- AM Dr. S. Jaishankar’s Caribbean Tour (May 2–10, 2026) Strengthened India’s relations with Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad & Tobago; focused on trade, investment, cultural collaboration, and Global South engagement; concluded in Port of Spain with emphasis on democracy and development.
- Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia launched Mission Sikkim Organics worth ₹360 crore to make Sikkim a global hub for premium organic produce; initiative benefits 66,000 farmers; additional ₹223 crore projects announced to boost state development.
- India’s First SME-led Semiconductor Facility (May 15, 2026): Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated Sahasra Semiconductors’ ATMP/OSAT unit in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan under SPECS scheme; facility to package memory chips, LED driver ICs, and components for exports; milestone in India’s domestic semiconductor ecosystem.
- On May 1, 2026, Bhopal inaugurated India’s first solar-powered “Algae Tree” at Swami Vivekananda Park under the Smart Cities Mission. Developed by Mushroom World Group (AlgaeTree subsidiary), this 3-metre-tall photo-bioreactor uses microalgae to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, offering a compact solution to urban air pollution where planting large trees is not feasible.
- On May 15, 2026, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) launched Project Saksham in partnership with the Vertis Foundation to empower rural women through skill development. The initiative operates via 12 training centres nationwide, with over 80% of beneficiaries being women, ensuring inclusive growth along India’s highway network.
- On May 17, 2026, two legendary Nepali climbers — Kami Rita Sherpa and Lhakpa Sherpa — set new records on Mount Everest while guiding international teams during the spring climbing season. Known as the “Everest Man” and the “Mountain Queen”, they extended their unmatched legacies in high‑altitude mountaineering.
- Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia launched the ₹175 crore “Mission Coffees of Nagaland” on May 18, 2026, aiming to transform Nagaland into a premium specialty coffee hub under the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. The initiative adopts a cluster-based value chain approach, integrating plantation, processing, branding, exports, tourism, and farmer empowerment.
- The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), under the Ministry of Education, is leading a major national effort to bring nearly 2 crore (20 million) out-of-school children and dropouts — primarily aged 14–18 — back into education. This aligns with the goals of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims for 100% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) from pre-school to secondary level by 2030.
- On 15 May 2026, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and CM Chandrababu Naidu laid the foundation stone for the AMCA facility at Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh. The project, costing ₹15,000–16,000 crore over ~650 acres, will house the Core Integration and Flight Testing Centre for India’s 5th‑generation stealth fighter.
- Blackstone and Google announced a joint venture on May 18, 2026, to create a new U.S.-based AI cloud company. Blackstone is committing an initial $5 billion in equity (potentially scaling to $25 billion with leverage) to build data center capacity powered by Google’s Tensor Processing Units (TPUs). The venture aims to bring 500 MW of AI compute capacity online by 2027.
- On May 18, 2026, the BIS notified IS 19850:2026 (effective May 15) introducing standards for E22, E25, E27, and E30 ethanol‑blended petrol. These norms set technical benchmarks for blending quality, octane, sulfur, vapor pressure, and stability. The move aims to absorb India’s surplus ethanol capacity (~20 bn liters) and strengthen energy security.
- On May 22, 2026, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) announced plans for a centralised food surveillance system to strengthen nationwide food safety monitoring, improve traceability, and enable faster regulatory action. The system will unify sampling, testing, and digital alerts under one national mechanism.
- On May 19, 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cancelled the banking licence of The Yashwant Co‑operative Bank Ltd., Phaltan, Maharashtra due to inadequate capital, poor earning prospects, and non‑compliance with the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. The bank must cease all operations, while depositors are protected with insurance coverage up to ₹5 lakh per depositor under DICGC (Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation).
- British financial giant Prudential plc announced on May 17, 2026, that it will acquire a 75% controlling stake in Bharti Life Insurance for around ₹3,500 crore. The deal, which values the company at approximately ₹5,600 crore, marks a significant strategic move by Prudential in the Indian insurance sector.
- The Ministry of Finance has granted approval for Emirates NBD Bank to acquire up to a 74% stake in RBL Bank. The clearance, received between May 14–15, 2026, follows prior approval from the Reserve Bank of India. Once completed, RBL Bank will become a subsidiary of the Dubai-based lender.
- TVS Venu Group (led by Sudarshan Venu) agreed to acquire up to a 9.9% stake in Jana Small Finance Bank on May 18, 2026. The deal involves a combination of primary warrants issuance and secondary share purchase from promoters. TVS Motor Company will hold part of this stake (around 4.9%).
- On May 19, 2026, USA’s Liberty Mutual Insurance raised its stake in Liberty General Insurance (India) to 74%, strengthening its control in the joint venture. The move reflects Liberty Mutual’s long‑term commitment to India’s insurance market, aligning with regulatory norms that now allow higher foreign ownership.
