Tuesday, May 26

Daily Current Affairs: 26 May 2026

Daily current affairs for 26 May 2026 with exam-focused key facts, connected news context, and revision notes for UPSC, SSC, banking and government exams.

Editorial note for exam revision Last updated: 26 May 2026. This briefing is structured for current affairs revision, with key updates and related coverage links to help readers connect recurring topics across days.

Today at a glance

Top current affairs to revise

  1. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) mandates three-year cooling-off period for co-operative bank directors
  2. Income Tax Department (ITD) Revamps Foreign Tax Information Exchange Framework Effective July 1
  3. World Bank (WB) reports global carbon pricing covers 29 per cent of emissions
  4. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and GIFT City International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) grant payment licences to Skydo
  5. Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) grants distribution licences to jUMPP
  6. Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) honours Karnataka Grameena Bank (KGB) for outstanding Atal Pension Yojana (APY) performance

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) mandates three-year cooling-off period for co-operative bank directors

Key Updates:

  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced a mandatory three-year cooling-off period for directors of Urban Co-operative Banks (UCB), State Co-operative Banks (StCB), and Central Co-operative Banks (CCB) who complete a continuous tenure of 10 years.
  • The Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025 increased the maximum continuous tenure for directors from eight years to ten years, effective August 1, 2025.
  • The tenure ceiling for directors came into force for UCBs on June 29, 2020, and for StCBs and CCBs on April 1, 2021.
  • During the three-year cooling-off period, former directors shall not be associated with the same bank in any capacity other than as a member or customer.
  • For calculating continuous tenure, interruptions of less than three years are included, and only interruptions of at least three years reset the tenure calculation clock.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Income Tax Department (ITD) Revamps Foreign Tax Information Exchange Framework Effective July 1

Key Updates:

  • The Income Tax Department (ITD) has revamped its framework for exchanging tax information with foreign authorities to curb cross-border tax evasion.
  • The new framework mandates that information must be shared within 15 days from the date of request if the data is available with the ITD.
  • Tax officers are required to submit an interim report within 15 days if full information cannot be provided immediately, detailing progress and expected timelines.
  • India will commence the automatic exchange of information regarding crypto and other digital assets starting from April 1, 2027.
  • The framework aligns India with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF).

Related Current Affairs Coverage

World Bank (WB) reports global carbon pricing covers 29 per cent of emissions

Key Updates:

  • The World Bank (WB) reports that global carbon pricing covers 29 per cent of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with annual revenues from emissions trading systems (ETS) and carbon taxes exceeding $107 billion in 2025.
  • India launched the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) in 2026, covering seven sectors and approximately 490 industries with an estimated coverage of 477 million tCO2e.
  • The CCTS is an emission intensity-based trading system based on the existing Perform Achieve and Trade (PAT) energy efficiency programme.
  • The WB identifies the national ETS of China, the European Union (EU), and the Republic of Korea as the only systems covering larger absolute volumes of GHG emissions than India's.
  • India issued more than 375 million carbon credits between 2010 and 2025, as per a report by Rubix Data Sciences.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and GIFT City International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) grant payment licences to Skydo

Key Updates:

  • Skydo received in-principle approval to operate as a Payment Service Provider (PSP) at the GIFT City International Financial Services Centre (IFSC).
  • The fintech firm secured regulatory approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to support outward payment flows under the Payment Aggregator-Cross Border (PA-CB) framework.
  • Skydo previously obtained final RBI authorisation to operate as a PA-CB for export collections earlier in the year.
  • The approvals allow the company to facilitate both inward and outward cross-border payments, including multi-currency collections and overseas payouts for Indian businesses.
  • The GIFT City authorisation enables additional capabilities such as e-money accounts and merchant acquisition for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and digital-first businesses.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) grants distribution licences to jUMPP

Key Updates:

  • The IRDAI has granted regulatory approval to the conversational fintech application jUMPP to commence insurance product distribution.
  • The company secured Corporate Agency and Insurance Self Network Platform (ISNP) licences to enter the insurance distribution segment.
  • Founded in 2025, jUMPP currently provides digital financial services including investing, savings, payments, and borrowing.
  • The platform intends to partner with insurers to offer products across categories such as health, life, motor, business, and home insurance.
  • Sarvjeet Singh Virk serves as the founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of jUMPP, where Artificial Intelligence (AI) will support product recommendations.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) honours Karnataka Grameena Bank (KGB) for outstanding Atal Pension Yojana (APY) performance

