May 2026 Monthly Current Affairs | Complete GK Digest for UPSC, SSC, Banking & All Competitive Exams

Click any date below to read the full detailed current affairs for that day on MCQ Orbit.

1. OCI Rules 2026 Notified — Full Digital Overhaul

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs notified the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2026, transitioning Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) management to a fully digital e-OCI framework. A key new proviso under Rule 3 mandates that a minor child cannot hold a foreign passport simultaneously with an Indian passport — closing a long-standing loophole. The rules also introduced a structured review mechanism for rejected OCI applications.

Background: OCI status (introduced via the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2005) provides lifelong visa-free entry and economic parity with NRIs, but no political rights. It is governed by Sections 7A–7D of the Citizenship Act, 1955.

2. Supreme Court Judges Strength Increased from 34 to 38

The Union Cabinet approved the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, increasing the SC bench strength from 34 to 38 judges (37 Puisne Judges + CJI). The historical progression: 8 (1950) → 34 (2019) → 38 (2026). The move was necessitated by over 92,000 pending cases. The SC strength is governed by Article 124 and the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956.

3. Supreme Court Takes Suo Motu Cognisance of NCLT Delays

The Supreme Court described the situation of delays in NCLT (National Company Law Tribunal) resolution approvals under the IBC (Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016) as "grim". The IBC mandates a 330-day timeline for CIRP (Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process), which is routinely breached.

4. Lok Sabha Speaker Reconstitutes Parliamentary Standing Committees for 2026–27

Speaker Om Birla reconstituted India's 24 Departmentally Related Standing Committees (DRSCs) for the new parliamentary year. These committees provide legislative oversight over all major Ministries and Departments.

5. Sikkim Becomes First State Towards Fully Paperless Judiciary

Sikkim became the first state in India to transition to a fully paperless judiciary, integrating all case management into digital platforms under the e-Courts Mission Mode Project (Phase III). Phase III was approved in 2023 with an outlay of ₹7,210 crore. India has a backlog of over 5 crore cases across all courts.

6. West Bengal Election Results — TMC Wins 215 Seats; Mamata Banerjee 4th Consecutive Term

The TMC won 215 of 294 seats in the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026, giving Mamata Banerjee her fourth consecutive term as Chief Minister — a milestone since Jyoti Basu's Left Front era. The election recorded a historic turnout of 92.93%. The ECI deployed NIA for the first time during a state election. The BJP served as principal opposition.

7. Tamil Nadu Election — Vijay's TVK Wins 108 Seats; Vijay Becomes Chief Minister

Actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay, founder of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), won 108 seats in the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026 and was sworn in as Chief Minister on May 13 after a constitutional standoff with the Governor. Tamil Nadu has 234 Assembly constituencies.

8. NITI Aayog Gets Two New Full-Time Members

Dr. R. Balasubramaniam and Dr. Joram Aniya (from Arunachal Pradesh) were appointed as full-time members of NITI Aayog, raising total strength from 5 to 7 members. NITI Aayog was established on January 1, 2015 replacing the Planning Commission; PM serves as Chairperson.

9. Vande Mataram Gets Statutory Protection

The government moved to amend the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 to formally protect Vande Mataram (composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in his 1882 novel Anandamath). The first two stanzas were adopted on January 24, 1950. The full song with all six stanzas runs approximately 3 minutes 10 seconds.

10. NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak — Re-test Ordered; CBI Investigation

A paper leak in NEET-UG 2026 triggered a re-test for 22.79 lakh candidates, with the CBI ordered to investigate. This reignited the debate around NTA (National Testing Agency) reforms and the integrity of India's national entrance exams.

11. Delimitation Bill 2026 Failed in Parliament

The Delimitation Bill 2026 failed to achieve the required majority, stalling the redrawing of parliamentary and assembly constituencies. The bill's failure has significant implications for the Women's Reservation Act (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023), which can only come into full effect after delimitation and a new Census.

12. BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting — New Delhi Declaration 2026

India hosted the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi under India's BRICS 2026 Chairship. The meeting adopted the New Delhi Declaration 2026 and set the stage for the 18th BRICS Summit in September 2026. Palestine and the West Asia conflict featured prominently in discussions.

