Current Affairs 28 May 2026
📰 Current Affairs Post — May 2026
National Affairs
MYAS Notifies NSB and NST Rules, 2026 under Sports Governance Act, 2025
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) notified the National Sports Governance (National Sports Board (NSB)) Rules, 2026 and the National Sports Governance (National Sports Tribunal (NST)) Rules, 2026 under the provisions of the National Sports Governance Act, 2025.
NSB Rules 2026:
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Framework | Defines composition of the Board, term of office, salary, allowances, service conditions, powers & functions |
| Central Authority | NSB will function as the central authority for granting recognition to National Sports Bodies |
| Composition | Chairperson and two Members |
NST Rules 2026:
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Framework | Provides for term of office, appointment & re-appointment process, salary, allowances, service conditions & powers of the Tribunal |
| Chairperson Tenure | 5 years or till age 70, whichever is earlier |
| Members Tenure | 5 years or till age 67, whichever is earlier |
MoSJE Launches PM-AJAY Portal and Mobile App to Digitise SC Development Scheme
Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), launched the PM-AJAY Portal and the companion AJAY Mobile Application (App) virtually to digitize and strengthen the implementation of Scheduled Caste (SC) communities welfare schemes.
The dual platforms aim to fully digitize the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) by shifting from paper-based workflows to an end-to-end digital system with real-time tracking.
PM-AJAY Portal: Works as a central database that streamlines operations and supports milestone-based fund management across the scheme's three core pillars:
- Adarsh Gram component
- GIA Component
- Hostel Component
AJAY Mobile Application: A unified digital platform extending the services of Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY) and the PM-AJAY portal to mobile users — enabling mobile-based service delivery, strengthening field-level monitoring, facilitating real-time reporting, and enhancing transparency and digital governance.
11th QUAD Foreign Ministers' Meeting Held in New Delhi, Delhi
The 11th edition of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) Foreign Ministers' Meeting (QFMM 2026), chaired by Union Minister S. Jaishankar, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), was held in New Delhi, Delhi, on 26 May 2026.
Key Participants:
| Country | Representative |
|---|---|
| India | Union Minister S. Jaishankar |
| Australia | FM Penny Wong |
| Japan | FM Toshimitsu Motegi |
| USA | Secretary of State Marco Rubio |
Key Initiatives Launched:
- 1st ever Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance Collaboration (IPMSC) initiative
- Quad Initiative on Indo-Pacific Energy Security to strengthen regional energy resilience
Key Announcements:
- India to host the 2nd edition of the Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission
- Over USD 6 million funding in awards for 6 international research projects under the Advancing Innovations for Empowering NextGen Agriculture (AI-ENGAGE) initiative
- Under the "Quad Critical Minerals Initiative Framework", Quad partners pledged to mobilize up to USD 20 billion investment (government and private sector) to bolster critical minerals supply chains, including mining, processing, and recycling
ISM Launches 'Investors Support' Portal for Investor & Ecosystem Assistance
The India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) under MeitY launched an online investor facilitation portal 'Investors Support' to boost investor confidence and strengthen semiconductor investments in India.
The portal acts as a single-window facilitation mechanism for semiconductor investors in India.
Objective: Provide investors with information related to government schemes, policies, approved projects under the Semicon India Programme, and regulatory requirements.
Grievance Redressal Mechanism: Enables investors to register grievances, addressed by ISM officials with support from nodal officers of relevant ministries, departments, state governments, approved project companies, and trade bodies.
Semicon India Programme: Launched in 2021 by the GoI with an outlay of ₹76,000 crore under MeitY. So far, 12 semiconductor fabrication and packaging projects and 24 semiconductor design projects have been approved.
ICMR Launches India's Largest Biomedical Innovation Platform; Transfers 41 Health Technologies to Industry
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), under the Department of Health Research (DHR), MoHFW, organised the "Medical Innovations Patent Mitra: Innovators-to-Industry (I2I) Connect" event at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, Delhi.
Inaugurated by Union MoS Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav, MoHFW, in the presence of Gobardhan Das, Member of NITI Aayog.
Objective: Accelerate technology transfer and commercialization of indigenous healthcare innovations through industry partnership.
Tech Transfer: Launch of the first-of-its-kind Innovator–Industry Platform transferring 41 public health technologies from ICMR institutes and innovators to industry partners for further development, manufacturing, and commercialization.
Technologies Transferred: Vaccines, diagnostic technologies, medical devices, and biomedical research solutions aimed at addressing critical public health challenges.
