17-18 May 2026 Current Affairs

Daily CA One- Liner: May 17 - 18

🧡 May 17

• Mizoram Ginger Mission gets ₹189.79 crore boost  – The Central Government launched the  Mizoram Ginger Mission  to turn Mizo ginger into a  globally recognised agricultural brand  – a spicy step for Northeast farmers.

• Pune gets a climate‑tech startup hub  – The  Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune  launched a dedicated  climate‑tech startup incubation centre  focused on weather and climate innovation – where ideas meet the elements.

• Rajasthan's first semiconductor cluster in Bhiwadi  – Rajasthan launched its  first Semiconductor and Electronics Manufacturing Cluster  in Bhiwadi – a major industrial milestone for the state.

• NHAI's Project Saksham for inclusive growth  – The  National Highways Authority of India  launched  Project Saksham  to promote inclusive development through skill development and employment opportunities – building roads and livelihoods.

• India chairs Kimberley Process meet in Mumbai  – India successfully concluded the  Kimberley Process Intersessional Meeting 2026  in Mumbai under its chairship – leading global efforts against conflict diamonds.

• PM Modi visits UAE  –  Shri Prime Minister Narendra Modi  visited the United Arab Emirates, strengthening bilateral ties.

• Indian boxers shine in Asian U‑15 Championships  – India delivered an impressive performance at the  Asian Boxing Under‑15 Championships 2026 , winning a total of  27 medals, including 9 golds  – future champions in the ring.

• SEBI eases borrowing norms for InvITs  –  SEBI  widened the permissible use of fresh borrowings by  Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs)  where net debt exceeds 49% of asset value – aiming to improve operational efficiency and asset performance.

• Wholesale inflation jumps to 42‑month high  – India’s  WPI‑based inflation surged to 8.3% in April 2026 , up from 3.88% in March – a sharp spike that has economists watching closely.

• GSTAT benches become operational  – The  Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT)  formally operationalised benches across India and introduced a structured framework for categorisation, scrutiny, and listing of GST appeals – a long‑awaited reform.

• ICICI Bank launches USD debit card for NRIs  –  ICICI Bank  launched a  USD‑denominated debit card  in partnership with Visa, aimed at helping Non‑Resident Indians manage offshore wealth more efficiently – spending made simpler.

• Central banks turn net sellers of gold  – According to the  World Gold Council , central banks became  net sellers of gold in March 2026  for the first time in 10 months – a surprising shift in the gold market.

• Praveen Sood gets one‑year extension as CBI Director  – The Central Government extended the tenure of  Praveen Sood  as Director of the  Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)  by one more year – continuity at the helm.