In Monthly Current Affairs for 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.
Monthly Current Affairs May 2026
Gujarat Foundation Day 2026
Gujarat celebrated its 66th Foundation Day on 1 May 2026, commemorating the creation of the state in 1960. Popularly known as Gujarat Gaurav Diwas, the occasion reflects the state’s rich cultural traditions, economic achievements, and significant contribution to India’s development.
Following Independence, several princely states and regions in western India, including Saurashtra and Kutch, were reorganized and eventually merged into the larger Bombay State. However, linguistic differences led to demands for separate states. As a result, the Bombay Reorganisation Act, 1960 came into effect on 1 May 1960, dividing Bombay State into Gujarat for Gujarati-speaking people and Maharashtra for Marathi-speaking people.
Maharashtra Day 2026
Maharashtra Day is observed annually on 1 May to mark the formation of Maharashtra as a separate state in 1960. The day commemorates the successful implementation of the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement, which sought a separate state for Marathi-speaking citizens.
The reorganization of Bombay State resulted in the creation of Maharashtra and Gujarat, enabling both linguistic communities to develop under independent state administrations. The day is celebrated with cultural events, parades, and tributes to those who contributed to the state’s formation.
Parveen Shaikh Receives Whitley Award 2026
Indian conservation scientist Parveen Shaikh has been honored with the prestigious Whitley Award 2026 for her efforts in protecting the endangered Indian Skimmer. The award is presented by the Whitley Fund for Nature to recognize outstanding conservation leaders worldwide.
The Indian Skimmer is a rare riverine bird known for its bright orange bill and unique feeding behavior, where it skims the water surface to catch fish. The recognition highlights the importance of conserving river ecosystems and protecting threatened species across India.
Shreyas Iyer Becomes Brand Ambassador for F1 Sim Racing India Open
Indian cricketer Shreyas Iyer has been appointed as the official brand ambassador of the F1 programme launched by Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited. The announcement coincides with the launch of the F1 Sim Racing India Open 2026, a nationwide esports competition.
The initiative aims to create a structured platform for sim racing enthusiasts, identify emerging talent, and connect digital gaming with professional motorsport. The competition is expected to strengthen India’s growing esports ecosystem and encourage participation in virtual racing.
Finland Launches Europe’s First Fully Integrated Lithium Project
Finland has achieved a major milestone by launching Europe’s first fully integrated lithium production project. Located near Kokkola, the project covers the entire value chain, from lithium extraction and processing to the production of battery-grade lithium hydroxide.
Known as the Keliber Project, the initiative involves an investment of approximately €783 million and is expected to produce around 15,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium hydroxide annually. The project is expected to meet nearly 10% of Europe’s lithium demand while supporting electric vehicle manufacturing and renewable energy storage technologies.
Prasoon Joshi Appointed Chairman of Prasar Bharati
The Government of India has appointed renowned lyricist, writer, and advertising professional Prasoon Joshi as the Chairman of Prasar Bharati. His appointment is expected to bring fresh perspectives to India’s public broadcasting system during a period of rapid digital transformation.
Prasar Bharati, established under the Prasar Bharati Act of 1990 and operational since 1997, functions as India’s autonomous public broadcaster. It oversees All India Radio and Doordarshan and has recently expanded its digital presence through initiatives such as the Waves OTT platform.
Sikkim Becomes India’s First Fully Paperless Judiciary
India’s judicial modernization received a major boost as Sikkim became the country’s first fully paperless judiciary. The announcement was made by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant during a national conclave in Gangtok.
The transition has been made possible through digital innovations such as e-filing systems, virtual hearings, online case management platforms, and artificial intelligence tools like SUPACE and SUVAS. The initiative aims to improve efficiency, reduce paperwork, and make justice delivery more accessible to citizens.
World Press Freedom Index 2026
The World Press Freedom Index 2026 ranked India 157th among 180 countries. The index evaluates nations based on factors such as political environment, legal framework, economic conditions, social context, and journalist safety.