13. One Nation One Election (ONOE) — Estimated ₹7,000 Crore Savings

Government analysis indicated that implementing ONOE (simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly elections) could save approximately ₹7,000 crore in election expenditure. The idea involves amending multiple constitutional provisions including Articles 83, 172, and 356.

14. Model Code of Conduct Controversy — PM's April 18 Broadcast

A PM broadcast on Doordarshan during the election period triggered a major debate around alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), which is issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) under Article 324. The MCC prohibits using state machinery and publicly funded media for partisan purposes during elections.

15. Sarna Religious Code Demand — Jharkhand CM Writes to President

Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren wrote to President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi seeking a separate Sarna religious code in Census 2027 for tribal communities. The Sarna faith is a nature-based animist tradition followed by communities like Santals, Mundas, and Oraons. The Jharkhand Assembly had passed a resolution supporting this in 2020.

16. Census 2027 — QR Code-Based Digital Enumerators

Census 2027 preparations advanced with the introduction of QR code-based digital enumerators equipped with smartphone devices. India's last Census was conducted in 2011; the 2021 Census was delayed due to COVID-19.

17. India Conducts Maiden ICBM Test — Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha

India conducted a maiden test of a nuclear-capable Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) from Abdul Kalam Island (formerly Wheeler Island), Odisha. An ICBM has a minimum range of 5,500 km. India's missile programme is driven by DRDO under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) launched in 1983 under Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. India's nuclear doctrine remains "No First Use (NFU)" with credible minimum deterrence.

18. Mission Drishti Launched — World's First OptoSAR Satellite by GalaxEye

Bengaluru-based startup GalaxEye (founded 2020, IIT Madras alumni) launched Mission Drishti — the world's first OptoSAR satellite and India's largest private Earth observation satellite (~190 kg) — aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. OptoSAR combines Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Electro-Optical/Multispectral Imaging (MSI) on a single platform. It operates in Sun-Synchronous LEO at ~500 km altitude with 1.2–1.8 m resolution. Facilitated by IN-SPACe. GalaxEye plans 8–12 satellite constellation by 2029.

19. DRDO and IAF Test TARA Glide Weapon

The DRDO and Indian Air Force successfully tested TARA — India's first indigenous precision glide weapon system. This adds a new standoff strike capability to the IAF's arsenal.

20. India Finalises 114 Rafale Jets Deal — ₹3.25 Lakh Crore

India finalised the proposal to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets from France in a deal worth approximately ₹3.25 lakh crore — the biggest-ever defence procurement in India's history. This follows India's earlier deal for 36 Rafales (Ambala and Hasimara air bases).

21. BrahMos Sale to Vietnam Confirmed

India confirmed the sale of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to Vietnam following Vietnam President To Lam's state visit to India. This is a landmark defence export deal and part of India's growing strategic partnership with Vietnam under the Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

22. CINBAX-II 2026 — India-Cambodia Military Exercise

The second edition of CINBAX (Cambodia-India Bilateral Army Exercise) was held at Kampong Speu Province, Cambodia, with approximately 120 Indian Army personnel from the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment and 160 Cambodian troops participating. Focus areas: counter-terrorism, drone operations, HADR.

23. ED Celebrates 70th Anniversary — ₹81,422 Crore in FY26 Attachments

The Enforcement Directorate (ED), established on May 1, 1956, celebrated its 70th founding anniversary. In FY 2025-26, it attached assets worth a record ₹81,422 crore — a 171% surge over the previous year — with a 93–94% conviction rate under PMLA.

24. New Chief of Defence Staff — Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani

Lt General NS Raja Subramani was appointed as India's 3rd Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), succeeding General Anil Chauhan who retired on May 30, 2026. The CDS post was created on December 24, 2019. General Bipin Rawat was India's 1st CDS (died December 2021); General Anil Chauhan was the 2nd.

25. Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan — New Chief of Naval Staff

Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan was named the next Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), to take charge following the retirement of the incumbent. He previously commanded INS Vikramaditya, India's aircraft carrier.

