Daily Current Affairs 22 May 2026
Daily current affairs for 22 May 2026 — 15 verified news items across Tamil Nadu, Defence, National & more, with exam-angle notes, keywords and practice MCQs.
In this digest · 15 items
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Expands Cabinet with Young Ministers on May 21
On May 21, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay expanded his Cabinet, marking a significant generational shift in the state's politics. The new Cabinet includes 22 Ministers aged below 50, contributing to the youngest average age among recent Tamil Nadu governments. This expansion comes just eleven days after the initial swearing-in of 10 Ministers, including the Chief Minister. The move is seen as a strategic effort to bring fresh perspectives into the state's governance.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 On what date did Tamil Nadu CM Vijay expand his Cabinet?
- AMay 10
- BMay 21Correct
- CMay 15
- DMay 25
Explanation The Cabinet expansion took place on May 21.
Q2 How many Ministers aged below 50 are in the new Tamil Nadu Cabinet?
- A10
- B15
- C22Correct
- D30
Explanation The new Cabinet includes 22 Ministers aged below 50.
Tamil Nadu Cabinet Reaches Full Strength with Swearing-in of Two New Ministers
The Tamil Nadu Cabinet has reached its full strength of 35 members with the swearing-in of two new ministers. Shahjahan from the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and Vanni Arasu from the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) were sworn in by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar. The ceremony took place on a Friday at the Lok Bhavan in Chennai, marking a significant expansion of the state's cabinet.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 Which political parties do the newly sworn-in Tamil Nadu ministers belong to?
- ADMK and AIADMK
- BIUML and VCKCorrect
- CBJP and Congress
- DCPI and CPI(M)
Explanation Shahjahan belongs to the IUML and Vanni Arasu belongs to the VCK.
Q2 Who is the Governor of Tamil Nadu who swore in the new ministers?
- ABanwarilal Purohit
- BR. N. Ravi
- CRajendra Vishwanath ArlekarCorrect
- DVidya Sagar Rao
Explanation Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar is the Governor who swore in the new ministers.
Defence
Punjab Man Arrested for Spying on Indian Army via CCTV
A man from Punjab has been arrested for espionage activities involving the installation of CCTV cameras to monitor Indian Army movements. The live feed from these cameras was reportedly transmitted to Pakistan. This arrest follows the imprisonment of two of his accomplices who were involved in the same espionage operation.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 What was the purpose of the CCTV cameras installed by the arrested man from Punjab?
- ATo monitor traffic violations
- BTo spy on Indian Army movementsCorrect
- CTo enhance public safety
- DTo monitor wildlife activities
Explanation The CCTV cameras were installed to monitor Indian Army movements and transmit the feed to Pakistan.
Q2 Where was the live feed from the CCTV cameras transmitted?
- AChina
- BBangladesh
- CPakistanCorrect
- DSri Lanka
Explanation The live feed from the CCTV cameras was transmitted to Pakistan.
National
Supreme Court Grants Bail to Delhi Riots Accused Amid Legal Review
The Supreme Court of India has granted a six-month interim bail to two individuals accused in the Delhi riots case. This decision comes as the court referred a significant legal question regarding prolonged incarceration and bail restrictions under anti-terror laws to a larger bench for review. In a related development, the Delhi High Court has granted a three-day interim bail to Umar Khalid, another accused in the Delhi riots case, to attend a family mourning ritual and assist his mother, who is due for surgery.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 What duration of interim bail did the Supreme Court grant to two Delhi riots accused?
- AThree days
- BSix monthsCorrect
- CFifteen days
- DOne year
Explanation The Supreme Court granted a six-month interim bail to two accused in the Delhi riots case.
Q2 For what reason was Umar Khalid granted a three-day interim bail?
- ATo attend a family wedding
- BTo participate in a political rally
- CTo attend a family mourning ritual and assist his motherCorrect
- DTo appear for an examination
Explanation Umar Khalid was granted a three-day interim bail to attend a family mourning ritual and assist his mother.
Madhya Pradesh Government to Transfer Twisha Sharma Death Case to CBI
The Madhya Pradesh government has proposed to transfer the investigation of Twisha Sharma's death to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Twisha Sharma, a 33-year-old model turned actor, was allegedly pushed to death by her in-laws, according to her family. Her family members met with Mohan Yadav, seeking a fair probe into her death. Meanwhile, Twisha's husband, Samarth Singh, has surrendered to the Jabalpur District Court in connection with the dowry death case.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Who has the Madhya Pradesh government proposed to transfer the Twisha Sharma death case to?
- ACentral Bureau of InvestigationCorrect
- BSupreme Court
- CNational Investigation Agency
- DState Police
Explanation The Madhya Pradesh government proposed to transfer the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Q2 Who surrendered to the Jabalpur District Court in connection with the Twisha Sharma case?