Norway retained the top position, followed by countries such as the Netherlands, Estonia, Denmark, and Sweden. At the lower end of the ranking were Eritrea, North Korea, China, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. The report highlights growing concerns about media freedom and journalist safety in several parts of the world.
Hazaribag Emerges as India’s First Pearl Farming Cluster
Jharkhand’s Hazaribag district is set to become India’s first recognized pearl farming cluster. The initiative is being supported by the fisheries department and aims to promote scientific aquaculture while generating livelihood opportunities for local communities.
Pearl farming involves cultivating pearls by inserting a nucleus into oysters and nurturing them under controlled conditions. The project is expected to boost rural incomes, encourage entrepreneurship, and diversify aquaculture activities in the region.
Cabinet Approves Major Ship Repair Facility in Gujarat
The Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of a modern ship repair complex at Vadinar in Gujarat with an estimated investment of ₹1,570 crore. The project will be jointly implemented by Deendayal Port Authority and Cochin Shipyard Limited.
Vadinar has been selected due to its strategic location, deep-draft coastline, and proximity to major ports such as Mundra and Kandla. The facility is expected to enhance India’s ship repair capabilities, reduce dependence on foreign facilities, and strengthen the country’s position as a global maritime hub. Additionally, the project is expected to generate significant direct and indirect employment opportunities in the maritime sector.
Cabinet Approves Two New Semiconductor Projects
In a significant boost to India’s semiconductor ambitions, the Union Cabinet approved two new semiconductor manufacturing projects under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). With a combined investment exceeding ₹3,936 crore, both facilities will be established in Gujarat and are expected to create more than 2,200 skilled employment opportunities.
The approved projects include a compound semiconductor fabrication facility with Mini/Micro-LED manufacturing capabilities and an Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) unit. One of the flagship projects, promoted by Crystal Matrix Limited in Dholera, will focus on Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based semiconductor technology.
The facility is expected to manufacture 72,000 square metres of Mini/Micro-LED display panels annually and produce 24,000 RGB wafer sets every year. With these approvals, the total number of projects under the India Semiconductor Mission has increased to twelve, with cumulative investments reaching approximately ₹1.64 lakh crore. The government is also strengthening the semiconductor ecosystem by supporting semiconductor design infrastructure in over 300 academic institutions.
Shashi Shekhar Vempati Appointed CBFC Chairperson
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has appointed Shashi Shekhar Vempati as the new Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for a term of three years.
The appointment follows the elevation of Prasoon Joshi to the position of Chairman of Prasar Bharati. CBFC functions under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and is responsible for certifying films for public exhibition under the Cinematograph Act, 1952.
The board regulates the screening of films in cinemas and television networks across India and ensures compliance with certification guidelines. It currently issues multiple categories of certificates depending on the suitability of content for different age groups.
Supreme Court Launches “One Case, One Data” Initiative
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant launched the “One Case, One Data” initiative along with the AI-powered chatbot “Su Sahay” at the Supreme Court of India.
The initiative aims to create a unified judicial data framework by integrating case records from the Supreme Court, High Courts, district courts, and taluka courts. The system will improve transparency, streamline case management, and facilitate easier access to judicial information.
The AI chatbot “Su Sahay,” developed by the National Informatics Centre in collaboration with the Supreme Court Registry, will assist citizens by providing information and guidance related to court services through the Supreme Court’s digital platform.
These developments represent an important step toward building a technology-driven and citizen-friendly judicial system.
VB-GRAMG Act to Replace MGNREGA
The Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), or VB-GRAMG Act, 2025, is set to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) from 1 July 2026.
The new legislation increases the guaranteed employment period for eligible rural households from 100 days to 125 days annually. The scheme will continue as a Centrally Sponsored Programme, with a funding pattern of 60:40 between the Centre and States for most regions and 90:10 for Northeastern and Himalayan States as well as Union Territories.
The VB-GRAMG framework places greater emphasis on productive asset creation, climate resilience, and convergence with other development programmes. The initiative aligns with the broader Viksit Bharat @2047 vision aimed at transforming India into a developed nation by the centenary of its independence.