Key Updates:

  • The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) presented a National Award to Karnataka Grameena Bank (KGB) for outstanding performance in enrolment under the Atal Pension Yojana (APY).
  • KGB enrolled 2,49,185 APY accounts against the target of 1,75,500 accounts set by the Department of Financial Services (DFS) and PFRDA.
  • The bank registered an achievement level of 142%, which was the highest among all banks in Karnataka.
  • KGB was formed by amalgamating two Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) of Karnataka and operates a network of 1,750 branches.
  • The bank has a total business of ₹1,10,974 crore and serves nearly two crore customers.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill: Prohibits polygamy and mandates live-in relationship registration

Key Updates:

  • The Assam government introduced the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill to consolidate and simplify laws governing marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships.
  • The legislation was introduced by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Atul Bora on behalf of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
  • The UCC Bill prohibits polygamy and fixes the minimum age for marriage at 21 for men and 18 for women.
  • The Bill mandates the compulsory registration of live-in relationships to ensure the rights of partners and children are formally recognised and protected.
  • The proposed legislation will not apply to scheduled tribes residing in Assam.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Mission Karmayogi 2.0 to Institutionalise Capacity Building Reforms and AI-Enabled Governance

Key Updates:

  • The National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB), popularly known as Mission Karmayogi, was launched in 2020 to transition towards a competency-driven training system.
  • Mission Karmayogi 2.0 aims to institutionalise reforms by embedding learning into roles, governance priorities, and institutional culture across ministries, departments, and states.
  • The Integrated Government Online Training (iGOT) Karmayogi platform serves as the national digital learning portal to ensure standardised quality of capacity building across the country.
  • The Capacity Building Commission (CBC) is developing training for an Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabled governance ecosystem for frontline workers, including panchayat sachivs, urban local body representatives, anganwadi workers, constables, and traffic constables.
  • India launched a global alliance for digital capacity building at the India AI Impact summit, with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Brazil expressing interest in the programme architecture.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Education to Employment and Enterprise Standing Committee: Target 10% Global Services Market Share by 2047

Key Updates:

  • National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) convened the first meeting of the High-Powered Education to Employment and Enterprise Standing Committee on May 22.
  • The committee, announced in the Union Budget 2026-27, is tasked with helping India achieve a 10 per cent share in the global services market by 2047.
  • The panel includes representatives from the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Electronics and IT, Ministry of Higher Education, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Ministry of School Education, and Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
  • State governments participating in the committee are Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh.
  • Industry associations involved in the panel are National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM), Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), and Federation of Indian Micro and Small & Medium Enterprises (FISME).
  • The committee aims to align education, skilling, employment, and entrepreneurship ecosystems with the "Viksit Bharat" roadmap to enhance economic resilience and export competitiveness.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

NCERT granted deemed-to-be university status (Start of April)

The National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has been declared a deemed-to-be university by the Ministry of Education on the advice of the University Grants Commission (UGC). The deemed status…

India Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurates private defence complex in Shirdi and flags off Suryastra rocket system on 24 May 2026

Key Updates:

  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a private sector defence manufacturing complex developed by NIBE Limited in Shirdi, Maharashtra.
  • The Minister flagged off Suryastra, which is India’s first 300-km Universal Rocket Launching System.
  • The facility will focus on advanced artillery systems, missile and space technologies, energetic materials, and autonomous defence platforms.
  • The event featured the unveiling of indigenous Trinitrotoluene (TNT) Plant Technology, Research Department Explosive (RDX) Plant Technology, and a Renewable Bio-Energy Compressed Biogas Plant.
  • NIBE Group and BlackSky exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in satellite assembly.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Skyroot Aerospace Becomes India's First Space-Tech Unicorn (Start of May)

Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace has achieved a valuation of $1.1 billion, making it the first space-technology startup in India to reach unicorn status. The company raised nearly $60 million in a funding round co-led…

India and United States Review Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership in New Delhi on 24 May 2026

Key Updates:

  • External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and United States (US) Secretary of State Marco Rubio held delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi.
  • The two sides reviewed the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, covering sectors such as trade, energy, defence, security, and nuclear cooperation.
  • Discussions included collaboration on critical minerals, Artificial Intelligence (AI), counter-terrorism, counter-narcotics, and people-to-people ties.
  • The EAM emphasised that the United States has emerged as a significant and reliable source of energy for India as part of the nation's energy de-risking strategy.
  • The meeting involved senior officials including Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, and US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Indian Army launches Kautilya and Q-FORCE Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms on 25 May 2026

