Current Affairs · 18–24 May 2026
TNPSC current affairs for the week of 18–24 May 2026, grouped by day.
24 May 2026
4 storiesDev Kumar Meena Sets National Pole Vault Record
Dev Kumar Meena set a new national pole vault record of 5.45 m at the National Senior Athletics Championships in Ranchi, bettering the previous 5.41 m mark.
China Launches Shenzhou-23 with Planned Year-Long Orbital Stay
China launched Shenzhou-23, its first mission attempting a full-year astronaut stay in orbit; the crew includes the first astronaut from Hong Kong.
Sangeet Natak Akademi honours 51 artists in Lucknow in May 2026
The Sangeet Natak Akademi honoured 51 artists in Lucknow, a national-level awards fact.
Uttar Pradesh minimum wage revision after 12 years: ₹2,377 hike to ₹13,690 for workers
Uttar Pradesh raised its minimum wage by ₹2,377 after 12 years, taking the amount to ₹13,690, but workers in Noida’s SEZ say it remains insufficient.
23 May 2026
12 storiesISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 wins 2026 AIAA Goddard Astronautics Award in Washington DC
ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 received the 2026 AIAA Goddard Astronautics Award on 21 May 2026 in Washington DC.
Nibe Limited test-fires Suryastra Universal Rocket Launcher at Chandipur
Nibe Limited successfully test-fired the Suryastra Universal Rocket Launcher at Chandipur, Odisha, on 18–19 May 2026.
BWSSB ranks among the world’s top five water utilities at Global Water Summit 2026
BWSSB was recognised among the top five global water utilities at the Global Water Summit 2026 in Madrid from 18 to 20 May 2026.
ICRA cuts India’s FY27 GDP growth forecast to 6.2%
ICRA lowered India’s FY27 GDP growth forecast to 6.2% on 19 May 2026, citing West Asia crisis and supply stickiness.
UN lowers India’s 2026 GDP growth forecast to 6.4% amid West Asia crisis
The UN cut India’s 2026 GDP growth forecast to 6.4% on 20 May 2026, citing West Asia crisis-related shocks.
NCDEX launches RAINMUMBAI, India’s first exchange-traded rainfall weather derivative
NCDEX launched RAINMUMBAI on 21 May 2026 as India’s first exchange-traded weather derivative contract for Mumbai rainfall.
MSJE launches JEEVAN app and SHATAYU dashboard for senior citizen care
The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched JEEVAN and SHATAYU on 22 May 2026 to strengthen elderly care services.
ICAR-CRRI develops Plant-OpenCRISPR1, the world’s first AI-designed plant genome-editing tool
ICAR-Central Rice Research Institute announced Plant-OpenCRISPR1 on 22 May 2026 as the first AI-designed genome-editing tool for plants.
Odisha mandates EVs for official duties and virtual meetings for government work
On 22 May 2026, Odisha ordered EV use for official duties and virtual meetings to improve administrative efficiency.
SpaceX Starship test flight: biggest redesigned mega rocket launched in 2026
SpaceX launched its biggest redesigned Starship on a test flight in 2026, making it a relevant science and technology development for exam preparation.
SpaceX Starship test flight in 2026: biggest redesigned rocket, Elon Musk and private space launch milestone
SpaceX launched its biggest redesigned Starship on a test flight in May 2026, two days after Elon Musk said he was taking the company public.
Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference 2026 to be held in Vadodara: Central Gujarat manufacturing share and 10-district coverage
Vadodara will host the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in June 2026, with Central Gujarat covering 10 districts and contributing 28% of the state’s manufacturing output.
22 May 2026
10 storiesInternational Day for Biological Diversity Observed (22 May)
The International Day for Biological Diversity was observed on 22 May to raise awareness about conserving biodiversity and ecosystems.
Bharat Singh Chauhan re-elected Commonwealth Chess Association chairman for four-year term
Bharat Singh Chauhan was unanimously re-elected as Commonwealth Chess Association chairman on 17 May 2026 for four years.
Medha Vishram Kulkarni appointed chairperson of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology
Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan nominated Medha Vishram Kulkarni on 18 May 2026 to head the science and environment standing committee.
NISM and IICA sign MoU in Mumbai for governance, ESG and capital market training
NISM and IICA signed an MoU in Mumbai on 19 May 2026 to strengthen corporate governance, ESG and capital markets training.
