In Current Affairs for 12 May 2026, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial for your upcoming NDA, CDS, CDS OTA, AFCAT, TA, Agniveer Army, Agniveer Navy, Agniveer Air Force, Women Military Police, INET, MNS, ACC exams, SCO, PCSL, CAPF, and SSB interviews, and direct entries for Army, Navy, and Air Force like SSC Tech, TGC, JAG, NCC, TES, 10+2 Cadet. Download a PDF file about current events at the end of this article. Let us now see the Current Affairs.
Current Affairs 12 May 2026
International Day of Plant Health 2026: Protecting Plants for a Secure Future
Every year on 12 May, the world observes the International Day of Plant Health to raise awareness about the importance of protecting plants from pests, diseases, climate-related threats and environmental damage. The observance is promoted by the Food and Agriculture Organization and supported by the United Nations.
Plants are the foundation of life on Earth. They not only provide food but also maintain ecological balance and support biodiversity. According to the FAO, plants supply nearly 80 percent of the food consumed by humans and produce around 98 percent of the oxygen present in the atmosphere.
Theme for 2026
The theme for International Day of Plant Health 2026 is “Plant Biosecurity for Food Security.”
The theme highlights the need to protect crops and vegetation from harmful organisms that can reduce agricultural productivity and threaten global food supplies. With increasing climate change and global trade, pests and diseases can spread more rapidly across borders, making plant protection a global responsibility.
Healthy plants are essential for sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation and economic development. Governments and international organizations are encouraging farmers and communities to adopt better plant health practices and modern agricultural technologies.
Mental Health Awareness Week 2026
Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 is being observed from 11 May to 17 May. The campaign aims to encourage people to focus on mental wellbeing and support individuals facing emotional or psychological challenges.
The theme for this year is “Action.” The objective is to inspire people to move beyond discussions and take practical measures to improve mental health in society.
Key Focus Areas of the Campaign
The awareness week encourages people to:
- Support friends and family emotionally
- Spend more time outdoors and in green spaces
- Participate in community and social activities
- Seek professional help early when mental struggles appear
Mental health experts emphasize that small positive actions can help reduce stress, anxiety and loneliness. Schools, workplaces and social organizations are also conducting awareness programs to promote emotional wellbeing and healthy lifestyles.
Florence Nightingale Awards 2026 Honours Nursing Excellence
President of India Droupadi Murmu presented the National Florence Nightingale Awards 2026 at Rashtrapati Bhavan on the occasion of International Nurses Day – 12 May 2026.
The awards recognize outstanding nursing professionals from different parts of the country for their dedication, compassion and service in the healthcare sector. These prestigious honours are instituted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to acknowledge excellence in nursing services.
The ceremony was attended by Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda.
Features of the Award
The award includes:
- Certificate of Merit
- Cash prize of ₹1 lakh
- Medal for distinguished service
The awards celebrate the resilience and commitment of nurses who play a crucial role in strengthening India’s healthcare system.
Notable Awardees
Some of the recognised nursing professionals include:
- Kulwinder Parhi from Leh
- Ujwala Mahadev Soyam from Maharashtra
- Lalenthangi Hnamte from Mizoram
- Madhu Mala Gurung from Sikkim
- Gita Karmakar from West Bengal
- Poonam Verma from Chandigarh
Karnataka Introduces Kartavya-KAAMS Attendance App
The Department of School Education and Literacy, Government of Karnataka, has launched the Karnataka Advanced Attendance Management System (KAAMS), also known as the Kartavya-KAAMS mobile application.
The system has been introduced for attendance monitoring of teachers, headmasters, officers and non-teaching staff working in government educational institutions and offices across Karnataka.
Advanced Features of the App
The Kartavya-KAAMS application uses modern technologies such as:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Facial Recognition
- Geo-Fencing
Employees are required to verify their identity through face authentication and mark attendance twice daily from their workplace location.