International Affairs
Overview of Cyprus President Christodoulides's Visit to India on May 20–23, 2026
(Covered in previous edition)
Banking & Finance
LIC Launches Two New Joint Insurance Products 'New Jeevan Sathi' for Couples
Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) announced the launch of two new joint life insurance savings plans, available from June 2026, designed for couples offering joint life financial protection with guaranteed returns.
| Plan | Type | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| New Jeevan Sathi Single Premium | One-time premium plan | Guaranteed additions of ₹70 per ₹1,000 of Basic Sum Assured (BSA); policy terms 10–25 years |
| New Jeevan Sathi Limited Premium | Limited premium plan | PPT options: 5, 10, or 15 years; 7% guaranteed additions on Tabular Annual Premium (TAP); premium waiver on first death; policy terms 10–25 years |
Both plans provide guaranteed returns, fixed benefits, premium waiver on first death, loan facilities, and flexible payout options.
Economy & Business
Nibe Group Signs JV with Elbit Systems to Set Up Propellant Manufacturing Facility in India
Nibe Group and Israel's Elbit Systems signed a Joint Venture (JV) to set up advanced energetic materials and propellant manufacturing facilities in India, aligning with the GoI's 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives.
Product Portfolio: Nitro Cellulose, Nitro Glycerine, and various propellant bases (single base, double base, and triple base propellant).
Key Roles:
| Entity | Role |
|---|---|
| Elbit Systems | Technical assistance and related support |
| Nibe Group | Establishment, investment & operational responsibilities |
LoI Signed: Nibe Aeronautics signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with De Havilland Canada for the procurement of Twin Otter amphibious aircraft, boosting regional aviation and seaplane connectivity — signed in the presence of Union Minister Rajnath Singh, MoD, and CM Devendra Fadnavis of Maharashtra in Shirdi, Maharashtra. Aligned with PM Modi's vision of UDAN and Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS).
Appointments & Resignations
Senegal Appoints Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo as New PM After Ousmane Sonko's Dismissal
Senegal President Bassirou Diomaye Faye appointed Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo, a veteran central banker, economist, and member of the Pastef party, as the new Prime Minister (PM) of Senegal, three days after dissolving the government and dismissing former PM Ousmane Sonko.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Profile | Known for promoting monetary stability and fiscal discipline; consistently supported the CFA franc |
| Career | Joined Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) in 1987; Senegal's National Director (2016); Secretary-General of BCEAO; Advisor to the Governor (2021); Minister-Secretary General (2024) |
| Previous Role | Minister of State since 2025; led design and implementation of 'Sénégal 2050' long-term economic development roadmap |
SEBI Approves Appointment of 2 Executive Directors at CDSL
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) approved the appointment of Amit Mahajan and Nayana Ovalekar as Executive Directors (EDs) on the board of Central Depository Services Limited (CDSL).
| Appointee | Vertical | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| Amit Mahajan | Vertical 1 | Critical Operations |
| Nayana Ovalekar | Vertical 2 | Regulatory, Compliance, Risk Management & Investor Grievances |
Regulatory Disclosure: Under Regulation 30 of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015.
Other Appointments:
- BSE Limited: Saurabh Shukla (ED, Vertical 1) and Gopalan S. Raghavan (ED, Vertical 2)
- NSDL: Subhash Kelkar and Ankit Sharma as Executive Directors
Jawahar Officially Assumes Charge as Chairman of MPEDA
Packirisamy (P.) Jawahar officially assumed charge as the Chairman of the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), under MoC&I. He succeeded Dodda Venkata (D.V.) Swamy for a five-year term.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Profile | 2007 IAS officer of AGMUT cadre |
| Expertise | Industries, commerce, education, sustainable development & public governance |
| Previous Role | Chief Electoral Officer and Commissioner-cum-Secretary to the Government of Puducherry (Industries & Commerce, Education) |
MPEDA: Established in 1972; headquartered in Kochi, Kerala. India's seafood exports touched an all-time high of ₹72,325.82 crore (~USD 8.28 billion) during FY26, with export volumes reaching a record 19.32 lakh Metric Tonnes (MT).
Science & Technology
NASA Unveils USD 20 Billion 3-Phased Plan for Permanent Moon Base
Jared Rook Isaacman, Administrator of NASA, unveiled a USD 20 billion 3-phased plan to establish a permanent base on the Moon, equipped with lunar rovers and drones.
