Today is 16 May 2026. This report covers the latest developments at both national and state levels, specifically curated for your competitive exam preparation. Stay connected with pesha.in for your daily dose of current affairs.
Table of Contents
National News
Mizoram Ginger Mission
The Central Government has launched the Mizoram Ginger Mission to boost the development of the North-Eastern region, with an allocation of approximately 189.79 crore rupees. The mission focuses on the cultivation, processing, and branding of GI-certified ginger from Mizoram to ensure its reach in the international market.
Related Static GK
- The ‘Thingpui’ and ‘Thingl Dum’ ginger varieties of Mizoram are world-famous.
- Both varieties received GI tags in 2021.
- In 2025, NITI Aayog declared Mizoram the ‘Ginger Capital of India’.
New Speaker of West Bengal Assembly
Rathindra Bose has been elected as the new Speaker of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly. As the MLA from the Cooch Behar South constituency, he is the first leader from North Bengal to occupy this high-ranking office.
Related Static GK
- Article 178 of the Indian Constitution governs the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker in the Assembly.
- The West Bengal Legislative Assembly functions as a unicameral house.
India’s AI-based Fighter Aircraft ‘Kaal Bhairav’
India has commenced the development of its first AI-powered autonomous fighter aircraft, ‘Kaal Bhairav’. The project is currently being executed in Portugal. Developed by Bengaluru-based Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace (established in 2022), this aircraft is designed to carry out missions up to 3000 kilometers without a pilot.
Related Static GK
- AI (Artificial Intelligence) has become the backbone of modern defense technology.
- Startups are increasingly playing a critical role in manufacturing indigenous defense equipment.
India’s First Hydrogen-Powered Shuttle Bus
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has introduced India’s first hydrogen-powered shuttle bus service. The bus operates between the Central Secretariat and Seva Tirth Metro stations. It is an environmentally friendly alternative as it emits only water vapor instead of harmful exhaust fumes.
Related Static GK
- Hydrogen fuel cells generate power through a chemical reaction.
- Since the only emission is water vapor, it represents a clean transportation solution.
Economic and Scientific Developments
Wholesale Price Index (WPI) Inflation
India’s WPI-based inflation rose to 8.3% in April 2026, up from 3.8% in March. This increase is attributed to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and global market volatility. Meanwhile, the CPI-based inflation for April was recorded at 3.48%.
Lormalgi Therapy for Alzheimer’s
‘Lormalgi Therapy’ has been introduced in India to treat Alzheimer’s disease. This therapy utilizes Donanemab, a drug manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company, which helps reduce the accumulation of harmful A-beta proteins in the brain.
Related Static GK
- World Alzheimer’s Day is observed annually on 21 September.
- Alzheimer’s is a neurological disorder known for causing severe memory loss.
Carbon Capture Laboratory
IIT Bombay has inaugurated the country’s first integrated Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage laboratory. It focuses on capturing (CO_2) emissions from industrial plants and storing them permanently beneath basalt rock layers.
Other Significant News
Etor Gidi Festival
The Adi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh celebrates the Etor Gidi festival at the beginning of the agricultural season in May. The community offers prayers to ‘Kinhi Nane Devi’ for a prosperous harvest and healthy livestock. The celebrations feature traditional Ponung and Delong dances.
Kimberley Process Intercessional 2026
The Kimberley Process conference is underway in Mumbai. India has held the presidency since 1 January 2026. This process, initiated in 2000, aims to eliminate the trade of ‘Blood Diamonds’ or conflict diamonds from the global market.
National Endangered Species Day
Observed on the third Friday of May (which fell on 15 May this year), the day is dedicated to the protection of endangered species and raising awareness about biodiversity.
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