Key Updates:

  • The Indian Army launched two digital platforms, Kautilya and Q-FORCE, to improve real-time decision making and battlefield support.
  • Kautilya focuses on structured data generation, AI-enabled analytics, and Natural Language Processing (NLP) powered interfaces.
  • Q-FORCE is designed to streamline logistics, inventory, and sustainment management across varied operational terrains.
  • The Indian Army designated 2026 as the year of networking and data centricity, while 2027 will focus on the full integration of operations with AI.
  • Lt Gen Rajiv Kumar Sahni stated that the Indian armed forces achieved nearly 94% accuracy in identifying and striking targets during Operation Sindoor.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

India to host 3rd edition of Kalam & Kavach on May 14 (Mid of May)

Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth will inaugurate the third edition of Kalam & Kavach on May 14 at the Manekshaw Centre. The conference is themed ‘Taking JAI Forward With I²’ and focuses on strengthening defence…

Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) to host India's first National AI and Digital Water Summit on May 27, 2026

Key Updates:

  • The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) will host India’s first and largest National AI and Digital Water Summit in Bengaluru on May 27, 2026.
  • The summit aims to discuss the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies in urban water management with experts and policymakers.
  • Discussions will focus on AI-driven water governance, smart utility systems, digital twins, Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled monitoring, predictive analytics, wastewater reuse, and sustainable financing models for urban infrastructure.
  • The BWSSB will present the “Five Panchasutras” framework focusing on AI, data-driven governance, smart infrastructure, sustainable investment, and climate-resilient water security systems.
  • The BWSSB will showcase its ongoing digital initiatives and projects being implemented across Bengaluru.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal visits Canada with 150-member business delegation; Ottawa engagement on May 25 and Toronto programme from May 26-27

Key Updates:

  • Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is leading a delegation of nearly 150 Indian business leaders to Canada, with engagements in Ottawa on May 25 and a two-day programme in Toronto from May 26 to 27, 2026, and is scheduled to meet Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu.
  • A key focus of the visit is advancing negotiations for the India-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), with the second round concluded on May 8 and a target to conclude by end of 2026.
  • Both sides aim to expand bilateral trade to CAD 70 billion (approximately Rs 4.65 lakh crore) by 2030, from $8.5 billion in FY25.
  • Canada has $100 billion investment in India and 600 Canadian companies operate in the country; the visit also seeks to engage Maple Eight, Canada's largest public pension funds, for potential investments in India.
  • The Indian delegation will engage with Canadian counterparts across priority sectors including technology and artificial intelligence, clean energy and critical minerals, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, aerospace and defence, and food processing and agri-tech.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

India to release Request for Proposal for Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft manufacturing

Key Updates:

  • The government will release a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) by next month to three private sector-driven industrial groups for the manufacturing of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
  • The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved approximately ₹15,000 crore in March 2024 for the prototype development phase of the AMCA, which is designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA).
  • The three shortlisted consortia are: Larsen & Toubro working with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Dynamatic Technologies; Bharat Forge teaming up with BEML and Data Patterns; and Tata Advanced Systems Limited.
  • The AMCA Mk1 will be powered by American GE F-414 engines, while the Mk2 variant will use a 110-130 kilonewton class engine being negotiated with Safran of France and Rolls-Royce of Britain.
  • The government intends to establish a parallel production line via a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) model to reduce reliance on Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
  • The government is prepared to transfer critical ballistic missile technology, previously the exclusive domain of Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), to private firms.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio meets NSA Ajit Doval on 24 May 2026

Key Updates:

  • US Secretary of State and National Security Advisor (NSA) Marco Rubio met NSA Ajit Doval in New Delhi on 24 May 2026 to discuss defence, security, and strategic technology cooperation.
  • The meeting highlighted the TRUST (Transforming the Relationship Utilising Strategic Technology) initiative, which is an upgraded version of the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) announced on 13 February 2025.
  • The TRUST initiative expands cooperation in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, critical minerals, biotechnology, energy, space, and supply chain resilience.
  • The AI Infrastructure Roadmap is a key focus of TRUST, aimed at boosting investment and development of US-origin AI systems in India, and is jointly overseen by the NSAs of both countries.
  • The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) Foreign Ministers' Meeting, comprising India, the United States, Australia, and Japan, is scheduled for 26 May 2026 in New Delhi under the chairmanship of External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