India Adds Record Solar Capacity
India achieved a major milestone in renewable energy by adding 44 GW of solar power capacity during 2025. As a result, the country’s total installed solar power capacity reached 150 GW, making India the world’s third-largest producer of solar energy.
The rapid expansion has been supported by flagship government initiatives such as the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, PM-KUSUM Scheme, and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for solar manufacturing.
The achievement strengthens India’s commitment to clean energy transition, energy security, and climate goals while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool Launched
India launched the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMIP) to provide comprehensive insurance coverage for Indian vessels operating on international sea routes.
The insurance pool carries a total value of USD 1.5 billion and is backed by a sovereign guarantee of USD 1.4 billion. It offers protection against a wide range of maritime risks, including war-related risks, cargo losses, ship damage, and third-party liabilities.
Administered by the General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re), the initiative is expected to reduce dependence on foreign insurance providers and strengthen India’s maritime trade resilience amid evolving geopolitical challenges.
Yoweri Museveni Begins Seventh Presidential Term
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni was sworn in for a seventh term in office, extending one of the longest political tenures in contemporary Africa.
According to official election results, Museveni secured more than 71 percent of the vote, while opposition candidate Bobi Wine received approximately 25 percent. His continued leadership remains a significant development in African politics and governance.
India Plans Subsea Gas Pipeline from Oman
India is exploring the construction of a ₹40,000 crore deep-sea natural gas pipeline connecting Oman and Gujarat. The proposed project emerged following concerns about energy security during disruptions affecting the Strait of Hormuz in 2026.
The pipeline is expected to span nearly 2,000 kilometres beneath the Arabian Sea and operate at depths exceeding 3,000 metres. If approved, construction could take between five and seven years.
Major public sector enterprises, including GAIL, Engineers India Limited, and Indian Oil Corporation, have been tasked with preparing technical and feasibility assessments. The project aims to diversify India’s energy supply routes and reduce vulnerability to geopolitical disruptions in critical maritime corridors.
Review Questions
- Gujarat and Maharashtra were formed under which Act?
A. States Reorganisation Act, 1956
B. Indian Independence Act, 1947
C. Bombay Reorganisation Act, 1960
D. Government of India Act, 1935
Answer: C. Bombay Reorganisation Act, 1960 - Who received the 2026 Whitley Award for conservation?
A. Medha Patkar
B. Sunita Narain
C. Parveen Shaikh
D. Vandana Shiva
Answer: C. Parveen Shaikh - Who has been appointed as the brand ambassador for F1 Sim Racing India Open
2026?
A. Virat Kohli
B. Rohit Sharma
C. Hardik Pandya
D. Shreyas Iyer
Answer: D. Shreyas Iyer - The Thomas Cup is organized by:
A. IOC
B. BCCI
C. Badminton World Federation
D. FIFA
Answer: C. Badminton World Federation - Who has been appointed as the Chairman of Prasar Bharati in May 2026?
A. Amitabh Bachchan
B. Prasoon Joshi
C. Anurag Thakur
D. Shashi Tharoor
Answer: B. Prasoon Joshi - Prasar Bharati was established under which Act?
A. Broadcasting Act, 1985
B. Prasar Bharati Act, 1990
C. Media Regulation Act, 1992
D. Communication Act, 1988
Answer: B. Prasar Bharati Act, 1990 - The World Press Freedom Index is released by which organization?
A. UNESCO
B. Reporters Without Borders
C. Amnesty International
D. World Bank
Answer: B. Reporters Without Borders - What is India’s rank in the World Press Freedom Index 2026?
A. 150
B. 155
C. 157
D. 160
Answer: C. 157 - Which country ranked first in the World Press Freedom Index 2026?
A. Sweden
B. Finland
C. Netherlands
D. Norway
Answer: D. Norway - Who has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Central Board of Film
Certification in May 2026?