26. Operation WHITE STRIKE — Major Anti-Narcotics Operation

A major anti-narcotics operation coordinated across multiple states dismantled a large-scale narcotics network. The operation was coordinated by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), state anti-narcotics cells, and customs intelligence. India lies between the Golden Crescent (Afghanistan-Iran-Pakistan) and Golden Triangle (Myanmar-Thailand-Laos).

27. First IOR Defence Ministers' Conclave

The first-ever Indian Ocean Region (IOR) Defence Ministers' Conclave was held, establishing a new multilateral security dialogue platform. The IOR encompasses 38 countries; approximately 80% of global seaborne oil trade passes through its sea lanes. India has a 7,500 km coastline.

28. NCRB Crime in India 2024 Report — Cybercrime Up 17.9%

The NCRB (under Ministry of Home Affairs, est. 1986) released "Crime in India 2024", revealing:

• Overall crime ↓ 6%; Cybercrime ↑ 17.9%

• Delhi crime rate: 138.4 per lakh (national avg: 42.3)

• Bengaluru: highest metro cybercrime (17,561 cases)

• Telangana: highest human trafficking (423 cases)

• Total suicides: 1,70,746 (daily wage workers = 31%; students = 14,488)

• Children missing: 98,375 (↑7.8%; girls = 77%)

29. India-Nepal Transboundary Wildlife Agreement

India and Nepal signed a landmark Wildlife Agreement for transboundary conservation, covering the Terai Arc Landscape — a major ecological corridor spanning both countries.

30. India-UAE — Bilateral Trade Towards $100 Billion Mark

The India-UAE CEPA (effective May 2022) continued to drive bilateral trade towards the $100 billion milestone, boosting exports in gems, jewellery, engineering goods, and electronics. India and UAE also signed a Strategic Petroleum Reserve agreement, allowing UAE's ADNOC to store crude at India's Visakhapatnam, Mangalore, and Padur SPR facilities.

31. PM Modi's 5-Nation Europe Tour

PM Modi undertook a 5-nation Europe tour in mid-May, visiting:

• Netherlands: ASML semiconductor deal; India-Netherlands Strategic Roadmap 2026

• Norway: India-Norway Green Strategic Partnership; 3rd India-Nordic Summit in Oslo

• Sweden: Received the Royal Order of the Polar Star award

• Also visited Italy (signed India-Italy Special Strategic Partnership)

PM Modi also received the FAO Agricola Medal for India's contributions to food security and agricultural development.

32. India Declared Naxal-Free — Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared India free of Naxalism/Left Wing Extremism (LWE) from Bastar, Jagdalpur — a landmark moment after decades of conflict. The Naxalbari uprising began in 1967 in West Bengal; at its peak, LWE affected 170+ districts across 10 states. The SAMADHAN strategy was the key counter-LWE framework.

33. Nepal Raises Lipulekh Claim; India Rejects

Nepal reiterated its sovereignty claim over the Lipulekh–Kalapani–Limpiyadhura tri-junction ahead of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026. India rejected the claim citing no "historical basis." The dispute stems from differing interpretations of the Sugauli Treaty of 1816.

34. China's "Ethnic Unity" Law — Mandarin Mandatory for Minorities

China enacted an "Ethnic Unity" law making Mandarin (Putonghua) compulsory for ethnic minorities. Critics cite suppression of Tibetan, Uyghur, and Mongolian cultures. China officially recognises 56 ethnic groups (Han = ~91%).

35. India-EFTA TEPA — Trade Progress

The India-EFTA TEPA (Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement) with Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein continued implementation, opening new trade avenues especially in pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and machinery.

36. India-US Critical Minerals Framework Signed

EAM S. Jaishankar formally signed an India-US Critical Minerals and Rare Earths Framework Agreement — covering lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, and rare earths essential for EVs, solar panels, and defence. This complements India's Critical Minerals Mission and KABIL (Khanij Bidesh India Ltd) overseas mining drive.

37. Russia Tests Soyuz-5 Rocket

Russia successfully test-launched the Soyuz-5 (Irtysh) — a new-generation medium-to-heavy-lift rocket with ~17 tonne LEO payload capacity — aimed at replacing the Zenit family and restoring Russia's commercial launch market credibility.