China Launches Shenzhou 23 Mission to Tiangong Space Station

Key Updates:

  • China successfully launched the Shenzhou 23 spacecraft from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center (JSLC) in northwestern China on 24 May 2026.
  • The mission crew comprises commander Zhu Yangzhu, Zhang Zhiyuan, and Lai Ka-ying, who is the first astronaut from Hong Kong and the fourth Chinese woman to travel to space.
  • One crew member is scheduled to remain at the Tiangong space station for one year to study human adaptability and performance limits in long-duration spaceflight.
  • The crew will conduct dozens of science projects and complete an in-orbit rotation with the Shenzhou 21 crew, who have been at the station for over 200 days.
  • The mission is part of the Chinese space programme to achieve a crewed lunar landing by 2030, while the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) targets a lunar landing in 2028.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

International Day of Human Space Flight observed on April 12 (Mid of April)

The International Day of Human Space Flight is observed annually on April 12 to commemorate the beginning of the space era for mankind. Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet cosmonaut, became the first human in space on April 12, 1961…

India to Mandate 1% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Blending from January 2027

Key Updates:

  • India plans to mandate a 1% blending of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) starting January 1, 2027.
  • The government has outlined phase-wise indicative blending targets of 1% by 2027, 2% by 2028, and 5% by 2030.
  • SAF is a renewable fuel derived from alternative feedstocks including used cooking oil, crops, biogenic residues, and waste materials.
  • Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) will begin SAF production at its Panipat refinery by September, and Bharat Petroleum (BPCL) is commissioning a 60,000 tonnes per annum co-processing unit at its Mumbai refinery by the end of 2026.
  • Under the United Nations (UN) framework, the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), India and other participating countries must offset international flight emissions exceeding 85% of 2019 levels from January 2027.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) Selects 10 Convergence Research Centres of Excellence (CoEs)

Key Updates:

  • The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has selected ten Convergence Research Centres of Excellence (CoEs) to promote multidisciplinary research integrating scientific knowledge with social sciences and humanities.
  • The initiative is led by the Ministry of Science & Technology to address complex societal challenges through integrated and transdisciplinary research.
  • The selected institutes are Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Gandhinagar, National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) Bengaluru, IIT Madras, National Institute of Technology (NIT) Agartala, IHD Delhi, IIT Dharwad, Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu, IIT Kanpur, Chanakya University, and PSGR Krishnammal College for Women.
  • The CoEs cover thematic areas including archaeology, traditional knowledge systems, digital humanities, rural development, health, and computational economics.
  • The program received 945 proposals and involves a network of 20 collaborating institutes, including state and central universities, IITs, NITs, private universities, colleges, and recognised research and development (R&D) institutions.
  • The program is inspired by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Birla Institute of Technology Mesra (BIT Mesra) and North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) sign MoU for geospatial research

Key Updates:

  • Birla Institute of Technology Mesra (BIT Mesra) and the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC), under the Department of Space, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Ranchi to cooperate in geospatial technologies, GeoAI research, remote sensing, and higher education.
  • The agreement covers GeoAI, Remote Sensing, Geographic Information System (GIS), Space Technology, and interdisciplinary geospatial applications for Master's and PhD programmes.
  • NESAC will provide geospatial databases, satellite imagery, meteorological datasets, and technical expertise in Earth observation and GIS applications to support joint research.
  • BIT Mesra will contribute through joint national and international research initiatives, outreach activities, training programmes, and capacity-building in engineering and remote sensing domains.
  • The MoU is valid for five years and includes provisions for internships, research exchanges, development of specialised elective courses in GeoAI, and joint supervision of research scholars.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Bharath Digital Infrastructure Association (BDIA) Launches Bharat Digital Samvad

Key Updates:

  • The Bharath Digital Infrastructure Association (BDIA) announced Bharat Digital Samvad, which is India's first dedicated national forum on digital sovereignty and infrastructure policy.
  • The summit is scheduled for 20 May 2026 at the Shangri-La, New Delhi, and will mark the formal public launch of BDIA as a not-for-profit industry body.
  • BDIA focuses on strengthening domestic capabilities in cloud, artificial intelligence (AI), compute infrastructure, and data systems under the principle of Data Swaraj.
  • India's digital economy is projected to reach $1 trillion by 2030.
  • The forum aims to provide a policy brief for the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), and propose a Digital Industrial Policy Framework.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Lionel Messi achieves billionaire status

