Current Affairs · 11–17 May 2026
TNPSC current affairs for the week of 11–17 May 2026, grouped by day.
17 May 2026
1 stories16 May 2026
15 storiesIndia and UAE sign defence and energy pacts during PM Modi’s Abu Dhabi visit
On 15 May 2026, India and the UAE signed defence and energy agreements in Abu Dhabi, including a $5 billion investment announcement.
RBI removes prior approval for non-bank outward remittance tie-ups under FEMA rules
On 13 May 2026, RBI eased outward remittance norms by removing prior approval for non-bank entities partnering with AD Category-I banks.
PMAY-G launches 5 lakh houses in Maharashtra; PMGSY-IV road works also approved
On 15 May 2026, 5 lakh completed PMAY-G houses were inaugurated in Satara, Maharashtra, alongside PMGSY-IV road approvals.
Karnataka gets 1,243 EV chargers under PM E-Drive with ₹123.26 crore outlay
Karnataka was selected on 12 May 2026 for 1,243 EV chargers under PM E-Drive, with an approved outlay of ₹123.26 crore.
India’s first indigenous CRISPR gene therapy BIRSA 101 for sickle cell disease showcased in New Delhi
A workshop on BIRSA 101 was held on 14 May 2026 at CSIR-IGIB, New Delhi, highlighting India’s first indigenous CRISPR-based therapy for sickle cell disease.
EU draft list keeps India eligible for aquaculture exports beyond September 2026
The European Union included India in its revised draft list on 12 May 2026, allowing continued seafood exports beyond September 2026.
India chairs CCDB for 2026-2028; CCRA technical body and certificate recognition facts
India was confirmed as Chair of the Common Criteria Development Board for April 2026-April 2028 in Tokyo, with MeitY and STQC handling the national role.
Tripura becomes first state to complete all deregulation priority areas under compliance reduction drive
On 15 May 2026, Tripura became the first Indian state to complete all 51 priority areas under Phase I and Phase II of the deregulation initiative.
Textiles Ministry and ICRIER sign MoU for evidence-based policy research in apparel sector
The Ministry of Textiles and ICRIER signed an MoU on 14 May 2026 to strengthen data-driven policy research for the textile and apparel sector.
MoMA holds national conclave on minorities welfare with AI and Bhagidari Se Bhagyoday theme
The Ministry of Minority Affairs held a national conclave on 14 May 2026 to integrate AI into welfare delivery and Haj cycle 2027 planning.
Akash Ambani named Managing Director of Jio Platforms for five years
Jio Platforms appointed Akash Ambani as Managing Director on 9 April 2026 for a five-year term ahead of its planned IPO.
CTBC Bank opens first Taiwanese branch in GIFT City, Gujarat on 13 May 2026
CTBC Bank became the first Taiwanese bank to open a branch in GIFT City on 13 May 2026, expanding cross-border finance links with India.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s book Apnapan on Narendra Modi to launch on 26 May 2026
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will launch Apnapan on 26 May 2026 at NASC Complex, New Delhi, with Venkaiah Naidu and H. D. Deve Gowda unveiling it.
Israel-Lebanon ceasefire extension and June 2-3 talks: key diplomatic developments
Israel and Lebanon agreed to extend the ceasefire, with further talks scheduled for June 2-3.
Telangana high-speed rail corridors: land acquisition for depots in Kokapet and Shamshabad
Telangana has been asked to speed up land acquisition for high-speed rail corridors and rail depots at Kokapet and Shamshabad.
15 May 2026
25 storiesSupreme Court on independent Election Commissioners: Article 324, selection panel and free elections
The Supreme Court in 2026 questioned the neutrality of the Prime Minister-led panel for appointing Election Commissioners under Article 324.
Supreme Court reserves verdict in Sabarimala review petitions: 9-judge Constitution Bench and key arguments
The Supreme Court’s 9-judge Constitution Bench reserved its verdict in the Sabarimala review petitions after hearing arguments on religion, custom and constitutional limits.
