Lighthouse Prep · Current Affairs

May 2026 Current Affairs

The important news of May 2026 for competitive exams, sorted by topic: 174 stories from 11 daily digests, with Economy, National and International news making up most of it. Each story below has a short summary, what to note for exams, and a link to its full entry with practice MCQs and sources.

Top stories of May 2026

The month's biggest exam-relevant stories.

Supreme Court Demands Accountability in NEET Paper Leak Case

The Supreme Court of India, led by Justices P S Narasimha and Alok Aradhe, has called for accountability in the recent NEET paper leak case, describing the situation as 'very traumatic' for students.

The focus on accountability in the NEET paper leak case is crucial for understanding judicial oversight in educational examinations.

Supreme Court · NEET · NTA · UPSC · P S Narasimha

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Supreme Court Overturns NCLAT and CCI Orders Against Amazon in Future Group Case

The Supreme Court of India has overturned the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) ruling that rejected Amazon's appeal concerning its investment deal with Future Group.

The Supreme Court's role in corporate legal disputes and regulatory penalties.

Supreme Court · Amazon · NCLAT · CCI · Future Group

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India-Africa Forum Summit Postponed Due to Ebola Outbreak Concerns

The Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit has been postponed due to the Ebola virus outbreak. This decision is seen as a setback to India-Africa relations, although officials have indicated that it was made in the best interest of all stakeholders involved.

The impact of health crises on international diplomatic events.

India-Africa Forum Summit · Ebola outbreak · Africa

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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.

The impact of global oil prices on India's economy.

crude oil · LNG imports · import bill

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Kerala Police Criticized After Attack on ED Officials During Raid at Former CM's Residence

The Kerala Police have come under scrutiny following an attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials during a raid at the residence of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

The law and order situation and political implications in Kerala.

Kerala Police · ED officials · Pinarayi Vijayan · CPI(M) · DYFI

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India and Italy Upgrade Ties to Special Strategic Partnership

India and Italy have elevated their bilateral relations to a 'Special Strategic Partnership' during PM Modi's visit to Italy. The two nations have set a target of achieving Euro 20 billion in trade by 2029.

The details of the India-Italy Special Strategic Partnership and its implications.

Italy · Narendra Modi · Giorgia Meloni · Special Strategic Partnership · defence roadmap

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National

The most important of 36 National stories this month.

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.

Legal proceedings and bail decisions in high-profile cases.

Supreme Court · Delhi riots · Umar Khalid · interim bail · anti-terror laws

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Supreme Court Collegium Recommends Five for Elevation as Judges

On May 27, 2026, the Supreme Court Collegium recommended the elevation of five individuals to the Supreme Court. This includes four High Court judges and one woman advocate. The resolution was published late on Wednesday.

The composition and recommendations of the Supreme Court Collegium.

Supreme Court · Collegium · Justice B.V. Nagarathna · High Court judges · woman advocate

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Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Discusses Mekedatu and Fishermen Issues with PM Modi

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi to discuss pressing issues such as the Mekedatu dam project and the arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen.

The issues discussed between Tamil Nadu CM and PM Modi.

Tamil Nadu · C. Joseph Vijay · Narendra Modi · Mekedatu · fishermen

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Rahul Gandhi Discusses Inflation with Delhi Auto Drivers

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi engaged in a discussion with autorickshaw drivers at Todarmal Park in Bengali Market, Delhi. The focus of the conversation was on issues such as inflation and rising gas prices. During the event, Gandhi donned an auto driver's uniform and interacted with children, taking selfies with them.

Political leaders' engagement with public issues like inflation.

Rahul Gandhi · Delhi · inflation · gas prices · autorickshaw drivers

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Economy

The most important of 53 Economy stories this month.

Supreme Court Upholds 28% Retrospective Tax on Online Gaming Firms

The Supreme Court of India has dismissed petitions from the online gaming industry challenging the government's imposition of a 28% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on online gaming firms.

The Supreme Court's decision and its impact on the online gaming industry.