Key Updates:

  • Lionel Messi became the second footballer in history to reach billionaire status after Cristiano Ronaldo.
  • According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Messi's net worth has surpassed $1 billion.
  • Messi is estimated to have earned more than $700 million in wages and performance-related payments since 2007.
  • Berkeley Heights, a township in Union County, New Jersey, has named a part of Sherman Avenue as Leo Messi Way.
  • Argentina is placed in Group J for the 2026 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup alongside Austria, Jordan, and Algeria.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Team India to participate in World Apnea Pool Championship 2026

Key Updates:

  • Team India will represent the country for the first time at the World Apnea Pool Championship starting June 2, 2026, in Budapest.
  • The Freediving Association of India (FAI) is the official national body for freediving in India and is an Observer Member of AIDA International as AIDA India.
  • Three athletes will represent India at the championship: Archana Thiagarajan, Akshay Thatte, and Vachan H U.
  • Archana Sankaranarayanan has been selected as the first Indian Assistant Judge at the World Championship.
  • Three homegrown brands supporting Team India are Surface Interval, Stay Salty Club, and AZEN.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Dev Kumar Meena and Kuldeep Kumar set national pole vault record

Key Updates:

  • The 29th National Senior Athletics Federation Competition was held in Ranchi.
  • Dev Kumar Meena and Kuldeep Kumar set a new national record of 5.45m in the men's pole vault, surpassing the previous record of 5.41m.
  • In the pole vault event, Dev Kumar Meena won gold, Kuldeep Kumar won silver, and Reegan G won bronze.
  • In the long jump, Murali Sreeshankar won gold (8.08m), S Lokesh won silver (7.94m), and Mohd Atta Sazid won bronze (7.90m).
  • In the high jump, Sarvesh Anil Kushare won gold (2.28m), Aadarsh Ram won silver (2.22m), and Sudeep won bronze (2.12m).
  • In the men's 110m hurdles, Tejas Ashok Shirse won gold (13.50 seconds), Krishik M won silver (13.52 seconds), and Muhammed Lazan won bronze (13.83 seconds).
  • In the men's 1500m, Rahul Baloda won gold (3:40.06 seconds), Sakir won silver (3:40.83 seconds), and Ajay Kumar Saroj won bronze (3:40.92 seconds).
  • In the women's 10,000m race walk, Ravina won gold (44:29.66 seconds), Reshma Patel won silver (44:57.94 seconds), and Munita Prajapati won bronze (45:23.92 seconds).
  • In the women's 100m hurdles, Nandhini K won gold (13.24 seconds), Pragyan Prashanti Sahu won silver (13.33 seconds), and Anjali C won bronze (13.35 seconds).
  • In the women's hammer throw, Manpreet Kaur won gold (59.08m), Kulvinder Kaur won silver (57.76m), and Divya Shandilya won bronze (56.41m).
  • In the men's discus throw, Dharamraj Yadav won gold (55.20m), Bhartpreet Singh won silver (54.62m), and Oinam Alson Singh won bronze (53.52m).
  • Dev Kumar Meena, Kuldeep Kumar, Murali Sreeshankar, Sarvesh Anil Kushare, Aadarsh Ram, and Ravina achieved the qualification marks for the Commonwealth Games (CWG).

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Sansad Ratna Awards 2026 announced for 12 Members of Parliament and 4 Parliamentary Committees

Key Updates:

  • The Jury committee has selected 10 Lok Sabha (LS) MPs, 2 Rajya Sabha (RS) MPs, and 4 Parliamentary Standing Committees for the Sansad Ratna Awards 2026.
  • Individual awardees include Jagdambika Pal, P.P. Chaudhary, Nishikant Dubey, Dr Shrikant Eknath Shinde, Praveen Patel, Bidyut Baran Mahato, Lumbaram Chaudhary, Dr Hemant Vishnu Savara, Smita Uday Wagh, Naresh Ganpat Mhaske, Dr Medha Vishram Kulkarni, and Narhari Amin.
  • The four awarded Parliamentary Committees are Agriculture (chaired by Dr Charanjit Singh Channi), Finance (Bhartruhari Mahtab), Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka), and Coal and Mines (Anurag Thakur).
  • The Sansad Ratna Award was instituted in 2010 by the Chennai-based Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Prime Point Foundation on the suggestion of former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.
  • The winners are selected based on performance data provided by PRS Legislative Research, Lok Sabha Secretariat, and Rajya Sabha Secretariat, with the 16th ceremony to be held in New Delhi in July 2026.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