38. Aung San Suu Kyi Moved to House Arrest

Myanmar's military junta transferred Aung San Suu Kyi (80) from prison to house arrest, more than 5 years after the February 2021 coup. The US, Japan, and UN called for unconditional release. Myanmar's crisis impacts India's Act East Policy and border management (India-Myanmar border: 1,643 km).

39. Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting — New Delhi (May 26)

The Quad Foreign Ministers (India, USA, Japan, Australia) met in New Delhi and issued a joint statement on: Indo-Pacific security, freedom of navigation, critical minerals (launching a Quad Critical Minerals Initiative), and countering misinformation. The meeting took place on the day of UPSC Prelims 2026.

40. BRICS New Delhi Declaration 2026

The BRICS Foreign Ministers adopted the New Delhi Declaration 2026 calling for: reformed multilateralism (UNSC reform), equitable climate finance, Palestine's right to statehood, and increased intra-BRICS trade in local currencies. India holds the BRICS 2026 Chairship.

41. 100% FDI in Insurance Sector — Automatic Route

India formally notified 100% FDI in the insurance sector via the automatic route under the FEMA (Non-Debt Instruments) Rules, 2026 — the most significant insurance liberalisation since 1999. Evolution of FDI limits: 26% (1999) → 49% (2015) → 74% (2021) → 100% (2026). Flows from the Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Act, 2025. LIC retains a 20% FDI cap. India's insurance penetration: ~4% of GDP vs global average ~7%. Regulator: IRDAI.

42. India — World's Largest Remittance Recipient at $137 Billion

The World Migration Report 2026 (IOM) confirmed India as the world's largest remittance recipient at $137 billion in 2025 — well ahead of Mexico, China, and the Philippines. Remittances account for approximately 3.4% of India's GDP and are a crucial source of forex earnings.

43. SEBI PaRRVA Framework — Full Operations from May 4–5

SEBI's PaRRVA (Past Risk and Return Verification Agency) commenced full operations with CARE Ratings as the verification agency and NSE as the PaRRVA Data Centre (PDC). It mandates independent verification of historical performance claims by investment advisers before use in marketing — protecting India's 18+ crore demat account holders.

44. MSP Hike for 14 Kharif Crops 2026–27

The Union Cabinet (CCEA) approved MSP (Minimum Support Price) hike for 14 Kharif crops for 2026–27. The highest hike went to Sunflower Seed (₹622/quintal). MSP is recommended by the CACP (Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices) and ensures farmers a minimum price regardless of market fluctuations.

45. MGNREGA Replaced by VB-G RAM G from July 1, 2026

The government officially notified that MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005) would be replaced by VB-G RAM G (Viksit Bharat Rozgar Ajeevika Mission — Gramin) from July 1, 2026. This marks one of the most significant rural employment policy shifts in decades, moving from rights-based guaranteed employment to a mission-mode livelihood approach.

46. WPI Inflation at 8.3% — 42-Month High

WPI (Wholesale Price Index) inflation hit 8.3% — a 42-month high — in April 2026, driven by rising crude oil prices (Strait of Hormuz tensions) and food commodities. This pushed India's import bill, especially for oil and edible oils.

47. RBI Record Dividend — ₹2.86 Lakh Crore to Government

The RBI transferred a record dividend of ₹2.86 lakh crore to the Central Government — significantly higher than the previous year — providing significant fiscal headroom for deficit management. The transfer follows the Bimal Jalan Committee framework for RBI's economic capital management.

48. India's Forex Reserves at $640 Billion

India's forex reserves stood at approximately $640 billion in May 2026, though they came under pressure due to rupee depreciation and import costs. The rupee crossed ₹96 to the dollar briefly amid West Asian energy market turbulence.

49. BHAVYA Scheme — ₹33,660 Crore Industrial Smart Cities

The government approved the BHAVYA (Bharatiya Hi-tech Vasudha Yojana) scheme worth ₹33,660 crore for developing industrial smart cities under the DPIIT and NICDC (National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation). This is part of the broader PM Gati Shakti and National Industrial Corridor Programme.

