Daily Current Affairs – 10-05-2026

States’ News

West Bengal’s First BJP Government

Suvendu Adhikari took oath as the 9th Chief Minister of West Bengal on May 9, 2026, becoming the head of the first BJP government in West Bengal. The swearing-in ceremony was held at Brigade Parade Grounds, Kolkata, where Governor RN Ravi administered the oath of office and secrecy. The event was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, other Union ministers, Chief Ministers of NDA-ruled states, and BJP leaders. Along with Adhikari, Dilip Ghosh (former BJP West Bengal president), Agnimitra Paul, Nisith Pramanik (former Minister of State for Home), Ashok Kirtania, and Khudiram Tudu took oath as state ministers.

KSRTC Introduces Gender-Based Ticketing System

The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has started implementing a gender-based ticketing system in buses across Kerala from May 2026. The system records whether a passenger is a woman, man, or child through ticket machines operated by bus conductors. A circular regarding the implementation was issued to public utility officials on Friday. The move is linked to the election promise made by the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) to provide free bus travel for women.

Telangana Railway Infrastructure Projects

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate railway infrastructure projects worth around ₹1,535 crore in Telangana to improve rail connectivity, reduce congestion and enhance operational efficiency on major railway routes. The projects include various sections of the 118-km Kazipet–Vijayawada multi-tracking project, which is aimed at facilitating faster train movement, improving punctuality and increasing freight carrying capacity across the region.

Tiger Spotted in D’Ering Wildlife Sanctuary

A tiger was photographed through a camera trap in the D’Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh after nearly two decades. The 190 sq. km sanctuary is located near Pasighat in East Siang district. The sanctuary is named after Daying Ering, former Union Minister and chairman of the Ering Commission, which played a role in the development of the Panchayati Raj system in India. According to Divisional Forest Officer Kempi Ete, forest officials conducted systematic monitoring and camera-trap surveys for the past one year to confirm tiger presence. The surveys were carried out with technical support from the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE). The study also recorded the presence of the critically endangered Chinese pangolin and the endangered hispid hare in the sanctuary.

National News

Gig Workers Registration under Social Security Code

The Ministry of Labour and Employment has notified the final rules under the Code on Social Security, 2020, mandating aggregators to upload details of all gig workers on a central government portal within 45 days to ensure social security coverage. Aggregators failing to make contributions for social security benefits will have to pay 12% annual interest, including 1% interest for every month or part of a month for delayed payment. The rules also direct aggregators to record all new appointments and exits on a daily or real-time basis. According to the rules, a gig or platform worker must be at least 16 years old and should have worked for an aggregator for a minimum of 90 days in the previous financial year to become eligible for social security benefits. According to NITI Aayog, India had 7.7 million gig workers in 2020-21, and the number is expected to rise to 23.5 million by 2029-30.

General NS Raja Subramani Appointed as CDS

General NS Raja Subramani has been appointed as India’s next Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and will assume office at the end of May 2026. He will succeed General Anil Chauhan, whose tenure ends on May 30, 2026. At present, General Subramani is serving as the Military Advisor in the National Security Council Secretariat. Earlier, he served as the Vice Chief of Army Staff, where he worked on easing capital procurement rules and promoting the Make in India initiative in the defence sector. He will also function as the Secretary, Department of Military Affairs, Government of India. General Subramani is a graduate of the National Defence Academy and the Indian Military Academy and was commissioned into the 8th Battalion of the Garhwal Rifles. He has over 40 years of service in the armed forces and has also served as the Chief of Staff, Headquarters Northern Command.

Labour Law Compliance Linked to Government Contracts

The Ministry of Finance has linked compliance with labour laws to eligibility for government procurement contracts to protect outsourced and contractual workers employed in central ministries, departments, autonomous bodies and Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs). The ministry amended Rule 151 of the General Financial Rules (GFR), 2017, under which firms can face a bidding ban of up to 3 years for failure to pay wages and statutory social security contributions under labour laws, in addition to corruption or integrity violations. The debarment provisions apply when the procuring entity makes payments due to contractor defaults. In an office memorandum dated May 8, the Procurement Policy Division under the Department of Expenditure directed ministries, departments, autonomous bodies and CPSEs to ensure timely wage payments by contractors and instructed Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) to verify compliance every month. The directions refer to Section 17(1) of the Code on Wages, 2019 and Section 55(3) of the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020. The new procurement rules were issued along with the final rules notified by the Ministry of Labour and Employment for implementing the four Labour Codes.

Agni Missile Tested with MIRV Technology

The Ministry of Defence announced the successful test of the Agni missile equipped with advanced MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle) technology on May 9, 2026. The missile was launched from APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha. MIRV technology enables a missile to strike multiple targets located in different areas simultaneously. During the test, multiple missiles were launched towards different targets across the Indian Ocean region. The successful test marked the first trial of the Agni missile with MIRV technology.

Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan Appointed Navy Chief

Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan has been appointed as the next Chief of the Naval Staff by the Central Government. He will succeed Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, who retires on May 31. At present, he heads the Western Naval Command, which is responsible for India’s western maritime front. Commissioned into the Navy in 1987, he has nearly four decades of service experience in operational, personnel and training assignments. He has commanded major naval platforms including INS Vikramaditya and INS Mysore. He holds an MA in Defence Studies from King’s College London and a PhD from Mumbai University. He is a recipient of the Param Vishisht Seva Medal and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal.

Tourism Ministry’s Global Tourist Hub Scheme

The Union Tourism Ministry is set to launch a challenge-based tourism development scheme under which 50 tourist destinations across India will be developed as “global-standard tourist hubs” with financial assistance of up to ₹500 crore per project. The scheme aims to improve tourism infrastructure, hygiene, safety, and visitor experience and will introduce real-time tourist feedback dashboards and mandatory third-party audits for monitoring and accountability. According to the guidelines, ₹200 crore will be allocated for destination management systems and ₹300 crore for infrastructure development at each selected site. The scheme is based on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “One State: One Global Destination.” Financial assistance will be released in phases through a four-level funding mechanism linked to performance benchmarks and periodic assessments. During the Union Budget presentation in February 2025, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that at least 50 tourist destinations would be developed under this initiative with support from the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.

Sports News

WFI Suspends Vinesh Phogat from Domestic Competitions

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has declared wrestler Vinesh Phogat ineligible to participate in domestic competitions until June 26, 2026, and issued a show-cause notice alleging indiscipline and violations of anti-doping rules. The federation referred to her disqualification from the 2024 Paris Olympic Games for failing to meet weight requirements, alleged whereabouts failures under anti-doping regulations, and participation in two weight categories during the March 2024 selection trials conducted by the IOA-appointed ad-hoc panel. The notice also cited a May 4, 2026 communication from the International Testing Agency (ITA) regarding a “missed test” linked to an unsuccessful doping control attempt on December 18, 2025. Under Article 5.7 of the UWW Anti-Doping Rules, athletes returning from retirement must provide six months’ prior notice and remain available for testing during that period. The WFI also referred to a previous whereabouts failure notice issued by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) on September 25, 2024 related to an out-of-competition test in Sonipat. Vinesh Phogat was planning to return through the Senior Open Ranking Tournament at Nandini Nagar, Gonda.

Indian Boxers Reach Finals in Asian U15 & U17 Championship

At the Asian U15 and U17 Boxing Championships held in Tashkent, nine Indian girls qualified for the finals in the women’s category. Akshita won in the 30-33 kg category by defeating a boxer from Kazakhstan. Ansi won in the 37 kg category, Sonia in the 40 kg category, Tanvi in the 43 kg category, Hansika in the 46 kg category, Sunaina in the 58 kg category, Bhumika in the 61 kg category, and Tanvi in the 64 kg category. Jia lost in the 35 kg category, while Khushi Rana was defeated in the 49 kg category.

Sahil Jadhav Wins Bronze at Archery World Cup

At the Archery World Cup held in Shanghai, China, Indian archer Sahil Jadhav won the bronze medal in the men’s compound category. In the second stage event, he defeated Denmark’s Martin Damsbo by 147-144 points. Sahil Jadhav, who is also a World University Games champion, secured India’s first medal in the tournament. In the recurve category, Indian archer Simranjeet Kaur advanced to the women’s semifinal and remains in contention for a medal.

Paolini Eliminated from Rome Open

At the Rome Open ATP/WTA 1000 Tennis Tournament held in Rome, Italy, defending champion Jasmine Paolini lost to Belgium’s Elise Mertens with scores of 6-4, 6-7, 3-6 and missed the chance to retain her title. Paolini had won both the singles and doubles titles in the previous edition of the tournament. In the women’s category, Coco Gauff of the United States defeated Argentina’s Solana Sierra to advance to the fourth round, while Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina defeated Maria Sakkari. World No. 1 player Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus lost to Sorana Cirstea. Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen lost to Jelena Ostapenko. In the men’s category, Andrey Rublev defeated Miomir Kecmanovic, and Daniil Medvedev advanced after Tomas Machac withdrew due to illness. Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti also advanced to the next round.

Tamil Nadu News

Vijay Appointed Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader C. Joseph Vijay was appointed as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu by Governor R.N. Ravi on May 9, 2026. Vijay is scheduled to take oath at the Nehru Indoor Stadium, Chennai, on May 10, 2026. The Governor directed him to prove his majority in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly by May 13, 2026. TVK secured the support of 120 MLAs, crossing the majority mark of 118. The supporting parties include Congress (5), Communist Party of India (CPI) (2), Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] (2), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) (2) and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) (2) along with TVK (107) members. The Governor confirmed the support of VCK and IUML legislators before issuing the appointment order. Senior Congress leader and Lok Sabha Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi is expected to participate in the swearing-in ceremony.