Supreme Court · GST · online gaming · retrospective tax

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RBI Considers Interest Rate Hike as Rupee Hits Record Low

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is contemplating an interest rate hike as the Indian rupee reached a new low of 96.95 against the US dollar on May 20, 2026. This measure is part of a broader strategy to stabilize the currency, which also includes options like currency swaps and raising dollars from overseas investors.

RBI's measures to stabilize the rupee and economic implications.

RBI · rupee · interest rate hike · currency swaps · dollar

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SEBI imposes ₹29 crore penalty on Suzlon Energy for financial misrepresentation

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has imposed a penalty of approximately ₹29 crore on Suzlon Energy and its former executives for financial misrepresentation.

SEBI's regulatory actions against corporate financial misrepresentation and penalties imposed.

SEBI · Suzlon Energy · financial misrepresentation · accounting fraud · penalty

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India and US to Discuss Bilateral Trade Agreement in Delhi from June 1-4

India and the United States are set to hold a fresh round of talks on a bilateral trade agreement in Delhi from June 1 to June 4, 2026. This follows a visit by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as both nations aim to finalize an interim deal to strengthen supply chain ties and enhance market access.

The talks are significant for understanding India's international trade relations and economic diplomacy.

United States · Marco Rubio · trade agreement · Delhi · agriculture

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International

The most important of 24 International stories this month.

China Plans Year-Long Space Mission with Hong Kong Astronaut

China is preparing to send an astronaut on a year-long space mission as part of its ambitious plans to achieve a moon landing by 2030. Li Jiaying, a payload specialist and former Hong Kong police inspector, will be the first astronaut from Hong Kong to participate in a Chinese space mission.

China's space exploration plans and the involvement of Hong Kong in these missions.

China · Li Jiaying · Hong Kong · space mission · moon landing

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US Extends Ebola Travel Ban to Include Green Card Holders

The United States has extended its Ebola travel ban to include Green Card holders. This decision was made under Title 42 of U.S. public health law, which permits federal health authorities to restrict entry into the country to prevent the spread of contagious diseases.

US public health measures and international travel restrictions.

US · Ebola · Green Card holders · CDC · Title 42

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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.

The significance of U.S.-India relations and high-level diplomatic visits.

Marco Rubio · PM Modi · New Delhi · U.S.-India ties · Sergio Gor

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Indo-Canadian Trade Talks Progress at Western Canada Summit

During the Western Canada Summit, Chris Cooter, Canada's High Commissioner to India, stated that trade negotiations between India and Canada are actively progressing. He expressed strong confidence in achieving a breakthrough in the ongoing trade talks, indicating positive momentum in bilateral trade relations.

The progress and significance of Indo-Canadian trade negotiations as highlighted by Canada's High Commissioner.

Canada · Chris Cooter · Western Canada Summit · trade negotiations

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Science & Tech

The most important of 9 Science & Tech stories this month.

Delhi High Court's Landmark Ruling on Google Keyword Advertising

On May 31, 2026, the Delhi High Court delivered a significant ruling regarding the use of registered trademarks as keywords in Google Ads. Justice Mini Pushkarna examined whether a company can purchase another company's registered trademark as a keyword to have their advertisements appear first in search results.

The legal implications of keyword advertising and trademark use in online ads as ruled by the Delhi High Court.

Delhi High Court · Google Ads · Justice Mini Pushkarna · keyword advertising · registered trademark

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Blue Origin's New Glenn Rocket Explodes During Prelaunch Engine Test in Florida

Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket exploded on the launch pad in Florida during a prelaunch engine-firing test. Emergency officials confirmed that there was no threat from fumes or other potential hazards following the explosion. The incident occurred as part of the preparations for the rocket's upcoming launch.

Details about the Blue Origin New Glenn rocket explosion during a prelaunch test and safety assurances are relevant for current affairs in space technology.

Blue Origin · New Glenn · rocket explosion · Florida · engine-firing test

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Meta Introduces Paid Subscriptions for Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp

Meta has launched paid subscription services for its platforms Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. The new subscription tiers, named Instagram Plus and Facebook Plus, are priced at $3.99 per month, while WhatsApp Plus is available for $2.99 per month.