50. Petrol-Diesel Price Hike — 4 Hikes in 2 Weeks

India witnessed 4 petrol and diesel price hikes within a fortnight in late May, driven by global crude price increases following the Strait of Hormuz crisis. Petrol rose by approximately ₹5 over 10 days before stabilising.

51. GST Collections — ₹1.94 Lakh Crore in May 2026

GST collections for May 2026 touched ₹1.94 lakh crore — one of the highest monthly figures ever — reflecting improved compliance, economic activity, and better data analytics by GST authorities.

52. SACHET — Indigenous Cell Broadcast Emergency Alert System

India formally launched SACHET — an Integrated Cell Broadcast Alert System developed by C-DOT in collaboration with NDMA. A nationwide test on May 2, 2026 at 11:40 AM sent an alert to all active smartphones across India. The system works on cell broadcast technology — no phone number needed, immune to network congestion. Aligns with UN's "Early Warnings for All" initiative.

53. 100th Vande Bharat Trainset Rolled Out

The 100th Vande Bharat trainset was rolled out from the Modern Coach Factory (MCF), Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh. The Vande Bharat (Train 18) was first launched in February 2019 from ICF Chennai and operates at up to 160 km/h design speed (130 km/h operational). It is a self-propelled semi-high-speed EMU trainset.

54. India's Maiden ICBM Test (also in Defence section)

(See Defence section — Story #17)

55. Shukrayaan — India's Venus Orbiter Mission

India's Shukrayaan Venus Orbiter Mission was confirmed for launch in the coming years, aiming to study the Venusian atmosphere, surface, and volcanic activity. It will make India only the fourth space agency (after USSR/Russia, USA, and ESA) to successfully orbit Venus.

56. E30 Petrol Standard — BIS Notification

India notified E30 petrol standards through the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), paving the way for a 30% ethanol blend in petrol — up from the current E20 mandate. This advances India's ethanol blending programme under the National Biofuel Policy, 2022.

57. IISc Bengaluru — Top 50 in THE Asia University Rankings 2026

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru (established 1909, by J.N. Tata and Maharaja of Mysore) entered the top 50 of the Times Higher Education (THE) Asia University Rankings 2026. IISc holds Institute of Eminence (IoE) status from UGC.

58. ALMM — Domestic Solar Manufacturing Mandated from June 1

India made domestic solar manufacturing mandatory for net metering projects from June 1, 2026 under the ALMM (Approved List of Models and Manufacturers) framework — a critical step to reduce Chinese solar panel dependence.

59. Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) — India's 2029 Roadmap

India released a roadmap for transitioning government digital infrastructure to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) standards by 2029, ahead of the anticipated threat from quantum computers to current encryption systems.

60. South Coast Railway — India's 18th Railway Zone

The South Coast Railway headquartered in Visakhapatnam was formally constituted as India's 18th Railway Zone, carved out of South Central Railway. Indian Railways has 68,000+ km of tracks and is the world's 4th largest railway network.

61. IMD Forecast — Below-Normal Monsoon 2026 at 94% LPA

The IMD forecast Southwest Monsoon 2026 at 94% of the Long Period Average (LPA), citing developing El Niño conditions with an 80% probability. However, the Southwest Monsoon arrived over Kerala on May 24 — eight days ahead of schedule and the earliest since 2009. LPA of Indian monsoon = 880.6 mm (1961–2010 baseline).

62. Whitley Awards 2026 — Parveen Shaikh and Barkha Subba

Two Indian conservationists won the 2026 Whitley Awards ("Green Oscars") from the Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN), UK:

• Parveen Shaikh — community conservation of the Indian Skimmer (IUCN: Endangered; WPA Schedule I; CMS Appendix II) along the Ganga

• Barkha Subba — conservation of the Himalayan Salamander (one of only two salamander species found in India)

63. Cauvery Water Dispute — CWMA Directs 2.5 TMC to Tamil Nadu

The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) directed Karnataka to release 2.5 TMC water to Tamil Nadu. Annual allocations under the 2018 SC judgment: Tamil Nadu: 404.25 TMC; Karnataka: 284.75 TMC; Kerala: 30 TMC; Puducherry: 7 TMC.