NEET UG 2026 re-exam on 21 June: NTA schedule, leak-linked cancellation and exam details
NTA has scheduled the NEET UG 2026 re-examination for 21 June 2026 after cancelling the 3 May exam over paper leak allegations.
Hormuz Strait transit of 2 LPG ships to India amid West Asia tensions
Two Indian LPG ships, Saimi and N.V. Sunshine, crossed the Hormuz Strait and are heading to India amid West Asia tensions.
Stalin urges ordinance to fill medical seats on Class 12 marks amid NEET 2026 controversy
M.K. Stalin wrote to PM Modi seeking an ordinance to let states fill medical seats using Class 12 marks for 2026-27 after NEET 2026 was cancelled.
Virat Kohli’s 9th IPL century and RCB’s 194/4 chase: pressure-performance lesson for TNPSC sports current affairs
RCB beat KKR by 6 wickets in Raipur as Virat Kohli scored 105 off 60 balls, his 9th IPL century.
India bans sugar exports till 30 September 2026 to curb domestic shortage and prices
The Centre has banned sugar exports until 30 September 2026, with limited exemptions for EU and US quota shipments.
Centre raises paddy procurement prices by ₹72/quintal; TN debate on MSP and input costs
The Union Cabinet approved a ₹72/quintal increase in paddy procurement prices, taking common paddy to ₹2,441 and grade-A paddy to ₹2,461.
NEET-UG to shift to CBT from next year; 21 June re-test announced after leak probe
The Centre said NEET-UG will be conducted as a CBT from next year, while the re-test is fixed for 21 June after the 3 May paper-leak controversy.
Puducherry nursing CET on June 14: 558 government quota BSc Nursing seats and CENTAC application window
Puducherry will conduct the nursing common entrance test on June 14, with CENTAC applications open from May 18 to June 1 for BSc Nursing government quota seats.
India’s Russian crude imports and U.S. waiver expiry: key external affairs and energy facts
India’s Russian oil imports rose to about 1.96 million barrels per day in May as the U.S. waiver on Russian crude purchase was set to expire on May 16, 2026.
World Bank says Lebanon’s financial losses reached $70 billion, with $11 billion added by 2024 war
World Bank data cited in May 2026 highlights Lebanon’s $70 billion financial-sector losses and an additional $11 billion from the 2024 Israel-Hezbollah war.
NSA arrest after Dewas firecracker factory blast: key legal and safety facts
In May 2026, the death toll in the Dewas firecracker factory explosion rose to five, and the licensed owner was arrested under the National Security Act.
Supreme Court action on Chambal riverine sanctuary and illegal sand mining
In 2026, the Supreme Court summoned Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh officials over illegal sand mining in the Chambal sanctuary, India’s first tri-State riverine protected area.
Election Commission’s SIR in Punjab: July 1, 2026 qualifying date and voter-roll revision process
Punjab’s voter-roll revision under the SIR campaign has July 1, 2026 as the qualifying date, making it relevant for election administration questions.
Manipur violence probe panel gets 6-month extension till November 2026
The Centre extended the Manipur violence probe commission’s time to submit its report by November 2026.
Rathindra Bose elected Bengal Assembly Speaker: first leader from north Bengal to hold the post
Rathindra Bose, the MLA from Cooch Behar Dakshin, was elected Speaker of the West Bengal Assembly, marking the first time a leader from north Bengal has held the post.
India reiterates UNSC reform push at BRICS foreign ministers’ conclave in New Delhi, 2026
India said lack of UN Security Council reform constrains the global body at the BRICS foreign ministers’ conclave in New Delhi.
India-Iran talks on West Asia, energy security and maritime stability in 2026
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar discussed West Asia, energy security and maritime stability with Iran’s Abbas Araghchi in 2026.
Nilgiris Rose Show 2026: 4,301 rose varieties and QR-enabled bird displays
The Nilgiris Rose Show runs till 18 May 2026 at the rose garden with 4,301 rose varieties and QR codes near bird displays.
Supreme Court’s Aravalli mining case: key constitutional and environmental questions
The Supreme Court has not passed a favourable order for mining lease holders in the Aravalli matter, keeping the environmental and legal issues open.
