In today’s report, we will discuss the significant national and international events of 12 May 2026. This compilation will be highly beneficial for those preparing for competitive exams.
Table of Contents
State News
Thalapathy Vijay Sworn in as CM of Tamil Nadu
A major shift in Tamil Nadu politics! Popular South Indian actor Joseph Vijay, famously known as Thalapathy Vijay, has taken the oath as the new Chief Minister. His party, Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), achieved remarkable success in the recent legislative assembly elections.
The party’s election symbol was the ‘Whistle’. This marks the first time since 1967 that a non-Dravidian party has formed the government in Tamil Nadu. TVK secured 108 out of 234 seats and formed the government with the support of the Congress and other regional allies. Meanwhile, Vijay, who contested from two constituencies (Perambadur and Tiruchirappalli), has vacated the Tiruchirappalli seat and will serve as the MLA from Perambadur.
Related Static GK
- The capital of Tamil Nadu is Chennai.
- The current Governor is R. N. Ravi.
- The state’s main festival is Pongal.
National News
Supreme Court’s Crucial Stance on SC/ST Act Anticipatory Bail
The Supreme Court has provided an important interpretation regarding anticipatory bail under Section 18 of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The court clarified that the prohibition on anticipatory bail is not automatically applicable.
According to the justices, allegations in an FIR must be examined carefully first. If the charges appear prima facie baseless, the accused may be granted anticipatory bail under Section 438 of the CrPC.
Related Static GK
- The SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act was passed in 1989.
- Article 17 of the Indian Constitution deals with the abolition of untouchability.
4th India-Africa Forum Summit 2026
The 4th India-Africa Forum Summit is scheduled to be held in New Delhi on 31 May 2026. This summit is being organized in collaboration with the African Union Commission.
The main objective of this summit is to strengthen relations between India and 55 African countries in trade, defense, energy, and healthcare. Currently, bilateral trade between India and Africa stands at 85 billion US dollars.
Related Static GK
- The headquarters of the African Union is located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
- The African Union currently consists of 55 member countries.
Defense News
Successful Test of DRDO’s ‘TARA’ System
DRDO and the Indian Air Force have successfully tested the indigenous glide weapon system, ‘TARA’, from Chandipur, Odisha.
The primary function of this system is to convert standard bombs into guided munitions. Using GPS navigation, it can hit targets with high precision. It has a strike range of over 80 kilometers and a speed of 650 km/h.
Related Static GK
- DRDO was established in 1958.
- Its headquarters is located in New Delhi.
ICGS ‘Achal’ Commissioned
To enhance the maritime surveillance capabilities of the Coast Guard, the ship ‘Achal’ has been commissioned. It is an ‘Adamya’ class Fast Patrol Vessel.
Built by Goa Shipyard Limited, this 51-meter-long ship has a top speed of 27 knots, which will play a vital role in coastal security and rescue operations.
Related Static GK
- The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) was established provisionally in 1977 and legally in 1978.
- The current Director General is Rakesh Pal.
Science and Technology
National Technology Day 2026
Every year, India observes National Technology Day on 11 May. The theme for 2026 is “Responsible Innovation for Inclusive Growth”.
The day commemorates the successful nuclear tests conducted under ‘Operation Shakti’ at Pokhran on this day in 1998.
Related Static GK
- India’s first nuclear test, ‘Smiling Buddha’, took place on 18 May 1974.
- Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam is known as the ‘Missile Man’ of India.
Rise in Global Capability Centres (GCCs)
According to a NASSCOM-Zinnov report, the number of Global Capability Centres in India has risen to 2,117 by the 2026 fiscal year. These centers assist foreign multinational companies with IT services and innovation.
Related Static GK
- NASSCOM is a non-profit trade association established in 1988.
- Its current headquarters is located in Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
Days and Conferences
International Nurses Day 2026
To recognize the contributions of nurses, International Nurses Day is observed on 12 May every year. The theme for 2026 is “Our Nurses, Our Future: Empowered Nurses Save Lives”.
Related Static GK
- This day is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale.
- Florence Nightingale is known as the ‘Lady with the Lamp’.
First International Ophthalmology Research Conference
India’s first International Ophthalmology Research Conference was held in New Delhi on 9 and 10 May. It was organized jointly by the Army Hospital and the All India Ophthalmological Society.
Related Static GK
- The lens in the human eye is a convex lens.
- An image is formed on the retina of the eye.
Sports and Awards
Asian Weightlifting Championship 2026
India is hosting the Asian Weightlifting Championship after 44 years. The competition is taking place in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, from 10 to 17 May. Around 180 athletes from 28 countries are participating.
Related Static GK
- Karnam Malleswari was the first Indian female weightlifter to win an Olympic medal.
- The headquarters of the Indian Weightlifting Federation is in New Delhi.
National Panchayat Awards 2025
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj recently announced the National Panchayat Awards for 2025. ‘New Napam’ in Assam has been selected as the best Gram Panchayat. ‘Sipahijala’ in Tripura is the best District Panchayat, and ‘Haripad’ in Kerala is the best Block Panchayat.
Related Static GK
- National Panchayati Raj Day is observed every year on 24 April.
- The Balwant Rai Mehta Committee is known as the father of the Panchayati Raj system in India.
Practicing these important current affairs will help you perform well in any government exam. A special quiz based on today’s current affairs has been prepared. Participate in the quiz below to check your preparation. Stay with us for daily current affairs updates.
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