,000+ personnel, 30-day duty and Supreme Court reference
Anbumani urged the Tamil Nadu government to regularise more than 15,000 Home Guards with time-scale pay and extend duty from 10 to 30 days a month.
NEET paper leak and cancellation: key governance facts, CBI probe and June 21 re-test
The 2026 NEET exam was cancelled after a paper leak, with a re-test scheduled on 21 June and CBI inquiry underway.
India’s 1974 Smiling Buddha nuclear test: key facts for TNPSC science and polity
India’s underground nuclear fission test on 18 May 1974 marked its entry into the nuclear era and is a key TNPSC science-history topic.
India and Sweden agree to elevate ties to Strategic Partnership in 2026
India and Sweden agreed in 2026 to upgrade bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership, a testable foreign-policy development for TNPSC.
Tamil Nadu government advocates: 180 posts, senior appointments and political neutrality debate
The report says Tamil Nadu has 180 government advocate posts and names senior legal appointments under the new administration, triggering debate within TVK lawyers.
Tamil Nadu weather alert: heavy rain likely in Madurai, Coimbatore and Nilgiris; southwest monsoon may begin on 26 May
The Chennai IMD forecast heavy rain in several Tamil Nadu districts and said the southwest monsoon may begin over Kerala on 26 May.