NEET-UG 2026 re-exam: NTA’s June 21 schedule and CBI probe context
The NTA has announced a June 21 re-exam for NEET-UG 2026 after cancelling the test and referring alleged irregularities to the CBI.
India-UAE strategic partnership in focus as PM Modi begins five-nation visit in May 2026
PM Modi reached the UAE in May 2026 to begin a five-nation tour, with talks expected on the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and West Asia developments.
NEET-UG to become fully computer-based from next year after paper leak row
Union Education Minister Pradhan said NEET-UG will shift to a fully computer-based format from next year after the paper leak controversy.
Nilgiris Rose Show 2026: 4,301 rose varieties and bird QR codes at Ooty garden
The Nilgiris Rose Show runs till May 18, 2026, at the rose garden with 4,301 varieties and QR codes for bird displays.
14 May 2026
21 storiesSupreme Court’s TET review: RTE, teacher eligibility and child-centric education
The Supreme Court, in May 2026, linked teacher eligibility review with the Right to Education and child welfare.
Centre may create joint funding framework for heatwave mitigation in India
India is considering a joint Centre-State funding framework for heatwave mitigation, linking response costs to the disaster financing system.
CBSE Class 12 results 2026: pass percentage falls to 85.20%, Trivandrum tops with 95.62%
CBSE Class 12 results for 2026 showed an 85.20% national pass percentage, with Trivandrum leading at 95.62%.
NEET conduct panel flags transport, storage and human handling as weak links
A K. Radhakrishnan Committee report said transport, storage and human handling are the weakest links in NEET conduct and called for district-wise infrastructure assessment.
CBSE Class 12 2026 results: Tamil Nadu records 95.25% pass rate, girls outperform boys
Tamil Nadu recorded a 95.25% pass rate in the CBSE Class 12 results, with girls scoring 96.68% and outperforming boys.
Vijay Narayan reappointed Tamil Nadu Advocate General under two governments
Vijay Narayan was appointed Advocate General of Tamil Nadu again in 2026, after serving the same post during 2017-2021 under the AIADMK government.
Nicobar wildlife sanctuaries proposal: tribal consultation, island names and environmental clearance issue
The Nicobarese have opposed the Centre’s plan for three wildlife sanctuaries in Little Nicobar, Meroe and Menchal islands over lack of consultation.
Tamil Nadu Assembly floor test and Speaker’s role in majority proof process
The Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker said the floor test would be smooth and that letters had been received from EPS and Velumani factions.
Tamil Thai Vaazhthu protocol in Governor’s Address: TN Assembly issue and 1986 state practice
A Tamil Nadu political row highlighted the order of Tamil Thai Vaazhthu, Vande Mataram and the national anthem during official functions.
Women Ministers in Tamil Nadu: historical milestones from Madras Presidency to modern Cabinet
Tamil Nadu’s ministerial history includes women in the Cabinet even before Independence, making it a useful polity and state-history topic for TNPSC.
Tamil Nadu CBSE Class 10 and 12 pass rates: 2025 results and national comparison
Tamil Nadu recorded 98.48% in CBSE Class 12 and 99.86% in Class 10 in the May 13, 2025 results.
Tamil Nadu Assembly trust vote: Vijay’s government wins with 144 ayes in 2026 floor test
On 13 May 2026, the Tamil Nadu Assembly saw a confidence motion in which Vijay’s government secured 144 ayes amid walkout and factional voting.
Madras High Court interim order on Tirupattur MLA and Assembly trust vote: TNPSC polity angle
Madras High Court passed an interim order in May 2026 on a writ petition concerning a TVK MLA from Tirupattur and participation in an Assembly trust vote.
Tamil Nadu appoints Rickey Pandit Vettrivel as OSD (Political) to Chief Minister
Tamil Nadu appointed Rickey Pandit Vettrivel as OSD (Political) to the Chief Minister in May 2026, a governance-related appointment with political debate.
Tamil Nadu trust vote: AIADMK legislature party split and Assembly numbers
In the May 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly trust vote, the AIADMK legislature party split 25-22, making it a testable legislative-number event.