- ATwisha Sharma
- BMohan Yadav
- CSamarth SinghCorrect
- DTwisha's in-laws
Explanation Twisha Sharma's husband, Samarth Singh, surrendered to the Jabalpur District Court.
Parliamentary Panel Reviews NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak and NTA Reforms
On May 21, 2026, a parliamentary panel on education convened to discuss the alleged NEET-UG paper leak. Members of the panel questioned top officials from the National Testing Agency (NTA) about the incident. The NTA asserted that the leak did not occur through their system. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is currently investigating the matter. In response to the incident, the NTA is implementing measures to improve exam security and address staff shortages.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 Which agency is investigating the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak?
- ANTA
- BCBICorrect
- CIB
- DRAW
Explanation The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is investigating the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak.
Q2 What did the NTA claim regarding the NEET-UG paper leak?
- AIt occurred through their system
- BIt did not occur through their systemCorrect
- CIt was a technical glitch
- DIt was a false alarm
Explanation The NTA claimed that the NEET-UG paper leak did not occur through their system.
Environment
CESL to Supply 300 Electric Water Tankers to Delhi Jal Board
CESL (Convergence Energy Services Limited) will supply 300 electric water tankers to the Delhi Jal Board. This initiative is in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for the adoption of electric vehicles. The move aims to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly practices in water distribution within Delhi.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 Which organization is supplying 300 electric water tankers to the Delhi Jal Board?
- ACESLCorrect
- BBHEL
- CNTPC
- DIOCL
Explanation CESL is the organization supplying the electric water tankers.
Q2 The supply of electric water tankers to the Delhi Jal Board aligns with whose call for electric vehicle adoption?
- ANarendra ModiCorrect
- BArvind Kejriwal
- CAmit Shah
- DNitin Gadkari
Explanation The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for electric vehicle adoption.
International
UAE Official Anwar Gargash Discusses US-Iran Deal on Hormuz Strait
UAE official Anwar Gargash has commented on the potential for a US-Iran deal to reopen the Hormuz Strait, estimating a '50-50' chance of success. He emphasized the need for a diplomatic solution to the situation, warning that further armed conflict would worsen regional issues. Gargash also noted that Iranians might be overestimating their strategic position in the negotiations.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 What did UAE official Anwar Gargash estimate about the US-Iran deal regarding the Hormuz Strait?
- AA 70-30 chance of success
- BA 50-50 chance of successCorrect
- CA 30-70 chance of success
- DA 90-10 chance of success
Explanation Anwar Gargash estimated a '50-50' chance of success for the US-Iran deal.
Q2 What did Anwar Gargash warn would exacerbate regional challenges?
- AEconomic sanctions
- BFurther armed hostilitiesCorrect
- CEnvironmental issues
- DTrade embargoes
Explanation Gargash warned that further armed hostilities would exacerbate regional challenges.
Sports
East Bengal Ends 22-Year Wait for Top-Division Title in ISL
East Bengal has ended its 22-year wait for a top-division title by clinching the Indian Super League (ISL) championship. The team held on to their lead in the final game, sparking celebrations among players and fans. This victory marks a significant achievement for East Bengal, which has been striving for a top-division title for over two decades. The final game day of the ISL was highly competitive, with four teams in contention for the title, but East Bengal emerged victorious.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Which team ended a 22-year wait for a top-division title in the ISL?
- AEast BengalCorrect
- BMohun Bagan
- CBengaluru FC
- DChennaiyin FC
Explanation East Bengal ended its 22-year wait for a top-division title by winning the ISL.
Q2 How many teams were in contention for the ISL title on the final game day?
- ATwo
- BThree
- CFourCorrect
- DFive
Explanation Four teams were in contention for the ISL title on the final game day.
Economy
UN Report Predicts India GDP Growth Slowdown to 6.4% by FY27
A United Nations report has projected a slowdown in India's GDP growth to 6.4% in the fiscal year 2027. This is attributed to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, particularly involving Iran, which is exacerbating global inflation and increasing cost pressures. Despite these challenges, India is expected to remain one of the fastest-growing major economies, with a gradual recovery anticipated in FY28.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 What is the projected GDP growth rate for India in FY27 according to the UN report?
- A6.4%Correct
- B7.2%
- C5.8%
- D6.9%
Explanation The UN report projects India's GDP growth to slow down to 6.4% in FY27.
Q2 Which global region's conflict is contributing to the projected slowdown in India's GDP growth?
- AWest AsiaCorrect
- BEast Asia
- CEurope
- DAfrica
Explanation The conflict in West Asia, particularly involving Iran, is contributing to global inflation and cost pressures affecting India's GDP growth.
