1) 🇮🇳National
New Kerala CM: The Congress party has officially named V.D. Satheesan as the new Chief Minister of Kerala following intense deliberations.
NEET-UG Controversy: Tamil Nadu CM Vijay has called for the abolition of NEET, advocating for medical admissions based on Class 12 marks due to alleged "structural flaws" and paper leak concerns.
Sugar Export Ban: Amidst the ongoing West Asia crisis and domestic supply concerns, the Indian government has banned sugar exports until 30 September 2026.
Hijab Order Revoked: The Karnataka government has officially revoked the 2022 hijab ban, now permitting religious symbols to be worn with the school uniform.
2) 🌍International
BRICS Meeting: Foreign Ministers from the BRICS nations (including new members) began a two-day summit in New Delhi. Discussions are focused on global energy security and the war in Iran.
US-China Relations: During a meeting in Beijing, Xi Jinping warned US President Donald Trump that mishandling the Taiwan issue could push bilateral ties into a "dangerous place."
International Day of Families: Observed globally on 15 May to raise awareness of issues relating to families and to increase the knowledge of the social, economic, and demographic processes affecting families.
3) 💰Economy
GDP Growth Forecast: India’s real GDP growth for FY 2025–26 is estimated at 7.6%, underpinned by resilient domestic demand and macroeconomic stability.
Inflation Concerns: BRICS nations expressed collective concern over rising global prices for fertiliser, food, and energy caused by supply chain disruptions in the Middle East.
Market Update: Indian equity indices remain volatile as global oil prices fluctuate due to the conflict in Iran, testing the $100–$110 per barrel range.
4) 🗓Date’s importance
International Day of Families (15 May): Proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993, this day reflects the importance the international community attaches to families.
Historical Event (1928): Mickey Mouse made his first-ever appearance on this day in the silent animated short film Plane Crazy.
Political History (1952): Today marks the anniversary of the first sitting of the Lok Sabha (House of the People) in independent India.
5) 👱♂👩🦳Person of the day
S. Jaishankar: India's External Affairs Minister is the key figure today as he hosts the BRICS Foreign Ministers in New Delhi, emphasizing the bloc's "constructive and stabilizing role" in global flux.
V.D. Satheesan: The newly appointed Chief Minister of Kerala, stepping into a major leadership role in South Indian politics.
6) 🏅Sports
Virat Kohli Record: Virat Kohli has equalled Jos Buttler for the most centuries during run-chases in IPL history.
ICC Test Rankings: Jasprit Bumrah maintains his top spot as the world's No. 1 Test bowler; Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill hold spots in the top 10 batters.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Scientists have issued a warning regarding extreme heat threats for the upcoming World Cup, urging FIFA to implement strict safety protocols for matches.
7) 🏆Awards
Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award 2026: Recently conferred upon Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi for his selfless service to society and child rights.
National Florence Nightingale Awards: President Droupadi Murmu presented these awards to 15 nursing professionals, including Aysha Beebi K from Lakshadweep.
8) ⭐️Other important significance
Medical Milestone: AIIMS Delhi successfully performed a complex, life-saving dual Pancreas-Kidney Transplant surgery.
National Dengue Day (16 May Eve): Health ministries have started nationwide awareness campaigns today ahead of National Dengue Day to combat the pre-monsoon spread of the virus.
📚Word of the day
EBULLIENT
Meaning: Cheerful and full of energy; bubbling over with enthusiasm.
Usage: Despite the economic challenges, the ebullient spirit of the Indian startup ecosystem continues to attract global investors.