Daily Current Affairs 23 May 2026
Daily current affairs for 23 May 2026 — 17 verified news items across Tamil Nadu, International, National & more, with exam-angle notes, keywords and practice…
In this digest · 17 items
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu CM Orders Swift Probe into Sulur Minor Girl's Abduction and Murder
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay expressed shock over the abduction and murder of a 10-year-old girl in Sulur, near Coimbatore. He has instructed the police to conduct a swift and thorough investigation into the incident. The Tamil Nadu government is committed to ensuring strict punishment under the law for those involved in such criminal acts against women and children. Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the crime.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Who is the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu who expressed shock over the Sulur minor girl's abduction and murder?
- AC. Joseph VijayCorrect
- BM.K. Stalin
- CEdappadi K. Palaniswami
- DO. Panneerselvam
Explanation C. Joseph Vijay is the current Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu who responded to the incident.
Q2 What action did the Tamil Nadu government take in response to the Sulur minor girl's abduction and murder?
- AOrdered a swift probeCorrect
- BAnnounced a compensation
- CImplemented new safety measures
- DDeployed additional police forces
Explanation The Tamil Nadu government ordered a swift and thorough investigation into the incident.
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay's Cabinet Includes Historic 8 SC Ministers
Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay's cabinet in Tamil Nadu has made history by including eight ministers from the Scheduled Caste (SC) community, the highest representation ever in the state's history. This cabinet formation marks a significant milestone in the representation of the SC community in Tamil Nadu's government, tracing back to the era of the Madras Presidency in 1937. The expanded cabinet now includes a total of 23 new ministers, with the swearing-in ceremony having taken place eleven days prior.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 How many ministers from the Scheduled Caste community are included in Tamil Nadu CM Vijay's cabinet?
- A5
- B6
- C8Correct
- D10
Explanation The cabinet led by CM Vijay includes eight ministers from the Scheduled Caste community.
Q2 When was the swearing-in ceremony for the new ministers in Tamil Nadu CM Vijay's cabinet?
- A5 days ago
- B11 days agoCorrect
- C15 days ago
- D20 days ago
Explanation The swearing-in ceremony for the new ministers took place eleven days ago.
International
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio Meets PM Modi in New Delhi
On May 23, 2026, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. The meeting focused on strengthening U.S.-India ties, particularly in areas of security, trade, and critical technologies. Rubio, accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, extended an invitation to PM Modi to visit the White House. This visit marks Rubio's first official trip to India, which began with a visit to Saint Teresa's Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 Who is the U.S. Secretary of State that met with PM Modi in New Delhi in May 2026?
- AAntony Blinken
- BMarco RubioCorrect
- CJohn Kerry
- DMike Pompeo
Explanation Marco Rubio is the U.S. Secretary of State who met with PM Modi in New Delhi.
Q2 What was one of the key topics discussed during Marco Rubio's meeting with PM Modi?
- AClimate change
- BU.S.-India ties on security, trade, and critical technologiesCorrect
- CSpace exploration
- DCultural exchange programs
Explanation The meeting focused on U.S.-India ties on security, trade, and critical technologies.
Q3 Where did Marco Rubio begin his maiden visit to India?
- AMumbai
- BNew Delhi
- CKolkataCorrect
- DChennai
Explanation Marco Rubio began his maiden visit to India by visiting Saint Teresa's Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata.
Pakistan's Asim Munir Visits Tehran Amid US-Iran Peace Talks
Pakistan Field Marshal Asim Munir has arrived in Tehran for his second visit as part of ongoing mediation efforts between the United States and Iran. This visit is significant as it occurs amidst uncertainty regarding a potential peace deal between the two nations. The talks are aimed at resolving conflicts and tensions that have persisted for months, particularly concerning the strategic Strait of Hormuz. US Senator Rubio has hinted at progress in these discussions, indicating a possible breakthrough in the peace negotiations.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 Who is mediating the US-Iran peace talks as mentioned in the news?
- AIndia
- BPakistanCorrect
- CSaudi Arabia
- DTurkey
Explanation Pakistan, represented by Field Marshal Asim Munir, is mediating the talks.
Q2 What strategic location is mentioned in the context of US-Iran tensions?
- ASuez Canal
- BPanama Canal
- CStrait of HormuzCorrect
- DBosporus Strait
Explanation The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic location mentioned in the context of US-Iran tensions.