- The RBI recently imposed regulatory restrictions on Nagar Sahakari Bank Ltd, Etawah (UP) for 6 months due to liquidity stress. Withdrawals have been capped at ₹10,000 per depositor across all accounts. The bank is barred from issuing fresh loans, accepting new deposits, or making investments without prior RBI approval.
- On 17–18 May 2026, Hyderabad‑based Viyona Fintech secured NPCI certification for its payment technology framework. The approvals cover UPI Acquirer & Issuer, IMPS (Immediate Payment Service), and IBMB (Interoperable Banking Mobile Banking). This enables Viyona to provide comprehensive payment infrastructure solutions to banks, NBFCs, and fintechs.
- On May 19, 2026, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M) and DBS Bank India signed an MoU to launch India’s first sustainability‑linked dealer financing programme. The pact aims to incentivize dealers to adopt green practices like renewable energy, EV charging, water conservation, waste management, and higher electric SUV sales by offering preferential loan rates.
- On May 19, 2026, at the Aerospace & Defence Investment Conclave in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh, Bharat Forge Ltd. (Aerospace Division) signed an MoU with the Government of Andhra Pradesh to set up India’s first private Marine Gas Turbine (MGT) Repair, Overhaul & Indigenous Development Complex.
- On May 19, 2026, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) successfully launched the SMILE (Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer) satellite aboard a Vega‑C rocket from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.
- At the Italian Open 2026 (Internazionali BNL d’Italia / Rome Masters), held in Rome, Jannik Sinner and Elina Svitolina emerged as champions in the Men’s and Women’s Singles categories. The finals were played on May 17 (Men) and May 16 (Women), marking historic milestones for both players.
- On May 18, 2026, the CIC ruled that the BCCI is not a “public authority” under the RTI Act, 2005. This reversed its 2018 order, which had declared BCCI a public authority. Key reasons: no govt control, private registration under TN Societies Act, and functional independence.
- On May 21, 2026, East Bengal FC clinched their first Indian Super League crown, ending a 22‑year wait for a top‑tier national league title. They came from behind to beat Inter Kashi 2‑1 in Kolkata, with goals by Youssef Ezzejjari and Mohammed Rashid. It was a final‑day thriller, with five teams in contention; East Bengal finished on 26 points (GD +19).
- On 19 May 2026, the United States approved two FMS packages worth USD 428 million for India. The deal includes USD 198.2 million sustainment support for AH‑64E Apache helicopters covering maintenance, logistics, training, and spares. Another USD 230 million package ensures long‑term sustainment of M777A2 Ultra‑Light Howitzers.
- On April 21, 2026, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla constituted the Committee on Empowerment of Women, appointing senior BJP MP Dr. Daggubati Purandeswari as its Chairperson. The committee’s aim is to strengthen parliamentary oversight on women’s welfare, gender equality, and empowerment.
- Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, launched the Ayush Anudan Portal on May 20, 2026. It is a revamped digital platform (replacing the earlier Ayush NGO portal) under the Ayush Grid initiative.
- The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) launched ABHAY, an AI-powered helpbot for real-time authentication of CBI notices. Purpose: Protect citizens from rising digital arrest scams and fake notices where fraudsters impersonate CBI officials.
- The International Day for Women in Maritime 2026 was observed on May 18, established by the IMO in 2021 and held annually. The 2026 theme was “From Policy to Practice: Advancing Gender Equality for Maritime Excellence”, stressing real workplace changes.
- The World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2026 was observed on May 17 by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), marking the 1865 International Telegraph Convention and ITU’s creation. The 2026 theme was “Digital lifelines: Strengthening resilience in a connected world”.
- The World Hypertension Day 2026 was observed on May 17 by the World Hypertension League (WHL) with support from the WHO. It focuses on combating the “silent killer,” the leading preventable cause of premature death worldwide. The 2026 theme was “Controlling Hypertension Together: check your blood pressure regularly, defeat the silent killer”.
- The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) 2026 was observed on May 17, marking the 1990 WHO decision to remove homosexuality from the ICD. The 2026 theme was “At the heart of democracy”, stressing that inclusion and diversity are central to democratic societies.
- Endangered Species Day 2026 (May 15, 2026) observed globally on the third Friday of May, marking its 21st annual celebration. Theme: “Celebrating America’s Wildlife Comeback Stories. Championing the Endangered Species Act (ESA).” Originated by US Congress in 2006, highlighting ESA 1973 which saved 99% of listed species.
- International Day of Light 2026 (May 16, 2026) organized by UNESCO to emphasize light’s role in science, culture, and sustainable development. Theme: “Light for a Sustainable Future.” Commemorates Theodore Maiman’s first laser operation (1960).