Indian War Memorial inaugurated at Imjingak Park, Seoul on Korea War 75th anniversary
India and South Korea inaugurated the Indian War Memorial at Imjingak Park, Seoul on 21 May 2026.
Sanghmitra NGOPV launched at GRSE Kolkata under 11-ship naval contract
The NGOPV Sanghmitra was launched at GRSE, Kolkata on 20 May 2026 as part of an 11-ship contract.
Mission on Arunachal Kiwi launched with ₹167 crore outlay for organic cultivation
Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia launched the Mission on Arunachal Kiwi on 20 May 2026 with a ₹167 crore allocation.
Bharat Tex 2026 mobile app launched ahead of July expo at Bharat Mandapam
The Ministry of Textiles launched the Bharat Tex 2026 mobile app on 20 May 2026 for the July 14-17 expo in New Delhi.
CBI launches ABHAY AI helpbot to verify official notices and curb digital arrest scams
CBI launched ABHAY on 15 May 2026 as a real-time notice verification tool against cyber fraud and fake notices.
India notifies E30 petrol standards; 30% ethanol blending allowed from 2026
The Government of India notified new petrol standards on 22 May 2026 to permit E30 fuel and other ethanol blends.
21 May 2026
12 storiesDRDO Completes Final Trials of ULPGM-V3 Precision-Guided Missile
DRDO successfully completed final development trials of the indigenous ULPGM-V3 precision-guided missile in both air-to-ground and air-to-air modes.
India Hosts 68th Asian Productivity Organisation Governing Body Session
India hosted the 68th APO Governing Body Session at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, with delegates from member economies discussing APO Vision 2030.
TVS Venu Group buys 9.9% stake in Jana Small Finance Bank for ₹193.3 crore
TVS Venu Group acquired a 9.9% stake in Jana Small Finance Bank on 20 May 2026.
Gunveer Singh appointed RBI Executive Director; will oversee Payment and Settlement Systems
RBI appointed Gunveer Singh as Executive Director on 18 May 2026 and assigned him the Payment and Settlement Systems department.
RBI discontinues mandatory Investment Fluctuation Reserve for commercial banks from 18 May 2026
RBI ended the mandatory Investment Fluctuation Reserve requirement for commercial banks on 18 May 2026.
DRDO completes final trials of indigenous ULPGM-V3 missile in Kurnool; anti-tank and anti-drone capability tested
DRDO completed final development trials of the indigenous ULPGM-V3 missile on 21 May 2026 at Kurnool.
PRAGATI 2026 multilateral military exercise begins at Umroi, Meghalaya with 12 foreign countries
Exercise PRAGATI 2026 began at Umroi Military Station in Meghalaya on 20 May 2026 with 12 foreign countries.
Ayush Anudan Portal launched under Ayush Grid to digitize grant management in the Ayush sector
The Ayush Anudan Portal was launched on 19 May 2026 in New Delhi to digitize grant management for the Ayush sector.
JP Nadda addresses 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva; India highlights Ayushman Bharat and ABDM
Union Health Minister JP Nadda addressed the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva on 19 May 2026.
India hosts 68th APO Governing Body Session in New Delhi; Vision 2030 and 2027–28 budget on agenda
India hosted the 68th Asian Productivity Organization Governing Body session at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from 20–22 May 2026.
Maharashtra launches ‘Kasa Kay?’ rural healthcare awareness campaign under Majhe Gaav, Arogya Sampanna Gaav
Maharashtra launched the Kasa Kay? campaign on 19 May 2026 to improve rural healthcare awareness.
Blackstone and Google form US AI TPU joint venture with $5 billion initial investment
Blackstone and Google launched a US-based joint venture on 20 May 2026 to provide TPUs and data center operations.
20 May 2026
27 storiesIndia and South Korea Sign Strategic Defence and Cyber MoU
India and South Korea signed a strategic MoU in Seoul on cybersecurity and defence information sharing during the Defence Minister's visit.
Jannik Sinner Completes Career Golden Masters
Italy's Jannik Sinner won the Italian Open to become the second male player to complete the Career Golden Masters (all nine ATP Masters 1000 titles).
Trichy Panjappur bus terminal night service gap: TNPSC focus on urban transport and district-level administration
Trichy’s Panjappur integrated bus terminal has only 3 city buses at night, raising questions on urban transport planning and connectivity.
Kodaikanal’s 63rd flower show opened on May 20, 2026; 6 lakh plants and 12-day event
Kodaikanal’s 63rd flower show began on May 20, 2026 at Bryant Park with 6 lakh plants and 85 varieties on display.