National
Centre Orders Delhi Gymkhana Club to Vacate Premises by June 5
The central government has directed the Delhi Gymkhana Club to vacate its premises by June 5, 2026. The Land and Development Office stated that the land is required for urgent institutional needs, governance infrastructure, and public interest projects. The government emphasized that the club's location is in a 'highly sensitive and strategic area' crucial for defense infrastructure and security. The land was originally leased to the club for social and sporting activities.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 By what date has the Centre asked the Delhi Gymkhana Club to vacate its premises?
- AJune 1
- BJune 5Correct
- CJune 10
- DJune 15
Explanation The Centre has ordered the Delhi Gymkhana Club to vacate the premises by June 5.
Q2 What is the reason given by the Centre for taking over the Delhi Gymkhana Club premises?
- ATo build a new sports complex
- BFor public and national interestCorrect
- CTo expand the club's facilities
- DFor commercial development
Explanation The Centre cited public and national interest as the reason for taking over the premises.
Cockroach Janta Party Website Taken Down Amidst Campaign Against Minister
The Cockroach Janta Party, founded by Abhijeet Dipke, has lost access to all its accounts following a crackdown. This action is linked to the platform's campaign demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The website of the Cockroach Janta Party has been taken down, prompting Dipke to question the government's actions, asking why it is afraid of 'cockroaches'. Despite the setback, Dipke remains defiant, stating that 'cockroaches never die'.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Who is the founder of the Cockroach Janta Party?
- ADharmendra Pradhan
- BAbhijeet DipkeCorrect
- CNarendra Modi
- DAmit Shah
Explanation Abhijeet Dipke is the founder of the Cockroach Janta Party.
Q2 What was the Cockroach Janta Party campaigning for?
- ASupport for the Union Education Minister
- BResignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra PradhanCorrect
- CEnvironmental conservation
- DEconomic reforms
Explanation The Cockroach Janta Party was campaigning for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Twisha Sharma Death Case: Husband Surrenders, Taken into Custody
Samarth Singh, the husband of Twisha Sharma, surrendered at the Jabalpur district court on May 22, 2026, after being absconding for 10 days. His anticipatory bail application was filed before the Madhya Pradesh High Court on May 21, 2026, following a rejection by a subordinate court. The High Court has allowed a second autopsy in the case. Additionally, the Bar has suspended Samarth Singh's license.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 What action did Samarth Singh take on May 22, 2026, in the Twisha Sharma death case?
- AHe was granted anticipatory bail.
- BHe surrendered at the Jabalpur district court.Correct
- CHe was acquitted by the High Court.
- DHe filed a new case against the police.
Explanation Samarth Singh surrendered at the Jabalpur district court on May 22, 2026.
Sports
Delhi HC Allows Vinesh Phogat to Compete in Asian Games Trials
The Delhi High Court has permitted wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in the Asian Games trials, criticizing the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) for its 'vindictive' conduct. The court ordered that the trials be video-recorded and mandated the presence of two independent observers from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to ensure fairness. The WFI had previously revised its selection criteria to exclude wrestlers without medals from 2025 or 2026, which led to Phogat's exclusion. The court's decision comes after Phogat's absence from competition since December 2024 and her maternity leave following the birth of her child in July 2025.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Which court allowed Vinesh Phogat to compete in the Asian Games trials?
- ASupreme Court of India
- BDelhi High CourtCorrect
- CMumbai High Court
- DCalcutta High Court
Explanation The Delhi High Court allowed Vinesh Phogat to compete in the Asian Games trials.
Q2 Who are the independent observers nominated by the court for the Asian Games trials?
- ASports Authority of India and Indian Olympic AssociationCorrect
- BMinistry of Youth Affairs and Sports and National Anti-Doping Agency
- CInternational Olympic Committee and Indian Olympic Association
- DSports Authority of India and International Olympic Committee
Explanation The court ordered the nomination of independent observers from the Sports Authority of India and the Indian Olympic Association.
Pep Guardiola to Leave Manchester City After 10 Seasons
Pep Guardiola will coach his farewell match for Manchester City on May 24, 2026, against Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium. After a successful decade with the club, the North Stand at the stadium will be renamed The Pep Guardiola Stand in his honor. This marks the end of an era for Manchester City under Guardiola's leadership.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 When is Pep Guardiola's farewell match for Manchester City scheduled?
- AMay 22, 2026
- BMay 23, 2026
- CMay 24, 2026Correct
- DMay 25, 2026
Explanation Pep Guardiola's farewell match is scheduled for May 24, 2026.
Q2 Which stand at the Etihad Stadium will be renamed in honor of Pep Guardiola?