A. Prasoon Joshi
B. Shashi Shekhar Vempati
C. Anurag Thakur
D. Rajkumar Hirani
Answer: B. Shashi Shekhar Vempati - The “One Case, One Data” initiative launched in 2026 is related to:
A. Digital land records
B. Unified judicial data integration
C. National population database
D. Digital university framework
Answer: B. Unified judicial data integration - “Su Sahay,” recently seen in news, is:
A. A defence missile system
B. A satellite navigation project
C. An AI-powered chatbot for judicial services
D. A healthcare mobile application
Answer: C. An AI-powered chatbot for judicial services - The VB-GRAMG Act, 2025, is intended to replace:
A. National Rural Livelihood Mission
B. PMGSY
C. MGNREGA
D. DAY-NULM
Answer: C. MGNREGA - 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 - Yoweri Museveni was sworn in for which term as Uganda’s President?
A. Fifth
B. Sixth
C. Seventh
D. Eighth
Answer: C. Seventh - India’s proposed subsea gas pipeline will connect Oman with which Indian state?
A) Maharashtra
B) Kerala
C) Gujarat
D) Tamil Nadu
Answer: C) Gujarat - What is the estimated cost of the proposed Oman–India subsea gas pipeline
project?
A) ₹20,000 crore
B) ₹30,000 crore
C) ₹40,000 crore
D) ₹50,000 crore
Answer: C) ₹40,000 crore - Which organization has been assigned as the lead operator for the subsea gas
pipeline project?
A) ONGC
B) GAIL
C) BPCL
D) NTPC
Answer: B) GAIL - India’s passport was ranked at which position in the Henley Passport Index 2026?
A) 65th
B) 70th
C) 75th
D) 78th
Answer: D) 78th - According to the Henley Passport Index 2026, Indian citizens can travel to how
many destinations visa-free or with visa-on-arrival access?
A) 45
B) 56
C) 72
D) 90
Answer: B) 56 - Prime Minister Narendra Modi received which prestigious Swedish honour in
2026?
A) Order of Liberty
B) Royal Order of the Polar Star
C) Nobel Peace Medal
D) Scandinavian Crown Award
Answer: B) Royal Order of the Polar Star - The Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit is:
A) Norway’s military medal
B) Norway’s highest civilian honour
C) A sports award
D) A scientific award
Answer: B) Norway’s highest civilian honour - Which novel won the International Booker Prize 2026?
A. The Silent Forest
B. Taiwan Travelogue
C. Island of Memories
D. The Eastern Wind
Answer: B. Taiwan Travelogue - Which state is India’s largest kiwi-producing state?
A. Himachal Pradesh
B. Sikkim
C. Meghalaya
D. Arunachal Pradesh
Answer: D. Arunachal Pradesh - Indian sprinter Gurindervir Singh created history by clocking what timing in the
men’s 100m final?
A) 10.25 seconds
B) 10.17 seconds
C) 10.09 seconds
D) 9.99 seconds
Answer: C) 10.09 seconds - Kumbhalgarh Fort is located in which Indian state?
A) Gujarat
B) Madhya Pradesh
C) Rajasthan
D) Maharashtra
Answer: C) Rajasthan - Kumbhalgarh Fort was built by which ruler?
A) Maharana Pratap
B) Rana Kumbha
C) Prithviraj Chauhan
D) Raja Man Singh
Answer: B) Rana Kumbha - Which company discovered a new gas-bearing zone in Rajasthan’s Dandewala
field?
A) ONGC
B) GAIL
C) Oil India Limited
D) Reliance Industries
Answer: C) Oil India Limited - The Loktak Protocluster was discovered by which Indian astrophysicist?
A) Jayant Narlikar
B) Ronaldo Laishram
C) Meghnad Saha
D) Vikram Sarabhai
Answer: B) Ronaldo Laishram - The Loktak Protocluster was named after Loktak Lake located in which state?
A) Assam
B) Meghalaya
C) Manipur
D) Tripura
Answer: C) Manipur