64. Amazon Rainforest Tipping Point at 1.5°C — Nature Study

A landmark study in Nature warned that the Amazon Rainforest could hit an irreversible tipping point at just 1.5–1.9°C of global warming — potentially triggering die-off of large forest sections and severely disrupting the South American water cycle. Global forest loss in 2025 was 4.3 million hectares (size of Denmark).

65. NCAP — India Achieves 26.84% PM Reduction; Varanasi Leads with 76.4%

India achieved a 26.84% reduction in PM levels from 2019 to 2024 under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). Varanasi led with 76.4% PM reduction, followed by Moradabad (58%) and Kanpur (51.2%). The NCAP was launched in 2019 with a 20–30% reduction target.

66. Urban India Achieves Full ODF Status — 4,715 ULBs

Urban India became fully Open Defecation Free (ODF) with all 4,715 Urban Local Bodies achieving ODF status under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 (SBM-U 2.0, 2021–2026). SBM-Urban Phase 1 was launched on October 2, 2014.

67. Bhitarkanika — Microplastics Found in All 20 Survey Sites

A study found microplastics at all 20 sampled sites in Bhitarkanika, Odisha — India's second-largest mangrove ecosystem and a Ramsar Wetland site. This raised serious concerns about marine plastic pollution affecting ecologically sensitive coastal areas.

68. EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) — India's IBAM Response

With the EU CBAM fully enforced from January 2026, India is exploring an India Border Adjustment Mechanism (IBAM) — a domestic carbon pricing system that would retain carbon revenues in India rather than paying them to the EU. CBAM covers steel, cement, aluminium, fertilisers, electricity, and hydrogen exports to the EU.

69. Panaiyur Fossil Bed Discovery — ZSI Survey, Tamil Nadu

A Holocene-era fossil bed (~8,000–12,000 years old) was discovered at Panaiyur, Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu, surveyed by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI). Separately, prehistoric rock paintings were found at Vellarikkombai village, Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu.

70. Prosopis Juliflora (Vilayati Babool) — Invasive Species Focus

Prosopis juliflora (Mesquite) — introduced to India in the 1870s — was in the spotlight, having spread across 60+ lakh hectares. It forms monocultures, depletes groundwater, and suppresses native biodiversity. It is India's most widespread invasive plant species.

71. Mission for Cotton Productivity (2026–31) — 5F Vision

The Union Cabinet approved the Mission for Cotton Productivity (Kapas Kanti) for FY2026-27 to FY2030-31, built around the 5F Vision: Farm → Fibre → Fabric → Fashion → Foreign Exchange. It aims to double cotton productivity from the current ~450 kg/hectare.

72. Natural Farming — 3.25 Million Hectare Target by FY31

India set a target of expanding chemical-free natural farming to 3.25 million hectares by FY31 with 65,000 clusters, 26,000 Community Resource Persons (CRPs), 5,000 Bio-Input Resource Centres (BRCs), and 2,858 demonstration farms. Agriculture is a State List (Entry 14) subject.

73. IFFCO Fertilisers Found Non-Standard in Vidisha, MP

Fertiliser samples including DAP (18:46:0), APS, and TSP from IFFCO (world's largest fertiliser cooperative) and IPL were found "non-standard" in Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, violating the Fertiliser Control Order (FCO), 1985. This highlights quality monitoring gaps in India's ₹1.8 lakh crore annual fertiliser subsidy system.

74. Sugarcane FRP Hike — ₹10/Quintal for 2026–27

The CCEA (Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs) approved a ₹10/quintal hike in Sugarcane Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for the 2026–27 season. FRP is the minimum price sugar mills must pay farmers for sugarcane; recommended by CACP.

75. India's First Guidance Document on Childhood Diabetes — 4Ts Model

The Ministry of Health launched India's first Guidance Document on Diabetes Mellitus in Children at the National Summit on Best Practices in Paediatric Care, New Delhi. Key features: the "4Ts" Early Warning Model — Toilet (frequent urination), Thirsty (excessive thirst), Tired (fatigue), Thinner (unexplained weight loss). India is the diabetes capital of the world with over 101 million adult diabetics.