World Football Day observed on May 25

Key Updates:

  • World Football Day is observed on May 25.
  • The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed a resolution in May 2024 proclaiming May 25 as World Football Day.
  • The day marks the 100th anniversary of the first international football tournament with representation of all regions, which took place on May 25, 1924.
  • Gianni Infantino serves as the President of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).
  • A special event to celebrate the day was co-organised by Bahrain, Libya, and Tajikistan, with support from Austria, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Portugal, and Rwanda.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

AIFF and Odisha renew MoU to expand elite youth football (Mid of May)

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Department of Sports and Youth Services (DSYS), Government of Odisha, signed a renewed five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand elite youth football. The…

India selected for FIFA Women's Development Programme (End of April)

India is one of 12 countries selected by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) for its Women's Development Programme. The other selected nations are Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Scotland, Canada…

World Thyroid Day observed on 25 May

Key Updates:

  • World Thyroid Day is observed annually on 25 May to mark the founding of the European Thyroid Association (ETA) in 1965.
  • The day was officially initiated in 2007 by the Thyroid Federation International (TFI) and was first observed in 2008.
  • The global observance is supported by leading bodies including the American Thyroid Association (ATA) and the Asia-Oceania Thyroid Association (AOTA).
  • The event is part of International Thyroid Awareness Week, which focuses on education, clinical training, and outreach initiatives.
  • In India, thyroid disorders are ranked as the second most common endocrine conditions after diabetes.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

World Hypertension Day 2026 observed on May 17, 2026 (End of May)

World Hypertension Day 2026 was observed on May 17, 2026. Doctors warned that hypertension often shows no symptoms and is increasingly affecting younger adults due to sedentary lifestyles, stress, poor diet, obesity…

World Protein Day observed on 27 February 2026 (End of February)

World Protein Day is observed on 27 February to raise awareness about protein as a fundamental building block for immunity, muscle repair, and metabolic health. Medical experts recommend a daily protein intake of 0.8 to…

ITBP's first-ever All-Women International Mountaineering Expedition summits Mt Everest on May 21, 2026

Key Updates:

  • The Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBP) completed its first-ever All-Women International Mountaineering Expedition to Mt Everest, summiting on May 21, 2026, via the South Col route from the Nepal side.
  • The 14-member team comprised 11 women climbers and three technical and support members, with the first summit at 06:52 am.
  • The expedition was flagged off from ITBP headquarters on April 19 and carried out environmental activities under the 'Clean Himalaya - Save Glacier' campaign.
  • The Border Security Force (BSF) achieved its first-ever all-women mountaineering team summit of Mt Everest as part of its Diamond Jubilee celebrations, with the team including Constable Kouser Fatima (Ladakh), Constable Munmun Ghosh (West Bengal), Constable Rabeka Singh (Uttarakhand), and Constable Tsering Chorol (Kargil).
  • ITBP has now conducted 232 mountaineering expeditions, including five successful Mt Everest summits, and has scaled six of the world's fourteen 8,000-metre peaks: Mt Everest, Mt Kanchenjunga, Mt Makalu, Mt Lhotse, Mt Dhaulagiri, and Mt Manaslu.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Divya Singh cycles to Everest Base Camp in 14 days (Start of April)

Divya Singh from Uttar Pradesh became the first woman of India to reach Everest Base Camp by bicycle after a 14-day journey from Kathmandu. She cycled 10–12 hours daily, carrying her bicycle on shoulders when trails were…

World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development observed on May 21

Key Updates:

  • The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is observed annually on 21 May.
  • The global campaign is spearheaded by the United Nations (UN) and supported by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
  • The Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity was endorsed by UNESCO in 2001.
  • The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) formally declared 21 May as the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development in December 2002.
  • The day emphasizes the power of cultural diversity in promoting peace, economic progress, and international collaboration.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Rash Behari Bose Born on 25 May 1886 in Bardhaman District

Key Updates:

  • Rash Behari Bose was born on 25 May 1886 in Subaldaha village of Bardhaman district in undivided Bengal, now in West Bengal.
  • He was associated with the revolutionary organisation Yugantar and was linked to the 1912 bomb attack targeting Viceroy Charles Hardinge.
  • He participated in the Ghadar Movement and later took refuge in Japan in 1915.
  • In 1942, he established the Indian Independence League and organised the Indian National Army (INA) to challenge British rule.
  • He transferred the leadership of the INA to Subhas Chandra Bose and died in Tokyo on 21 January 1945.

