Current Affairs for Competitive Exams: 12 May 2026,Daily Roundup
Current Affairs – 12 May 2026
On 12 May 2026, major developments included the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026, the launch of new rural employment and health initiatives, advances in India’s defence modernisation, and continued geopolitical tensions linked to West Asia.
National Affairs
Governance, Education & Welfare
- NEET-UG 2026 Cancelled: The National Testing Agency (NTA) cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 examination after confirmation of a paper leak affecting over 22 lakh aspirants. The probe was handed over to the CBI, and re-examination will be conducted without additional fees.
- MGNREGA Replacement: The government formally notified the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (VB-GRAMG) Act, which will replace MGNREGA from 1 July 2026, with focus on durable rural infrastructure and livelihood creation.
- SEHAT Mission Launched: ICMR and ICAR jointly launched the SEHAT (Science Excellence for Health through Agricultural Transformation) initiative to link agriculture, nutrition, and public health.
- National Panchayat Awards 2025: Assam’s New Napam Gaon Panchayat won the top Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar.
Infrastructure & Economy
- PM Narendra Modi called for national unity and “economic self-defence” amid the West Asia crisis while inaugurating projects in Gujarat.
- The Centre confirmed sufficient stocks of crude oil, natural gas, LPG, and fertilisers for the Kharif season.
- Ministry of Road Transport revised BOT guidelines allowing institutional investors to participate in highway PPP projects.
- Pune announced India’s first Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in Shivajinagar under Maharashtra’s EV policy.
International Current Affairs
- PM Modi’s upcoming diplomatic tour to the UAE, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy was announced to strengthen trade and energy partnerships.
- RBI and the European Central Bank (ECB) signed a revised MoU for cooperation in banking supervision and information exchange.
- India and Peru agreed to resume Free Trade Agreement negotiations in June 2026.
- India confirmed hosting of the 4th India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV) in New Delhi from 28–31 May 2026.
Global Geopolitical Crisis
- India placed obligations under the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan in abeyance following regional tensions linked to Operation Sindoor.
- Iran institutionalised control over the Strait of Hormuz through the newly formed Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), requiring transit permits and tolls.
- Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed at least two people amid continuing regional instability.
- Floods in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province affected nearly 2,000 families, according to IOM.
Defence
- DRDO achieved a breakthrough in hypersonic propulsion with the successful testing of an actively cooled scramjet combustor.
- DRDO prepared the deployment of the DURGA-2 high-energy laser weapon system aboard Indian Navy warships.
- The Indian Army inducted indigenous systems, including the ULPGM and AGNIKAA VTOL-1 Kamikaze Drone.
- The IAF prepared the deployment of TEJAS MK-1A squadrons at forward bases in Rajasthan.
- India’s indigenous Coast Guard hovercraft project advanced in Goa.
Science & Technology
- ISRO and the Jute Corporation launched the Jute Crop Information System (JCIS) using satellite-based crop monitoring.
- DMRC and Airtel Payments Bank introduced RuPay National Common Mobility Cards for Delhi Metro commuters.
- India’s installed solar power capacity crossed 150 GW, making India the world’s third-largest solar producer.
- SEBI proposed GARUDA, a green-channel framework for Alternative Investment Funds.
Sports
- India won two medals at the Shanghai Archery World Cup Stage-2, including Gold in women’s recurve team and Bronze for Sahil Jadhav.
- India retained the No.1 position in the ICC Men’s ODI rankings.
- Delhi Capitals defeated Punjab Kings by 3 wickets in IPL 2026.
- Indian boxers dominated semifinals of the Asian U-15 & U-17 Boxing Championships in Tashkent.
Global Observance
- International Nurses Day (12 May) is observed worldwide on the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, highlighting healthcare workforce strengthening and digital health security.
Miscellaneous One-Liners Current Affairs
- Arunachal Pradesh recorded sighting of a wild tiger at D’Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary after nearly 20 years.
- Assam exported commercial honey to the United States for the first time from the Baksa district.
- Supreme Court launched “One Case One Data” initiative and AI chatbot “Su Sahay.”
- West Bengal announced “Annapurna Bhandar” financial support scheme for women.
- IMD forecast heatwave conditions in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Maharashtra, and West Madhya Pradesh.
- SAIL appointed Ashok Kumar Panda as Chairman and Managing Director.