76. India's Mental Health Treatment Gap — 85%

Data confirmed that ~85% of Indians with mental health conditions receive no formal care. India has only 0.75 psychiatrists per 1,00,000 people (WHO recommends 3). The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 guarantees the right to mental healthcare. The tele-MANAS helpline (Dial 14416) was highlighted as a key intervention.

77. WHO Declares Ebola (Bundibugyo Strain) a PHEIC

The WHO declared the Ebola (Bundibugyo ebolavirus) outbreak in the DRC and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in May 2026 — the highest WHO alert level under the International Health Regulations (IHR), 2005. India activated its IDSP (Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme) protocols.

78. Supreme Court Declares Trauma Care a Fundamental Right

The Supreme Court ruled that access to immediate trauma care is a fundamental right under Article 21 — every hospital in India, public or private, must provide emergency stabilisation treatment regardless of payment capacity.

79. India's Total Fertility Rate Drops to 1.9 — Below Replacement Level

India's TFR (Total Fertility Rate) dropped to 1.9 — below the replacement level of 2.1 — as per the Sample Registration System (SRS) 2024 data released in May 2026. This has significant implications for India's demographic dividend, ageing population policy, and social security systems.

80. NFHS-6 Report Released

The NFHS-6 (National Family Health Survey) was released after years of anticipation, providing a comprehensive update on India's health, nutrition, and population indicators including fertility, child malnutrition (stunting/wasting/underweight), anaemia, and vaccination coverage.

81. Piprahwa Buddha Relics Exposition — Leh, Ladakh

The sacred Piprahwa Relics of Tathagata (Lord Buddha) were publicly displayed in Leh, Ladakh from May 2–10, with special displays in Kargil and Zanskar. Discovered in 1898 at Piprahwa Stupa, UP by William Claxton Peppé, with a Brahmi inscription linking them to the Sakya clan (~3rd century BC). This coincided with Buddha Purnima (May 1, 2026).

82. Anaimangalam Copper Plates Repatriated from Netherlands

The historic Anaimangalam copper plates — ancient Chola dynasty records — were repatriated to India from the Netherlands. This is covered under the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972. India has been actively pursuing repatriation of cultural heritage from museums worldwide.

83. Buddhavanam Mobile Museum on Wheels — Telangana

Telangana launched a Buddhavanam Mobile Museum on Wheels bringing Buddhist heritage from the Nagarjunakonda-Nagarjuna Sagar region to rural areas. Nagarjunakonda (built during the Ikshvaku dynasty, 3rd–4th centuries CE) now lies submerged under the Nagarjuna Sagar reservoir on the Krishna River.

84. Kimberley Process Intersessional Meeting — Mumbai

India hosted the KP (Kimberley Process) Intersessional Meeting 2026 in Mumbai under India's KP Chairship — bringing together diamond-producing and trading nations to combat the trade in conflict diamonds (blood diamonds). The KP certification scheme (KPCS) was established in 2003.

85. Thadou Inpi Manipur Observes May 3 as Day of Peace and Prayer

Thadou Inpi Manipur (representing Thadou-Kuki tribal community) observed May 3 as a "Day of Peace and Prayer" marking 3 years since ethnic violence erupted in Manipur (May 3, 2023). The conflict between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities has killed hundreds and displaced hundreds of thousands.

86. Dr Atanu Nath — Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics

Indian scientist Dr Atanu Nath won the Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics and was felicitated at Gurucharan University, Silchar, Assam. The Breakthrough Prize (founded by Sergey Brin, Mark Zuckerberg, Yuri Milner) is the world's largest science award.

87. SSPU Pune — Asia's First UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion

Symbiosis Skills and Professional University (SSPU), Pune established Asia's first UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development under UNESCO's UNITWIN Programme — a first for Indian higher education in this domain.

88. Thomas Cup 2026 — India Wins Bronze

India's men's badminton team finished with a bronze medal at Thomas Cup 2026 after a 0–3 semifinal loss to France (which made its first-ever Thomas Cup final). India had won the historic first Thomas Cup title in 2022 by defeating Indonesia. The absence of Lakshya Sen (injury) was a major factor.

89. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi — IPL 2026 Record

Young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi set a new IPL record for most sixes in a single innings, enthralling cricket fans with an extraordinary knock.

90. Arsenal Win Premier League 2026

Arsenal won the Premier League 2026 title — ending a long wait for the Gunners. Erling Haaland won the Golden Boot for Manchester City.

91. RCB Enter IPL 2026 Final

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) reached the IPL 2026 Final with Rajat Patidar playing a key role in their campaign.

92. Ishank Singh — Youngest to Swim Across Palk Strait

Ishank Singh became the youngest person to swim across the Palk Strait (64–137 km wide, connecting Bay of Bengal and Gulf of Mannar), adding to India's open water swimming legacy following Mihir Sen (who first swam the Palk Strait in 1966).

93. Praggnanandhaa Defeats Magnus Carlsen at Norway Chess

Indian GM R. Praggnanandhaa defeated world champion Magnus Carlsen at the Norway Chess 2026 tournament — a statement performance. Divya Deshmukh and Koneru Humpy also represented India strongly in women's events. India's D. Gukesh remained World Chess Champion.

94. Gurindervir Singh — New National 100m Record (10.09 seconds)

Gurindervir Singh set a new Indian national record of 10.09 seconds in the 100m sprint — a landmark moment for Indian athletics.

95. Assam Cricketers Uma Chetry & Jintimani Kalita — India A Women's Squad

Uma Chetry (wicketkeeper-batter) and Jintimani Kalita from Assam were selected in the India A Women's cricket squad for an England tour — reflecting BCCI's expanding geographic reach in women's cricket development.

Q1. What is OptoSAR and why is Mission Drishti significant?

OptoSAR (Optical + SAR) is the world's first satellite combining Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Electro-Optical imaging on a single platform. Mission Drishti, launched by GalaxEye (IIT Madras alumni startup) on SpaceX Falcon 9, is India's largest private Earth observation satellite and the world's first OptoSAR — a landmark in India's private space sector.

Q2. What is the 4Ts model for childhood diabetes?

The 4Ts are Toilet (frequent urination), Thirsty (excessive thirst), Tired (fatigue), and Thinner (unexplained weight loss) — the early warning signs of Type 1 diabetes in children, introduced in India's first Guidance Document on Paediatric Diabetes.

Q3. What is SACHET?

SACHET is India's indigenously developed Cell Broadcast Alert System developed by C-DOT and NDMA. It simultaneously sends emergency alerts to all active mobile phones in a targeted area without needing individual phone numbers.

Q4. What does CBAM stand for and how does it affect India?

CBAM = EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. Fully enforced from January 2026, it imposes a carbon price on imports of steel, cement, aluminium, fertilisers, etc. into the EU. India is exploring an India Border Adjustment Mechanism (IBAM) in response to retain carbon revenues domestically.

Q5. What is the significance of the Southwest Monsoon's early arrival on May 24, 2026?

The Southwest Monsoon arrived over Kerala on May 24 — 8 days ahead of the normal June 1 date — the earliest since 2009. Despite IMD's below-normal (94% LPA) forecast for the season, the early arrival raised hopes for kharif crop sowing.

Q6. What is VB-G RAM G?

VB-G RAM G (Viksit Bharat Rozgar Ajeevika Mission — Gramin) replaced MGNREGA from July 1, 2026. It shifts from a rights-based guaranteed employment scheme to a mission-mode integrated rural livelihood and employment approach.

Q7. Who is India's new Chief of Defence Staff?

Lt General NS Raja Subramani became India's 3rd Chief of Defence Staff on May 30, 2026. He also heads the Department of Military Affairs (DMA). India's 1st CDS was General Bipin Rawat (died December 2021) and 2nd was General Anil Chauhan.

May 2026 was a month that touched every dimension of the GK syllabus — from defence and diplomacy to governance, environment, economy, science, and sports. Whether it was India's maiden ICBM test, the early monsoon arrival, the 114 Rafale deal, or the transformation of rural employment policy through VB-G RAM G — this month is exam-critical from every angle.

Revise these topics systematically, connect them to your static GK, and you'll be in great shape for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, and any other competitive exam.

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