The app records:
- “In Time” attendance at the beginning of duty
- “Out Time” attendance before leaving the institution
The system replaces the earlier biometric attendance method from 1 May 2026 and will be fully implemented from the academic session 2026-27.
The initiative aims to improve transparency, accountability and efficiency in attendance management across government institutions.
India Achieves Major Solar Energy Milestone
India recorded a significant achievement in renewable energy by adding 44 GW of solar capacity during 2025. This has increased the country’s total installed solar power capacity to around 150 GW by March 2026.
With this achievement, India has emerged as the world’s third-largest producer of solar power.
Importance of Solar Expansion
Solar capacity refers to the total electricity generation capability produced through photovoltaic and solar energy systems.
India’s rapid growth in solar energy has been supported by several government initiatives, including:
- PM Surya Ghar rooftop solar scheme
- PM-KUSUM scheme for solar pumps
- Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for domestic solar manufacturing
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is leading the country’s renewable energy expansion efforts.
The increase in solar power capacity will help India reduce dependence on fossil fuels, lower carbon emissions and strengthen energy security.
India Activates 165-Lab Hantavirus Surveillance Network
India has activated a nationwide Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory Network consisting of 165 specialised laboratories for hantavirus surveillance and detection.
The system uses RT-PCR technology to confirm suspected hantavirus infections and works in coordination with the Indian Council of Medical Research and the World Health Organization.
What is Hantavirus?
Hantaviruses are RNA viruses belonging to the Hantaviridae family. These are zoonotic viruses, meaning they spread from animals to humans. Rodents are considered the primary carriers of many hantavirus species.
Humans may become infected through:
- Contact with rodent urine or droppings
- Inhaling contaminated dust particles
- Close contact during outbreak situations
Some hantavirus strains can affect the kidneys and cause severe illnesses such as haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome.
Importance of the Surveillance Network
The laboratory network provides nationwide diagnostic support for rapid identification of viral diseases, including suspected hantavirus cases. The initiative strengthens India’s preparedness against emerging infectious diseases and helps improve public health monitoring.
Review Questions
1. International Day of Plant Health is observed every year on:
A) 5 June
B) 12 May
C) 21 April
D) 15 August
Answer: B) 12 May
2. The theme of International Day of Plant Health 2026 is:
A) Green Earth for Future
B) Sustainable Farming for All
C) Plant Biosecurity for Food Security
D) Healthy Plants Healthy Planet
Answer: C) Plant Biosecurity for Food Security
3. According to the FAO, plants provide nearly what percentage of the food humans consume?
A) 50%
B) 60%
C) 70%
D) 80%
Answer: D) 80%
4. Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 is being observed from:
A) 1 May to 7 May
B) 5 May to 11 May
C) 11 May to 17 May
D) 15 May to 21 May
Answer: C) 11 May to 17 May
5. The theme of Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 is:
A) Care
B) Awareness
C) Wellness
D) Action
Answer: D) Action
6. The National Florence Nightingale Awards are presented to recognize excellence in:
A) Teaching services
B) Nursing services
C) Defence services
D) Scientific research
Answer: B) Nursing services
7. The Kartavya-KAAMS application introduced by Karnataka uses:
A) Blockchain technology only
B) Satellite communication only
C) Artificial Intelligence, Facial Recognition and Geo-Fencing
D) Manual attendance system
Answer: C) Artificial Intelligence, Facial Recognition and Geo-Fencing
8. India’s total installed solar power capacity reached approximately ______ by March 2026.
A) 80 GW
B) 100 GW
C) 150 GW
D) 200 GW
Answer: C) 150 GW
9. Hantaviruses mainly spread to humans through:
A) Mosquito bites
B) Contaminated water
C) Rodent contact and contaminated dust
D) Food poisoning
Answer: C) Rodent contact and contaminated dust
10. The nationwide hantavirus surveillance network in India consists of:
A) 50 laboratories
B) 100 laboratories
C) 165 laboratories
D) 250 laboratories
Answer: C) 165 laboratories