Meta's new subscription model and pricing details.

Meta · Instagram Plus · Facebook Plus · WhatsApp Plus · subscriptions

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Samsung Faces Major Strike After Pay Talks with Union Collapse

Samsung is set to face a significant strike after negotiations with union leaders over employee compensation fell apart. The union has demanded that Samsung allocate 15% of its annual operating profit towards employee bonuses and remove the current bonus cap, which is set at 50% of annual salaries.

The strike at Samsung due to failed pay negotiations highlights labor relations in major tech companies.

Samsung · strike · union · employee bonuses · operating profit

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Environment

The most important of 7 Environment stories this month.

Centre Opposes New Hydroelectric Projects in Upper Ganga Region

The Indian government has informed the Supreme Court that it opposes the development of new hydroelectric projects in the upper Ganga region, specifically in the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi river basins in Uttarakhand.

The government's stance on environmental issues and hydroelectric projects in Uttarakhand.

Centre · Supreme Court · hydroelectric projects · upper Ganga · Uttarakhand

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IMD Issues Red Heatwave Alerts for Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts for severe heatwave conditions in several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. The maximum temperature reached 47.2°C in Brahmapuri, Maharashtra.

The states affected by the heatwave and the IMD's response.

IMD · heatwave · Uttar Pradesh · Madhya Pradesh · Maharashtra

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Study Analyzes Human-Elephant Conflict in Assam from 2000 to 2023

A study has mapped the human-elephant conflict in Assam, analyzing 1,806 incidents that occurred between 2000 and 2023. The research highlights that these conflicts are more prevalent near fragmented forests and human settlements, particularly during the monsoon and post-harvest seasons.

The patterns and causes of human-wildlife conflict in Assam.

Assam · human-elephant conflict · monsoon · post-harvest · fragmented forests

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Assam Women Transform Water Hyacinth into Livelihoods Near Rhino Habitat

In Assam, women living near the Laokhowa-Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary have found an innovative way to create livelihoods by utilizing water hyacinth, a common aquatic weed.

Environmental conservation efforts and sustainable livelihoods in Assam.

Assam · Laokhowa-Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary · water hyacinth · rhino habitat · livelihoods

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Government Schemes

CEC Gyanesh Kumar Emphasizes Fair Electoral Rolls for Fair Polls

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar highlighted the importance of maintaining fair electoral rolls to ensure fair elections.

The role of electoral roll management and the Election Commission's efforts to ensure fair elections.

Gyanesh Kumar · Chief Election Commissioner · Election Commission · Booth Level Officers · Booth Level Agents

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West Bengal Launches Annapurna Bhandar Scheme for Women

The West Bengal government is set to launch the Annapurna Bhandar Scheme, which will provide eligible women with a monthly financial assistance of ₹3,000 through Direct Benefit Transfer.

The details and implementation of the Annapurna Bhandar Scheme in West Bengal.

West Bengal · Annapurna Bhandar Scheme · Direct Benefit Transfer · 2026

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States to Receive VB-G RAM G Funds Based on 16th Finance Commission Formula

The Indian government has announced that states will receive VB-G RAM G funds based on the 16th Finance Commission formula and performance criteria. The Centre has published draft rules for this funding scheme and is inviting feedback until June 21.

The funding criteria and governance structure of the VB-G RAM G scheme.

VB-G RAM G · 16th Finance Commission · National Level Steering Committee · MGNREGA

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Defence

The most important of 5 Defence stories this month.

India Signs BrahMos Missile Deal with Vietnam, Nears Pact with Indonesia

India has signed a deal to supply BrahMos missiles to Vietnam and is close to finalizing a similar agreement with Indonesia. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh highlighted India's strong commitment to its ASEAN partners, reflecting New Delhi's strategic focus on strengthening defense ties within the region.

India's defense collaborations with ASEAN countries and the significance of the BrahMos missile deal.