India-Italy strategic partnership: 2029 trade target of €20 billion and EU FTA push
India and Italy reaffirmed in May 2026 that bilateral ties will deepen across key sectors, with a €20 billion trade target by 2029.
Puducherry Class 10 private school results: 97.83% pass rate, 123 schools score 100%
Puducherry and Karaikal private schools recorded 97.83% pass in the March-April 2026 Class 10 public exam, with 123 schools achieving centum pass.
Jharia coal fires: uncontrolled underground fires and greenhouse-gas emissions in India
A 2026 science report on Jharia coal fires said fugitive emissions from uncontrolled coal fires are often excluded from global greenhouse-gas audits.
April 2026 IMD data: minimum temperatures rose 0.5°C above normal, faster than maximum temperatures
IMD’s April 2026 data showed minimum temperatures averaging 0.5°C above normal, while maximum temperatures stayed near normal.
Rupee hits record low of 96.90 per U.S. dollar: key forex fact for TNPSC
On 20 May 2026, the rupee fell to 96.90 per U.S. dollar in interbank trade, a record low that is relevant for economy-based MCQs.
Aavin milk procurement price demand in Tamil Nadu: farmers seek higher rate amid ₹44/litre promise reference
Tamil Nadu dairy farmers sought a higher Aavin milk procurement price, citing a ₹44 per litre promise linked to the TVK manifesto.
Manipur hostage rescue operation: over 38 abducted in Kangpokpi and Senapati on May 13
Security forces launched a search operation in Manipur after more than 38 people were abducted in Kangpokpi and Senapati districts on May 13.
CBSE three-language rule for Classes 9 and 10 from July 1: Union Education Ministry move
The Union Education Ministry has made three-language study mandatory in CBSE schools for Classes 9 and 10 from July 1.
Karunanidhi’s 1952–57 Tamil Nadu minority government: coalition politics and Assembly convention
A TNPSC-relevant look at Tamil Nadu’s 1952 coalition context and Karunanidhi’s later minority-government model.
India-Italy strategic partnership: Indo-Mediterranean corridor and €20-billion trade target by 2029
PM Narendra Modi and Giorgia Meloni outlined a 2029 roadmap for India-Italy cooperation, including an Indo-Mediterranean corridor and €20-billion trade target.
Supreme Court on caste census: Census 2027, backwardness data and judicial limits
The Supreme Court said caste enumeration is not wrong and noted that deciding its inclusion in Census 2027 is not within the court’s domain.
Tamil Nadu Class 10 results 2026: 94.3% pass rate, Pudukottai tops with 97.57%
Tamil Nadu recorded a 94.3% pass rate in the Class 10 board exam results, with Pudukottai, Sivaganga and Thanjavur leading the districts.
Election Commission repoll security: 8 CAPF personnel per booth in Falta, West Bengal
For the Falta repoll in West Bengal, the Election Commission doubled security and deployed eight CAPF personnel at each polling booth.
AMRUT 2.0 and Hyderabad Metro Phase II: 50:50 Centre-State funding, 39 STPs sanctioned for Musi cleanup
The Centre said Hyderabad Metro Rail Phase II can proceed on a 50:50 cost-sharing basis, and 39 sewage treatment plants were sanctioned under AMRUT 2.0 for the Musi river basin.
DRDO’s ULPGM-V3 precision missile completes final trials near Kurnool in 2026
DRDO completed the final trials of the ULPGM-V3 precision missile near Kurnool in 2026, with Bharat Dynamics and Adani Defence named for production.
Supreme Court hearing on KG Basin gas migration dispute: RIL, foreign firms and Centre-linked arbitration issue
The Supreme Court began final hearing on 19 May 2026 in the KG Basin gas migration dispute involving RIL, two foreign firms and the Centre.
Tamil Nadu launches 40 new DMRHS vehicles; CM Vijay pays tribute to Iyothee Thass
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay launched 40 new DMRHS vehicles and paid tribute to social reformer Pandit Iyothee Thass.
PRAGATI 2026: 13-nation counter-terrorism military exercise in Meghalaya
PRAGATI 2026, a 13-nation multilateral military exercise, began in Meghalaya on 20 May 2026 with a counter-terrorism focus.
Tamil Nadu Aavin milk price demand: farmers seek higher procurement rate after manifesto promise
Tamil Nadu dairy farmers have asked the government to raise Aavin milk procurement price, citing a promised ₹44 per litre rate in a TVK manifesto.