- National Dengue Day 2026 (May 16, 2026) observed annually by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), India. Theme: “Community Participation for Dengue Control: Check, Clean and Cover.” Dengue virus (DENV 1‑4) transmitted by female Aedes aegypti mosquito, a daylight biter breeding in clean stagnant water (coolers, tanks, tires).
- On 18 May 2026, veteran Indian chess administrator Bharat Singh Chauhan was unanimously re-elected as Chairman of the Commonwealth Chess Association for the 2026–2030 term. The election took place at the Annual General Body Meeting at Citrus Hotel, Wasakaduwa, Sri Lanka.
- On 18 May 2026, BJP Rajya Sabha MP from Maharashtra (Pune), Prof. Dr. Medha Kulkarni was appointed Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science & Environment. The nomination was made by Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan.
- V.D. Satheesan (full name: Vadasseri Damodara Menon Satheesan) was sworn in as the 13th Chief Minister of Kerala on May 18/19, 2026, succeeding Pinarayi Vijayan. The senior Congress leader took oath along with a 20-member cabinet at Central Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram.
- Ali Falih Kadhim al-Zaidi was sworn in as Iraq’s Prime Minister on May 14, 2026, becoming the youngest person to hold the office at approximately 40 years of age. A businessman and banker from a well-known family, al-Zaidi emerged as a consensus candidate amid political negotiations.
- Saurabh Vijay, an IAS officer of the 1998 batch (Maharashtra cadre) and IIT-Delhi civil engineer, assumed charge as Chief Executive Officer of UIDAI on May 18, 2026. He previously served as Principal Secretary in Maharashtra’s Finance Department.
- The Reserve Bank of India appointed Gunveer Singh as Executive Director effective May 18, 2026. He will oversee the Department of Payment and Settlement Systems (DPSS). Prior to this, he was Chief General Manager-in-Charge of the same department.
- On May 20, 2026, Raghav Chadha was appointed Chairman of the Committee on Petitions in the Rajya Sabha. The appointment followed the reconstitution of the committee by Chairman & Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan. Chadha, a prominent Rajya Sabha MP, will oversee petitions submitted to the House
- On May 17, 2026, actor Ishaan Khatter was conferred honorary membership of the prestigious 45 Cavalry Regiment of the Indian Armoured Corps. The honour was bestowed in recognition of his powerful performance as Captain Balram Singh Mehta in the war film Pippa.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the FAO Agricola Medal — the highest honour of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations — on May 20, 2026, at the FAO Headquarters in Rome.
- On 14 May 2026, former Federal Bank CEO Shyam Srinivasan released his debut leadership book “Better Never Stops”. Published by Wyzr Content Pvt. Ltd., the book blends memoir and leadership guide in 27 chapters across three “innings.”
- Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta released the Dogri-Punjabi Dictionary (“Dogri-Punjabi Shabd Kosh”) authored by the late Chandan Negi on May 17, 2026, in Jammu. The event highlighted the importance of literature and linguistic preservation.
- On May 19, 2026, at Tate Modern, London, the International Booker Prize was awarded to Yáng Shuāng‑zǐ’s Taiwan Travelogue. It is the first Mandarin Chinese novel to win the prize, translated by Lin King. The award carries £50,000, shared equally between author and translator.
- On 19 May 2026, Major General (Retd.) Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri, veteran BJP leader and twice Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, passed away at age 91. He breathed his last at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dehradun.
- Former England cricket captain MJK Smith passed away on May 17, 2026, at the age of 92. He was remembered as a calm, thoughtful leader who captained England in 25 Tests and was also a rare dual international, representing England in both cricket and rugby.
- S. “Soma” Somasegar (1966–2026) was an influential Indian-origin technology executive, Microsoft veteran, and venture capitalist who died unexpectedly on May 19, 2026, at age 59. His death was confirmed by Seattle-based Madrona Venture Group, where he had served as managing director for 11 years.
- On May 21, 2026, NASCAR legend Kyle Busch died at 41 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The cause was sepsis from severe pneumonia, just before the 2026 Coca‑Cola 600. Busch was a two‑time Cup Series champion (2015, 2019) and one of NASCAR’s greatest drivers.
Questions
Q1. India's first solar-powered "Algae Tree" was inaugurated in:a) Indore
b) Jaipur
c) Bhopal
d) Chandigarh
Answer: c) India's first solar-powered Algae Tree was installed at Swami Vivekananda Park, Bhopal under the Smart Cities Mission to combat urban air pollution.
Q2. RBI appointed __________ as Executive Director.
a) Saurabh Vijay
b) Gunveer Singh
c) M. Rajeshwar Rao
d) Swaminathan J.
Answer: b) Gunveer Singh was appointed Executive Director of RBI and will oversee the Department of Payment and Settlement Systems (DPSS).