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Ambedkar Jayanti to be observed on 14 April 2026 (Mid of April)

Ambedkar Jayanti, also known as Bhim Jayanti, will be observed on 14 April 2026 to mark the 135th birth anniversary of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (1891–1956) served as the Chairman of the Drafting…

Shaheed Diwas observed on March 23 and January 30 in India (End of March)

Shaheed Diwas is observed annually on March 23 to honour the sacrifice of Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar. The three revolutionaries were executed by the British government on March 23, 1931, for their…

Neelam Meena Appointed Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal

Key Updates:

  • The Election Commission of India (ECI) appointed Neelam Meena as the new Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal.
  • She succeeds Manoj Kumar Agarwal, who was elevated to the post of chief secretary.
  • Neelam Meena is the second woman Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer to be appointed as the CEO of West Bengal, after Leena Chakraborty.
  • A 1998-batch IAS officer of the West Bengal cadre, Meena served as the principal secretary in the consumer affairs department since February 2024.
  • The appointment was made under sub-section (1) of Section 13A of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.

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Rathindra Bose elected Speaker of West Bengal assembly (Mid of May)

Rathindra Bose was elected unopposed as the Speaker of the West Bengal assembly. He is a first-time Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Cooch Behar Dakshin constituency representing the Bharatiya Janata…

President Droupadi Murmu conferred Padma Awards 2026

Key Updates:

  • President Droupadi Murmu conferred Padma Awards 2026 to 66 personalities at the first Civil Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
  • A total of 131 Padma awards were approved for 2026, comprising five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awards.
  • Padma Vibhushan was awarded to Dharmendra Singh Deol posthumously for contribution to art and violin maestro Dr. N. Rajam.
  • Padma Bhushan was conferred upon Bhagat Singh Koshyari for public affairs, Dr R Ganesh for art, Uday Suresh Kumar Kotak for Trade and Industry, and Dr Kallipatti Ramasamy Palaiswamy for medicine.
  • Padma Shri recipients include Harmanpreet Kaur Bhuller for sports, Taga Ram Bheel for arts, Ratilal Mohanlal Borisagar, Swami Brahmdev, and Kumar Bose.

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Krishnan Raghavan posthumously conferred Padma Shri. (Mid of March)

Krishnan Raghavan, pen-name 'Kitna', was posthumously awarded the Padma Shri for 2023. He belonged to the Alu Kurumba tribal community, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) of the Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu.

Tamil poet Vairamuthu named 2025 Jnanpith Award winner (Mid of March)

Vairamuthu has been conferred the 60th Jnanpith Award, India’s highest literary honour, announced by Bharatiya Jnanpith on Saturday. He becomes the third Tamil writer to receive the Jnanpith Award after Akilan and…

Anurag Garg extended as Director General of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)

Key Updates:

  • Anurag Garg is a 1993 batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Himachal Pradesh cadre.
  • Garg was appointed as the Director General (DG) of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in September 2024.
  • The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved the extension of his deputation tenure as DG, NCB, up to July 31, 2027.
  • July 31, 2027, is the date of superannuation for Anurag Garg.
  • The extension order was issued by the Personnel Ministry on May 21.

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NAAC accreditation freeze for 2024-2025 academic year (Start of April)

No university or college received fresh accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) during the 2024-2025 academic year. NAAC had accredited 1,790 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in…

C. P. Radhakrishnan Releases Book The Library Man of India: The Story of P.N. Panicker

Key Updates:

  • Vice President of India C. P. Radhakrishnan released the book titled The Library Man of India: The Story of P.N. Panicker at Uprashtrapati Bhavan.
  • The book, which chronicles the life and contributions of P.N. Panicker, is authored by P.P. Sathyan.
  • Union Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Tourism Suresh Gopi and former Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Prof. P.J. Kurien attended the event.
  • Vice Chairman of P.N. Panicker Foundation N. Balagopal was among the dignitaries present at the book release on 25 May 2026.
  • Sansad Television (Sansad TV) is the parliamentary channel of India that was established in 2021 through the merger of Lok Sabha Television and Rajya Sabha Television.

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