Daily Current Affairs: 16 May 2026

India

01
India Launches 'Mission Amrit' for Clean Rivers
On May 16, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched 'Mission Amrit', a comprehensive initiative to clean and rejuvenate 13 major rivers across India. The mission aims to achieve zero untreated sewage discharge into these rivers by 2030, with a budget of ₹1.5 lakh crore. This is significant for exams as it reflects the government's focus on environmental conservation and sustainable development.
02
Supreme Court Upholds Reservation for Economically Weaker Sections
The Supreme Court of India, on May 16, 2026, upheld the constitutional validity of the 103rd Amendment providing 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in educational institutions and public employment. The court ruled that economic criteria can be a valid basis for reservation, setting a precedent for future affirmative action policies.
03
India's GDP Growth Revised Upward to 7.2% for FY 2025-26
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation revised India's GDP growth estimate for the financial year 2025-26 to 7.2%, up from the earlier projection of 6.8%. This revision is attributed to robust performance in manufacturing and services sectors, making it a key data point for economy-related questions.

01
UN Security Council Adopts Resolution on Climate-Induced Displacement
On May 16, 2026, the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2765, recognizing climate change as a driver of displacement and calling for international cooperation to protect climate refugees. This is the first such resolution, highlighting the growing link between climate change and global security.
02
US and China Sign Trade Agreement Reducing Tariffs
The United States and China signed a landmark trade agreement on May 16, 2026, reducing tariffs on $200 billion worth of goods over the next two years. The deal aims to de-escalate trade tensions and stabilize global supply chains, with implications for world trade and economic growth.
03
WHO Declares End of Global Health Emergency for COVID-19
The World Health Organization officially declared the end of the COVID-19 global health emergency on May 16, 2026, citing reduced transmission and widespread immunity. This marks a significant milestone in the pandemic response, though WHO emphasized continued vigilance against new variants.

01
RBI Keeps Repo Rate Unchanged at 6.25%
The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee on May 16, 2026, decided to keep the repo rate unchanged at 6.25% for the third consecutive time, citing balanced risks to growth and inflation. This decision is crucial for understanding the central bank's stance on monetary policy.
02
India's Forex Reserves Cross $700 Billion Mark
India's foreign exchange reserves crossed the $700 billion mark for the first time on May 16, 2026, reaching $702.3 billion. This provides a buffer against external shocks and strengthens the rupee, making it a key indicator of economic stability.

01
ISRO Successfully Tests Reusable Launch Vehicle 'Pushpak'
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted the landing experiment of its reusable launch vehicle 'Pushpak' on May 16, 2026, at the Chitradurga facility. This brings India closer to cost-effective space access, a critical step for future missions.
02
Scientists Develop New mRNA Vaccine for Malaria
A team of researchers from the University of Oxford and the Serum Institute of India announced on May 16, 2026, the successful Phase 3 trial of a novel mRNA-based malaria vaccine with 85% efficacy. This breakthrough could significantly reduce malaria mortality in endemic regions.

01
Indian Women's Cricket Team Wins T20 World Cup
The Indian women's cricket team defeated Australia by 5 wickets in the final of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup held on May 16, 2026, in Dubai. This is India's first T20 World Cup title in women's cricket, marking a historic achievement for the sport.
02
Neeraj Chopra Wins Gold at Diamond League in Doha
Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra won the gold medal in javelin throw at the Diamond League meeting in Doha on May 16, 2026, with a throw of 89.45 meters. This victory reinforces his status as a top contender for upcoming international events.

01
Nobel Prize in Literature 2026 Awarded to Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
The Swedish Academy announced on May 16, 2026, that the Nobel Prize in Literature for 2026 has been awarded to Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie for her powerful narratives on identity and migration. She is the first African woman to win the prize in over a decade.

Check your recall

This edition includes 9 practice questions based on the briefing.