- AEast Stand
- BWest Stand
- CNorth StandCorrect
- DSouth Stand
Explanation The North Stand at the Etihad Stadium will be renamed The Pep Guardiola Stand.
Economy
Petrol and Diesel Prices Increased for Third Time in Eight Days
On May 23, 2026, petrol and diesel prices in New Delhi were increased by 87 paise and 91 paise per litre, respectively. This marks the third hike in fuel prices within eight days, with a cumulative increase of nearly INR 4.8 per litre since May 15. The rise in fuel prices is attributed to soaring global crude rates, which have put pressure on domestic oil companies. Additionally, CNG prices have also increased in parts of North India.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 By how much did petrol prices increase in New Delhi on May 23, 2026?
- A87 paiseCorrect
- B91 paise
- C₹4.8
- D₹99.51
Explanation Petrol prices increased by 87 paise in New Delhi on May 23, 2026.
Q2 What is the cumulative increase in fuel prices since May 15, 2026?
- AINR 2.4
- BINR 3.5
- CINR 4.8Correct
- DINR 5.6
Explanation The cumulative increase in fuel prices since May 15, 2026, is nearly INR 4.8 per litre.
Q3 What external factor is contributing to the rise in fuel prices?
- ADecreased demand
- BIncreased supply
- CSoaring global crude ratesCorrect
- DGovernment subsidies
Explanation Soaring global crude rates are contributing to the rise in fuel prices.
RBI Injects ₹81,590 Crore Liquidity via 3-Day VRR Auction
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has injected ₹81,590 crore into the banking system using a 3-day Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction. This monetary tool is employed by the RBI to provide short-term liquidity to banks, ensuring they have adequate funds to meet their immediate needs. The VRR auction is a part of the RBI's strategy to manage liquidity in the financial system effectively.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 How much liquidity did the RBI inject into the banking system via the 3-day VRR auction?
- A₹75,000 crore
- B₹81,590 croreCorrect
- C₹90,000 crore
- D₹85,000 crore
Explanation The RBI injected ₹81,590 crore into the banking system through the VRR auction.
Q2 What is the purpose of the Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction used by the RBI?
- ATo increase long-term investments
- BTo inject short-term liquidityCorrect
- CTo control inflation
- DTo manage foreign exchange rates
Explanation The VRR auction is used by the RBI to inject short-term liquidity into the banking system.
JSW Motors Secures ₹8,000 Crore from SBI for NEV Venture
JSW Motors has secured ₹8,000 crore in project financing from the State Bank of India (SBI) for its new energy vehicle (NEV) venture. This investment is part of JSW Motors' commitment to developing future-ready mobility solutions in India, aligning with the nation's clean mobility goals and the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative. The funding will support JSW Motors in advancing its NEV projects, contributing to India's efforts in promoting sustainable and self-reliant transportation solutions.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 How much project finance did JSW Motors secure from SBI for its NEV venture?
- A₹5,000 crore
- B₹8,000 croreCorrect
- C₹10,000 crore
- D₹12,000 crore
Explanation JSW Motors secured ₹8,000 crore from SBI for its NEV venture.
Q2 Which initiative does JSW Motors' NEV venture align with?
- AMake in India
- BDigital India
- CAtmanirbhar BharatCorrect
- DStartup India
Explanation JSW Motors' NEV venture aligns with the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative.
LIC Reports 23% Increase in Q4 Net Profit to ₹23,420 Crore
Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) reported a 23% increase in its net profit for the fourth quarter of the fiscal year 2026, reaching ₹23,420 crore. For the entire fiscal year 2026, LIC's net profit rose by 19% to ₹57,419 crore. The company's CEO and Managing Director, Doraiswamy, attributed this growth to strong performance across all business verticals. Additionally, LIC's board declared a final dividend of ₹10 per share.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 What was the percentage increase in LIC's net profit for Q4 FY26?
- A19%
- B23%Correct
- C25%
- D20%
Explanation LIC reported a 23% increase in its net profit for Q4 FY26.
Q2 Who is the CEO and MD of LIC as of FY26?
- ARakesh Sharma
- BDoraiswamyCorrect
- CSandeep Bakhshi
- DAmitabh Chaudhry
Explanation Doraiswamy is the CEO and MD of LIC as of FY26.
Q3 What final dividend did LIC declare for FY26?
- A₹5
- B₹8
- C₹10Correct
- D₹12
Explanation LIC's board declared a final dividend of ₹10 per share for FY26.