Pro-tem Speaker in Assembly: oath-taking, election of Speaker and constitutional role
Explains the constitutional role of a Pro-tem Speaker in a new Assembly and why the post matters for TNPSC polity questions.
Tamil Nadu SSLC Class 10 results 2026: marksheet download methods and exam-check facts
Tamil Nadu declared the SSLC Class 10 results in 2026, with multiple official ways to check and download marksheets.
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay launches 40 new DMRHS vehicles; tribute to Pandit Iyothee Thass
On 20 May 2026, Tamil Nadu CM Vijay paid tribute to Pandit Iyothee Thass and launched 40 new vehicles for the DMRHS.
Tamil Nadu Class 10 board results 2026: 94.3% pass rate, Pudukottai tops with 97.57%
Tamil Nadu recorded a 94.3% pass rate in the 2026 Class 10 board exam, with Pudukottai, Sivaganga and Thanjavur leading the districts.
19 May 2026
15 storiesTamil Nadu school reopening on 1 June 2026: key calendar fact for TNPSC
Tamil Nadu schools will reopen on 1 June 2026 after the summer vacation, as announced in the astrology calendar item.
Constitutional provisions cited on ministerial appointment of persons under investigation
An AIADMK MP cited Article 163, the Tenth Schedule and Article 142 while discussing ministerial appointment of a person facing investigation.
Tamil Nadu power review: 200-unit scheme, consumer grievance redress and farm supply priority
On 18 May 2026, Chief Minister Vijay reviewed Tamil Nadu’s power generation, demand, distribution and the 200-unit electricity scheme in Chennai.
Tamil Nadu cabinet background: 3 key profiles from Vijay-led TVK ministry, including Bussy Anand, Aadhav Arjuna and Arunraj
A 2026 Tamil Nadu political report profiles three TVK leaders who entered Vijay’s cabinet, with their electoral, organisational and service backgrounds.
PM Modi receives Sweden and Norway highest civilian honours; 32nd international award
In May 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Sweden’s Royal Order of the Polar Star and Norway’s Royal Norwegian Order of Merit, taking his total to 32 international awards.
Petrol and diesel prices rise again in India on 19 May 2026; Chennai rates cross ₹104 and ₹96
On 19 May 2026, public sector oil companies raised petrol and diesel prices by 90 paise per litre, with Chennai rates at ₹104.49 and ₹96.11.
Citizenship Rules amendment: CAA applicants must declare passport status and surrender foreign passports
The Home Ministry notified an amendment to the Citizenship Rules requiring CAA applicants to declare passport status and surrender foreign passports.
India-Norway Green Strategic Partnership: blue economy, shipping and diplomacy in May 2026
In May 2026, India and Norway upgraded ties to a Green Strategic Partnership, with focus on green shipping and the blue economy.
Mullivaikkal memorial marks 17th anniversary of 2009 final war deaths in Sri Lanka
On 18 May 2026, Sri Lanka observed the 17th anniversary memorial at Mullivaikkal for those killed in the final phase of the 2009 civil war.
India introduces 7-minute subcutaneous Tecentriq injection for NSCLC treatment
Roche Pharma India has introduced Tecentriq, a subcutaneous immunotherapy injection that can be administered in about 7 minutes for non-small cell lung cancer patients in India.
Bombay High Court quashes Maharashtra school disqualification GRs issued on April 1 and 2, 2026
The Bombay High Court’s Kolhapur bench held that two Maharashtra government resolutions issued on April 1 and April 2, 2026 were not applicable to the petitioner schools.
KSRTC strike warning highlights legal bar on transport employees’ strike under Act provisions
Karnataka’s KSRTC warned employees on May 20, 2026 against joining an indefinite strike, citing statutory restrictions on transport corporation staff.
Census 2027 self-enumeration in Maharashtra: 11 lakh households, Pune tops districts
Maharashtra reported over 11 lakh households completing Census 2027 self-enumeration, with Pune leading among districts.
Mumbai Coastal Road project: 45,000 mangroves at centre of environment protest
Protests continued in Mumbai over the proposed felling of 45,000 mangroves for the second phase of the Coastal Road project.
NTK to contest 2026 Lok Sabha polls alone: Seeman signals Tamil Nadu electoral strategy
Seeman said NTK will contest the next Lok Sabha elections alone after its Assembly vote share fell by 50% in Tamil Nadu.
18 May 2026
14 storiesSweden 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.