NASA has set the target to set up a lunar base in March 2027 and aims to land astronauts on the Moon in 2028.
| Phase | Period | Key Objectives |
|---|---|---|
| Moon Base-I | 2026–2028 | Blue Origin's Blue Moon Mark-1 Endurance lander (no earlier than September 2026); landing on Shackleton Connecting Ridge |
| Moon Base-II | 2029–2032 | Construction of permanent lunar infrastructure — habitats, power systems & facilities for longer human missions |
| Moon Base-III | 2032 onwards | NASA's Lunar Vertex science mission to study lunar swirls and bright formations linked to magnetic fields; payloads from ESA and Korean Space Agency (KSA) |
Obituary
Veteran Olympian Archer and Arjuna Awardee Shyam Lal Meena Passes Away
Veteran Indian Olympian archer and Arjuna Awardee Shyam Lal Meena passed away at the age of 61 in Rajasthan. He was born on 4 March 1965 in Kevadia village, Banswara district, Rajasthan.
Honoured with the Arjuna Award in 1989 by MYAS for outstanding contributions to the sport.
Bronze: Won a bronze medal in the men's recurve team event at the 1987 Asian Archery Championships in Kolkata (WB) with Limba Ram and Rajat Haldar — earning India's first major international archery medal and helping the nation qualify for its Olympic archery debut at Seoul 1988.
Olympics: Member of India's first-ever Olympic archery team at the 1988 Seoul Olympics alongside Limba Ram and Sanjeeva Singh — finished 71st in men's individual qualification; India secured 20th place in the men's recurve team event.
Books & Authors
Former VP M. Venkaiah Naidu & Former PM H. D. Deve Gowda Launch Book 'Apnapan' by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu and former Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda launched the book titled 'Apnapan: Narendra Modi Sang Mere Anubhav', authored by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) and Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), at the Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, New Delhi, Delhi.
Published By: Prabhat Prakashan Private Limited.
Content: A personal and reflective book chronicling Union Minister Chouhan's over 35-year association with PM Narendra Modi, tracing their journey from BJP workers to Chief Ministers and later colleagues in the Union Government. Highlights experiences from the 1991 Ekta Yatra and describes how Modi's 'Kanya Kelavani' initiative inspired women empowerment and girl child education programmes in MP.
Theme: Leadership, governance, public service, nation-building, discipline, and public welfare — principles like Seva, Antyodaya, Jan Bhagidari, Nation First and 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas'.
Important Days at a Glance
| Date | Event | Key Theme / Significance |
|---|---|---|
| May 25 | International Missing Children's Day (IMCD) | Symbolized by the "forget-me-not flower". Former USA President Ronald Reagan designated 25 May 1983 as the first National Missing Children's Day in memory of Etan Patz (disappeared 25 May 1979 in NYC). IMCD launched in 1998 through partnership between ICMEC and National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Officially recognised globally in 2001 through joint efforts of ICMEC, European Commission & Missing Children Europe. |
| May 25 | World Thyroid Day (WTD) | Theme 2026: "Thyroid and Nutrition". Established by the European Thyroid Association (ETA) in 2008; May 25 marks ETA's founding date in 1965. Endorsed by ATA, LATS & AOTA at the International Thyroid Congress in Paris (2010). First observed on 25 May 2011. Awareness symbol: Blue Paisley Ribbon (shape resembles thyroid follicle cross-section). |
State News
Gujarat Govt & Meta Sign MoU for WhatsApp-Based Citizen Service Delivery
The Government of Gujarat and Meta Platforms Inc. signed an MoU in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, to launch a WhatsApp chatbot under the 'Sugam Digital' initiative, enabling citizens to access around 20 public services from 5 departments in Gujarati and English.
Aligned with PM Modi's vision of 'Nagrik Devo Bhava', advancing governance from One Day Governance to WhatsApp-based Governance.
Signatories: Hareet Shukla, Secretary, GAD, Gujarat, and Aman Jain, Director and Head of Public Policy, Meta India, and A. Srinivas, MD and Country Head, Meta India, in the presence of CM Bhupendra Patel.
Objective: Two-year collaboration to strengthen Gujarat's e-governance through AI-driven public services, accessibility projects, and digital skilling programmes.
Accessibility Feature: Voice-enabled capabilities to improve accessibility for users in both rural and urban areas.
Initiatives: Meta and Gujarat also signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to collaborate on the state's broader AI agenda.
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