Oil Prices Impact India Amid US-Iran Tensions and Hormuz Disruption
Oil prices remain subdued with Brent crude trading near $111 as the US, under Donald Trump's administration, sends mixed signals regarding a potential conflict with Iran. The disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil supplies, has led to a squeeze in supply. As a result, India has increased petrol and diesel prices for the second time within a week, reflecting the global oil market's volatility and its direct impact on domestic fuel costs.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 What is the current trading price of Brent crude as mentioned in the report?
- A$100
- B$111Correct
- C$120
- D$130
Explanation The report states that Brent crude is trading near $111.
Q2 Which strategic location's disruption is affecting global oil supplies?
- ASuez Canal
- BStrait of HormuzCorrect
- CPanama Canal
- DBosporus Strait
Explanation The Strait of Hormuz is mentioned as the location where disruption is squeezing oil supplies.
Q3 How many times has India raised fuel prices in the past week according to the report?
- AOnce
- BTwiceCorrect
- CThree times
- DNot at all
Explanation India has raised petrol and diesel prices for the second time in a week.
Stock Markets Rally Amid Positive Global Trends and Easing Oil Prices
On May 21, 2026, the Indian stock markets experienced a rally in early trade, influenced by a positive trend in global peers and easing oil prices. The 30-share BSE Sensex rose by 327.74 points, reaching 75,646.13, while the 50-share NSE Nifty increased by 111.75 points to 23,772.05. This comes after a previous decline on May 20, 2026, when the Sensex fell by 517.11 points to 74,667.51 and the Nifty dropped by 152.45 points to 23,475.80, amid weak global trends and elevated oil prices.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 What was the closing point of the BSE Sensex on May 21, 2026, after the rally?
- A74,667.51
- B75,646.13Correct
- C23,772.05
- D23,475.80
Explanation The BSE Sensex climbed 327.74 points to 75,646.13 on May 21, 2026.
Q2 What factors contributed to the stock market rally on May 21, 2026?
- AWeak global peers
- BElevated oil prices
- CPositive global trendsCorrect
- DHigh inflation rates
Explanation The rally was influenced by positive global trends and easing oil prices.
India's Manufacturing Growth Slows in May Amid Iran Conflict
In May 2026, India's manufacturing sector experienced a slowdown, reaching a multi-month low, according to early PMI data. This decline is attributed to the ongoing conflict in Iran, which has affected manufacturing momentum. Despite this, the services sector has shown resilience, continuing to support the overall expansion of the private sector in India. The contrasting performance between manufacturing and services highlights the diverse impacts of global events on different sectors of the Indian economy.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 What was the impact of the Iran conflict on India's manufacturing sector in May 2026?
- AIt caused a significant increase in manufacturing growth.
- BIt led to a slowdown, reaching a multi-month low.Correct
- CIt had no impact on manufacturing growth.
- DIt resulted in the closure of several manufacturing units.
Explanation The Iran conflict led to a slowdown in India's manufacturing sector, reaching a multi-month low.
Q2 Which sector in India showed resilience despite the manufacturing slowdown in May 2026?
- AAgriculture
- BConstruction
- CServicesCorrect
- DRetail
Explanation The services sector continued to support overall private-sector expansion, showing resilience despite the manufacturing slowdown.
India's Toffee Exports Surge Over 166% in Rupee Terms Since FY14
India's exports of toffees and similar confectionery products have experienced significant growth, increasing by over 10% in volume and 166% in rupee terms since the financial year 2014. These products have reached as many as 74 countries during this period, highlighting the expanding global demand for Indian confectionery.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 By what percentage did India's toffee exports grow in rupee terms since FY14?
- A10%
- B50%
- C100%
- D166%Correct
Explanation India's toffee exports grew by 166% in rupee terms since FY14.
Q2 To how many countries have India's toffee exports reached since FY14?
- A50
- B60
- C74Correct
- D100
Explanation India's toffee exports have reached as many as 74 countries since FY14.
Atal Pension Yojana Sees Majority Opt for Minimum ₹1,000 Monthly Slab
The Atal Pension Yojana, introduced in 2015, has garnered over 90 million enrolments. A significant trend is observed in the choice of pension slabs, with 87% of subscribers opting for the minimum monthly pension of ₹1,000. In contrast, only 8% of subscribers have chosen the highest available monthly pension slab of ₹5,000. The scheme has seen substantial participation from younger age groups, and as of 31 March, the persistency rate was recorded at 50.1%.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 What percentage of Atal Pension Yojana subscribers opted for the ₹5,000 monthly slab?
- A8%Correct
- B50.1%
- C87%
- D90%
Explanation Only 8% of subscribers chose the ₹5,000 monthly slab.
Q2 As of 31 March, what was the persistency rate of the Atal Pension Yojana?
- A87%
- B50.1%Correct
- C8%
- D90%
Explanation The persistency rate was recorded at 50.1%.
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