Supreme Court stay on Madras High Court order in Tamil Nadu trust-vote case: key judicial terms for TNPSC
In May 2026, the Supreme Court stayed a Madras High Court order in a Tamil Nadu trust-vote matter and made remarks on neutrality across parties.
Tamil Nadu Assembly support politics: coalition backing, majority math and floor-test relevance
A Tamil Nadu Assembly report highlights coalition support, majority arithmetic and party positions that are relevant for polity questions.
Tamil Nadu Assembly floor test: 144 votes and rebel MLAs in a key political event
A floor test in the Tamil Nadu Assembly saw 144 votes, with rebel AIADMK MLAs backing Joseph Vijay after walkouts by DMK and DMDK.
Tamil Nadu CBSE Class 12 results 2026: 95.25% pass rate, girls outperform boys
Tamil Nadu recorded a 95.25% pass rate in the CBSE Class 12 results, with girls scoring 96.68% and outperforming boys.
Vijay Narayan appointed Advocate General again in Tamil Nadu: key constitutional office and tenure facts
Tamil Nadu appointed Vijay Narayan as Advocate General again, highlighting a key constitutional law office and his earlier tenure from 2017 to 2021.
Udhayachandran’s appointment as CMD of TNIICL: TNPSC governance and industrial policy fact
Udhayachandran is set to assume office as CMD of TNIICL, a TN industrial governance appointment relevant for state administration questions.
13 May 2026
25 storiesSupreme Court TET review: RTE, teacher quality and child welfare under scrutiny
The Supreme Court, in May 2026, linked the Right to Education with teacher quality while hearing the TET review matter.
Delhi High Court asks Google and Apple to curb pornographic apps; child access and platform liability in focus
Delhi High Court asked Google and Apple to curb dissemination of pornographic content through apps, highlighting child access and platform responsibility.
Anti-defection law: Article 102/191 and Tenth Schedule basics for TNPSC
A The Hindu explainer on the anti-defection law highlights the two main grounds for disqualification under the Tenth Schedule.
NEET conduct reforms: K. Radhakrishnan panel flags transport, storage and human handling
A panel report on NEET said local transport, storage and human handling are the weakest links and recommended reducing third-party involvement.
ECI deposit-loss data in Tamil Nadu polls: 83% candidates lost security amount
ECI data showed that 83% of candidates in Tamil Nadu polls lost their deposit, making it a testable election-statistics item.
Tamil Nadu CBSE Class 12 results 2026: 95.25% pass rate, girls at 96.68%
Tamil Nadu recorded a 95.25% pass rate in the 2026 CBSE Class 12 results, with girls outperforming boys.
Vijay Narayan’s second term as Advocate General: Tamil Nadu law officer appointment under two governments
Vijay Narayan has been appointed Advocate General again, after serving in the post under the AIADMK government from 2017 to 2021.
Udhayachandran’s appointment as TNIICL CMD: TNPSC focus on industrial governance
In May 2026, Udhayachandran is set to assume office as CMD of TNIICL, a Tamil Nadu industrial institution-related appointment.
Tamil Thai Vaazhthu protocol in Governor’s Address: TN Assembly issue and constitutional significance
Udhayanidhi Stalin’s remarks in May 2026 revived the TN debate on the order of Tamil Thai Vaazhthu, Vande Mataram and the national anthem during official functions.
Women Ministers in Tamil Nadu: from Madras Presidency to the present Cabinet
Tamil Nadu’s ministerial history includes a woman Minister in the pre-Independence Madras Presidency and later women Ministers in the State Cabinet.
CBSE 2025 results: Tamil Nadu tops 98.48% in Class 12 and 99.86% in Class 10
Tamil Nadu recorded 98.48% pass rate in CBSE Class 12 and 99.86% in Class 10 when results were announced on 13 May 2025.
Tamil Nadu Assembly trust vote: Vijay-led TVK wins with 144 ayes amid DMK walkout and AIADMK split
On 13 May 2026, the Tamil Nadu Assembly trust vote saw TVK secure 144 ayes, with a DMK walkout and divided AIADMK support.