Vietnam · Indonesia · BrahMos missile · ASEAN · Rajesh Kumar Singh

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Indian Navy Awards ADITI 3.0 Contract to Tonbo Imaging for HPM System

The Indian Navy has awarded the ADITI 3.0 contract to Tonbo Imaging for the development of High Power Microwave (HPM) systems. These systems are a strategically significant directed-energy capability, considered a strategic asset owned by only a limited number of countries.

The strategic significance of HPM systems and the role of Tonbo Imaging.

Indian Navy · ADITI 3.0 · Tonbo Imaging · High Power Microwave · HPM system

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Sports

The most important of 24 Sports stories this month.

Supreme Court Permits Vinesh Phogat in Asian Games 2026 Trials Amid Doping Test Concerns

The Supreme Court of India has allowed wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in the Asian Games 2026 selection trials. This decision came after the Wrestling Federation of India challenged a Delhi High Court order from May 22, which had permitted her participation.

The legal aspects of sports participation and doping regulations.

Supreme Court · Vinesh Phogat · Asian Games 2026 · Wrestling Federation of India · Delhi High Court

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Satwik-Chirag defeat world champions Seo-Kim to reach Singapore Open final

Indian badminton doubles pair Satwik and Chirag defeated the world champion Korean pair Seo and Kim to reach the final of the Singapore Open Super 750 tournament. They upset the World No. 1 Korean duo in a thrilling semifinal match.

Recent achievements of Indian badminton players in international tournaments.

Satwik · Chirag · Seo-Kim · Singapore Open · Fajar Alfian

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Arsenal Wins Premier League Title After 22-Year Wait

Arsenal has won the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years. The team was crowned champion after Manchester City was held to a draw at Bournemouth. Arsenal's players are set to lift the trophy at Crystal Palace on May 24.

Arsenal's historic Premier League win after 22 years.

Arsenal · Premier League · Manchester City · Bournemouth · Crystal Palace

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12-Year-Old Pooja Singh Breaks 14-Year-Old High Jump National Record

At the Asian U20 Athletics Championships, 12-year-old Pooja Singh broke a 14-year-old senior national high jump record. Pooja, who is also the current Asian champion, had previously won the women's high jump gold at the Asian Championships in South Korea last year with a 1.89m jump.

Recent national records in athletics and notable young Indian athletes.

Pooja Singh · Asian U20 Athletics Championships · high jump · national record · Asian Championships

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Tamil Nadu

The most important of 12 Tamil Nadu stories this month.

Tamil Nadu Cabinet Expands to 33 Ministers Including Congress After 59 Years

The Tamil Nadu Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Vijay, has expanded to include 33 ministers, with the Congress party joining the government for the first time in 59 years. This expansion includes two Congress ministers and marks a significant political development in the state.

The political significance of Congress joining the Tamil Nadu government after 59 years.

Tamil Nadu · Vijay · Congress · TVK · IUML

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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.

The historic representation of SC ministers in Tamil Nadu's cabinet.

Tamil Nadu · C. Joseph Vijay · Scheduled Caste · Madras Presidency · Cabinet

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Congress Breaks Ties with DMK and Joins TVK Alliance in Tamil Nadu

In a significant political development in Tamil Nadu, the Congress party has officially ended its alliance with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and joined the Tamil Vikatan Katchi (TVK) alliance.

Recent political alliances and party realignments in Tamil Nadu's electoral politics.

Congress · DMK · TVK · Tamil Nadu · political alliance

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Tamil Nadu Government Faces Criticism Over Crop Loan Waiver Policy

The Tamil Nadu government announced a cooperative crop loan waiver up to ₹50,000, which has drawn criticism from political parties including AIADMK, BJP, and AMMK. The criticism stems from the government's decision to use monetary criteria instead of landholding size as the basis for the waiver.

The criteria for the crop loan waiver and political reactions.

Tamil Nadu · AIADMK · BJP · AMMK · crop loan waiver

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All 11 daily digests for May 2026

Every item in full, with its sources and practice MCQs.