Olive Ridley Hatchlings Released Along Tamil Nadu Coast

According to the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, nearly 1.65 lakh Olive Ridley sea turtle hatchlings were released into the sea during the 2026 nesting season along the Tamil Nadu coast. A total of 1,985 turtle nests were recorded and around 2.29 lakh eggs were collected and protected. Turtle mortality declined from 1,572 last year to 784 this year. Chennai Wildlife Region recorded the highest nesting activity with 656 nests and 74,143 eggs, while Cuddalore district released 48,617 hatchlings into the sea. More than 62,000 hatchlings are yet to emerge. During the 2025 nesting season, over 3.19 lakh eggs were collected and more than 2.29 lakh hatchlings were released across Tamil Nadu. Conservation efforts involved the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, Fisheries Department, Indian Coast Guard, Students Sea Turtle Conservation Network (SSTCN), Tree Foundation India, volunteers, and fishing communities.

Drone Survey for Land Claims in Anamalai Tiger Reserve

The Forest Department is considering a drone survey to verify cultivable land claims made by residents of settlements in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006. Land ownership claims up to four hectares per family are initially examined by the Grama Sabha, and grievances are reviewed by Sub-Divisional and District-Level Committees. In Tiruppur district, the process covers 15 settlements with 1,150 families. The Forest Department has issued conditional pattas to 850 families for their houses and cultivated land. The Grama Sabha verifies whether the claimants have possessed the land for three generations. Farmers cultivating coffee, cardamom, ragi, and pepper have submitted land ownership claims under the Act.

International News

Jaishankar Meets Trinidad and Tobago PM

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar in Port of Spain on May 9, 2026 during his official visit to Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. The meeting focused on expanding bilateral relations between India and Trinidad and Tobago and discussing new projects and initiatives for cooperation. The discussions were held as part of the final leg of Jaishankar’s three-nation visit.

India to Host 4th India-Africa Forum Summit

India will host the Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV) in New Delhi on May 31, after a gap of ten years, with the previous summit having been held in 2015. Senior officials’ meetings will be held on May 28, followed by a meeting of Foreign Ministers on May 29. India has invited all African countries for the summit. Discussions will focus on trade, investment, education, health, food security and developmental assistance. Over the past decade, India has opened 17 new diplomatic missions in Africa, increasing its presence to 46 countries. Bilateral trade between India and Africa stands at around 85 billion US dollars, and Africa accounts for nearly 10% of India’s energy imports. India has also signed digital cooperation framework agreements with seven African countries, while 39 African nations have joined the International Solar Alliance.

Personalities, Awards and Events

Sukumar Azhikode National Award

Social activist Medha Patkar and writer Perumal Murugan have been selected for the Sukumar Azhikode National Award presented in connection with the birth centenary celebrations of Malayalam writer and critic Sukumar Azhikode. The award recognises Medha Patkar for her work related to social issues and the rights of displaced people, while Perumal Murugan was selected for his contribution to Indian literature and writings on social issues. The awardees were selected by a committee headed by Justice K.T. Thomas. The awards, which include a cash prize of Rs. 50,000 and a citation, will be presented at the concluding function of the centenary celebrations to be held in Kannur on May 12.

Reports and Indices

Organ Donation in India

According to data released by the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) under the National Organ Transplant Program (NOTP), more than 4.92 lakh Indians have pledged to donate organs and tissues after death as of May 2, 2026. Among them, 2,62,403 men and 2,26,309 women registered as organ donors. Women have taken the lead in organ donation pledges in states such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Kerala, Punjab, Mizoram, and Sikkim after the launch of the Aadhaar-based verification system on September 17, 2023, the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Maharashtra recorded the highest number of pledges. Data also showed that the highest number of pledges were for heart donation (3,39,583), followed by liver (3,41,038), lungs (3,11,898), pancreas (2,96,863), intestine (2,94,058), and kidney (1,50,191) donations. A deceased donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation.

Important Days

World Migratory Bird Day - May 10

World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) is an international awareness campaign observed to highlight the importance of migratory birds and the need for their conservation. It is celebrated twice every year, usually on the second Saturday of May and October. In 2026, it is observed on May 10 and later in October.

The campaign is organized under the leadership of international organizations such as the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA), and supported by environmental partners worldwide.

Migratory birds are birds that travel long distances between breeding and wintering grounds across countries and continents. Examples include Siberian Crane, Bar-headed Goose, Flamingo, Arctic Tern, and Amur Falcon. India is an important destination for many migratory birds because of its wetlands, forests, lakes, and coastal ecosystems.

Every year, the event is observed with a specific theme. Activities include bird-watching programs, awareness rallies, nature camps, school competitions, seminars, and conservation campaigns conducted by governments, NGOs, and environmental groups.

Migratory birds play a major role in maintaining ecological balance by helping in pollination, seed dispersal, and pest control. Their migration patterns also indicate the health of ecosystems and climate conditions.