India's Crude Oil Imports Decrease by 4.3% in April 2026
In April 2026, India imported 4.3% less crude oil compared to the previous year. Despite the reduction in volume, the import bill increased by 50% due to soaring prices. Additionally, LNG imports saw a significant decline of about 30% year-over-year, with the import bill for LNG decreasing by one-fourth. This highlights the impact of rising global oil prices on India's import expenses.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 By what percentage did India's crude oil imports decrease in April 2026?
- A4.3%Correct
- B5%
- C10%
- D3.5%
Explanation India's crude oil imports decreased by 4.3% in April 2026 compared to the previous year.
Q2 What was the percentage increase in India's crude oil import bill in April 2026?
- A25%
- B50%Correct
- C75%
- D100%
Explanation Despite a decrease in import volume, India's crude oil import bill increased by 50% due to rising prices.
Q3 How much did LNG imports decline year-over-year in April 2026?
- A10%
- B20%
- C30%Correct
- D40%
Explanation LNG imports declined by about 30% on a year-over-year basis in April 2026.
Piyush Goyal Discusses Strategies to Enhance Manufacturing Sector
Piyush Goyal, a key government official, held a meeting with industry representatives and officials to explore strategies to boost the manufacturing sector. The primary objective of this initiative is to reduce the country's import bill, which is currently affecting the domestic currency's value against the U.S. dollar due to significant foreign exchange outflows. This meeting underscores the government's focus on strengthening the manufacturing sector to stabilize the economy and improve the trade balance.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 What was the primary aim of Piyush Goyal's meeting with industry representatives?
- ATo discuss ways to boost manufacturingCorrect
- BTo increase foreign exchange reserves
- CTo promote exports
- DTo reduce employment rates
Explanation The meeting aimed at discussing ways to boost manufacturing to reduce the import bill.
Q2 What impact is the import bill having on the domestic currency?
- AStrengthening against the U.S. dollar
- BNo impact
- CWeakening against the U.S. dollarCorrect
- DIncreasing inflation
Explanation The import bill is impacting the value of the domestic currency by weakening it against the U.S. dollar.
Insurance Ombudsmen Resolve 41,055 Grievances in FY26, 79% Favor Policyholders
In the fiscal year 2026, the Insurance Ombudsmen resolved 41,055 grievances, with 79% of the decisions favoring policyholders. This was announced by IRDAI Chairman Ajay Seth, who emphasized the role of the insurance ombudsman in providing free, speedy, and accessible grievance redressal for policyholders. The institution aims to enhance trust in the insurance sector by ensuring that policyholders' concerns are addressed efficiently.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 What percentage of grievances were resolved in favor of policyholders by the Insurance Ombudsmen in FY26?
- A79%Correct
- B50%
- C60%
- D90%
Explanation 79% of the grievances were resolved in favor of policyholders as per the report.
Q2 Who is the Chairman of IRDAI mentioned in the report?
- AAjay SethCorrect
- BRaghuram Rajan
- CShaktikanta Das
- DUday Kotak
Explanation Ajay Seth is the Chairman of IRDAI as mentioned in the report.
Adani Ports to Acquire Jaypee Fertilizers for ₹1,500 Crore
Adani Ports is set to acquire Jaypee Fertilizers for ₹1,500 crore through an insolvency process. The acquisition is expected to be completed on the 'effective date' as per the approved resolution plan, which will occur no later than 90 days from March 17, 2026.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Which company is acquiring Jaypee Fertilizers for ₹1,500 crore?
- AReliance Industries
- BAdani PortsCorrect
- CTata Group
- DLarsen & Toubro
Explanation Adani Ports is acquiring Jaypee Fertilizers for ₹1,500 crore through insolvency.
Q2 By when is the acquisition of Jaypee Fertilizers by Adani Ports expected to be completed?
- AWithin 30 days from March 17, 2026
- BWithin 60 days from March 17, 2026
- CWithin 90 days from March 17, 2026Correct
- DWithin 120 days from March 17, 2026
Explanation The acquisition is expected to be completed no later than 90 days from March 17, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key current affairs of May 23, 2026?
Which exams is this digest tailored for?
Is Tamil Nadu news covered in this digest?
Plan your prep with Lighthouse Prep
An AI study planner that builds your daily plan and tracks real study time.
Open the appMore current affairs
- Daily Current Affairs 20 June 2026
- Daily Current Affairs 19 June 2026
- Daily Current Affairs 18 June 2026
- Daily Current Affairs 17 June 2026
- Daily Current Affairs 16 June 2026
- Daily Current Affairs 15 June 2026