Madras High Court interim order on TVK Tirupattur MLA and Assembly trust vote
Madras High Court passed an interim order in May 2026 on a writ petition concerning TVK’s Tirupattur MLA and participation in an Assembly trust vote.
Tamil Nadu revokes OSD (Political) appointment of astrologer Rickey Radhan Pandit
On May 12, 2026, Tamil Nadu appointed and then revoked astrologer Rickey Radhan Pandit as OSD (Political) to the Chief Minister, making it a governance-related current affair.
Tamil Nadu Assembly trust vote: AIADMK split, 25 in favour and 22 against
The May 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly trust vote saw the AIADMK legislature party split 25-22, making it a testable legislature-floor event.
Madras High Court interim stay on Tamil Nadu police notice to block 18 X posts: Article 19 and online speech issue
In May 2026, the Madras High Court stayed a Tamil Nadu police notice seeking to block 18 X posts, making it a relevant free-speech and governance case.
Supreme Court stay on Madras HC order in Tamil Nadu trust vote case: judicial review and political neutrality
In May 2026, the Supreme Court stayed a Madras High Court order in the TVK MLA Sethupathi matter and stressed that courts do not differentiate between parties such as DMK, AIADMK, TVK or BJP.
Tamil Nadu Assembly support politics: Congress, Left, IUML and VCK back TVK government formation
Congress and its allies said they supported TVK government formation to block indirect BJP rule.
ECI data on Tamil Nadu polls: about 83% of candidates lost their deposit
The Election Commission of India said around 83% of candidates in Tamil Nadu polls lost their security deposit.
Tamil Nadu CBSE Class 12 result 2026: 95.25% pass rate, girls outperform boys
Tamil Nadu recorded a 95.25% pass rate in the CBSE Class 12 results, with girls scoring 96.68% and outperforming boys.
West Asia security and India’s diplomatic role: Talmiz Ahmad’s 2026 Chennai remarks
Former Ambassador Talmiz Ahmad said India should have filled the security vacuum left by the U.S. in West Asia, at a Chennai talk in 2026.
India’s West Asia diplomacy and security role: T.S. Tirumurti’s 2026 remarks at Chennai dialogue
T.S. Tirumurti said in May 2026 that military force alone cannot resolve conflicts, during the Diplomacy and Sustainability Dialogues 2026 in Chennai.
Vijay Narayan’s second term as Tamil Nadu Advocate General: office, tenure and legal significance
Vijay Narayan was appointed Advocate General again in 2026, after serving the same office under the AIADMK government from 2017 to 2021.
Tamil Nadu’s NEET stand and medical admissions debate: key constitutional and policy points
In May 2026, Vijay urged the Centre to scrap NEET-based admissions and let States fill medical seats, reviving a major TNPSC polity and education-policy issue.
Udhayachandran’s appointment as CMD of TNIICL: TNPSC governance update
Udhayachandran is set to assume office as CMD of TNIICL, making this a Tamil Nadu governance and public-sector appointment item.
12 May 2026
11 storiesNew Rural Employment Mission to Replace MGNREGA
A new rural employment scheme — the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission — was announced to replace MGNREGA, raising guaranteed work from 100 to 125 days a year.
Tamil Nadu Constitutes 'Singappen' Women's Safety Task Force
The Tamil Nadu government constituted a dedicated women's safety police unit named 'Singappen' Special Task Force, with sanctioned posts headed by senior police officers.
Jan Suraksha Social Security Schemes Complete 11 Years
The three Jan Suraksha schemes — PMJJBY, PMSBY and Atal Pension Yojana — completed 11 years, with crores of enrolments and thousands of crores in claims settled.
Two Botswana Cheetahs Released in Kuno National Park
Two cheetahs from Botswana were released into Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh, as part of Project Cheetah; the park's cheetah population rose to around 57 including cubs.
India to Host 4th India–Africa Forum Summit
India announced it will host the 4th India-Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi; India has expanded its diplomatic presence in Africa to 46 missions with bilateral trade around $85 billion.
India Hosts Asian Weightlifting Championships in Gandhinagar
India hosted the Asian Weightlifting Championships in Gandhinagar, Gujarat — its first time in 44 years — featuring about 180 athletes from 28 countries.
MGNREGA to be replaced by VB-G RAM G from July 1, 2026 with 125-day rural job guarantee
The Rural Development Ministry notified VB-G RAM G Act, 2025 on May 11, 2026 to replace MGNREGA from July 1, 2026.
GSTAT Principal Bench in New Delhi empowered as National Appellate Authority for Advance Ruling
The Finance Ministry on May 8, 2026 empowered the GSTAT Principal Bench in New Delhi to act as the National Appellate Authority for Advance Rulings.
Jan Suraksha schemes complete 11 years with PMJJBY, PMSBY and Atal Pension Yojana milestones
PMJJBY, PMSBY and Atal Pension Yojana completed 11 years on May 9, 2026 with large enrolment and claim-settlement figures.
India appoints Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani as next CDS and Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan as Navy Chief
The Government of India on May 9, 2026 named Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani as CDS and Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan as Navy Chief.
National Technology Day 2026 marked Pokhran-II, Trishul missile and Hansa-3 milestones
India observed National Technology Day on May 11, 2026, recalling Pokhran-II, Trishul missile and Hansa-3 aircraft milestones.
11 May 2026
12 storiesNational Technology Day Observed (11 May)
National Technology Day was observed on 11 May to commemorate India's Pokhran-II nuclear tests (Operation Shakti) of 1998 and celebrate scientific achievements.
Tamil Nadu gets C Joseph Vijay as Chief Minister; 234-member Assembly and Article 164 in focus
On 10 May 2026, C Joseph Vijay was sworn in as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister at Chennai, with Article 164 and the 234-member Assembly in focus.
Supreme Court seeks women-only Vice-President post in SCBA from 2027-28 term
The Supreme Court asked the SCBA to create a permanent women-only Vice-President post from the 2027-28 term and kept the Secretary post reserved for women in 2026-27.
IAF and MBDA sign pact for indigenous MICA missile maintenance hub in India
The Indian Air Force and MBDA signed an agreement to set up a local MRO facility for MICA missiles in India.
India introduces QR-code verification for nearly 30 lakh Census 2027 enumerators
India launched QR-code verification for nearly 30 lakh enumerators for Census 2027, with the first phase running from 1 April to 30 September 2026.
Odisha tops India in PMAY-U 2.0 house completions with 24,625 sanctioned units
Odisha ranked first nationwide in PMAY-U 2.0 urban housing completions from March 2025 to March 2026, with 24,625 sanctioned houses.
Maharashtra approves 2026 CBG policy with ₹500 crore support and 24 plants in operation
On 5 May 2026, Maharashtra approved its State Compressed Biogas Policy 2026 with ₹500 crore support and a three-tier implementation system.
West Bengal gets first BJP Chief Minister as Suvendu Adhikari takes oath in Kolkata
On 9 May 2026, Suvendu Adhikari took oath as West Bengal’s first BJP Chief Minister at Brigade Parade Ground, Kolkata.
PM Modi inaugurates Dhyan Mandir in Bengaluru and launches ₹9,400 crore projects in Telangana
On 10 May 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Dhyan Mandir in Bengaluru and launched infrastructure projects worth ₹9,400 crore in Telangana.
Maritime India Foundation signs MoUs with IIT Madras, IIT Bombay and IMU Chennai for innovation hubs
The Maritime India Foundation signed MoUs with IIT Madras, IIT Bombay and IMU Chennai to create Maritime Innovation Hubs under MoPSW.
Aizawl hosts first regional cooperative reform conference under Sahkar se Samriddhi
The Ministry of Cooperation held the first regional cooperative reform conference in Aizawl, Mizoram, to advance Sahkar se Samriddhi.
Karnataka appoints Justice Ramachandra D Huddar as chairperson of Admissions Overseeing Committee
On 8 May 2026, Karnataka appointed retired High Court judge Justice Ramachandra D Huddar as chairperson of the Admissions Overseeing Committee.