Daily Current Affairs: 17th May, 2026
1. Government e-Marketplace (GeM) Foundation Anniversary 2026
The Government e-Marketplace Special Purpose Vehicle (GeM SPV) was established on 17th May 2017 under the Companies Act, 2013 as a Section 8 non-profit entity functioning under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. GeM acts as a digital platform that facilitates government procurement, promoting initiatives like Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Vocal for Local, and the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 by connecting domestic manufacturers and service providers directly to government buyers.
It includes participation from Class-1 domestic suppliers operating in various sectors such as pharmaceuticals, transportation, construction machinery, furniture, textiles, and medical consumables. Currently, the platform accommodates over 1.36 lakh government purchasers and approximately 25 lakh sellers and service vendors.
Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) constitute around 72% of active sellers, bolstering small-scale industries and fostering financial inclusion. In the fiscal year 2025–26, more than 11 lakh MSEs were beneficiaries of upwards of 51 lakh procurement orders, collectively valued at ₹2.36 lakh crore.
2. PM Modi's Congratulations to Iraq's New Prime Minister
In May 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his felicitations to Falih Kadhim al-Zaidi on taking charge as the Prime Minister of Iraq. Modi expressed optimism about enhancing the bilateral ties and collaborative efforts between India and Iraq during al-Zaidi's tenure.
3. International Day of Light 2026
Celebrated worldwide on 16th May 2026, this day marks the anniversary of the first successful laser operation performed by Theodore Maiman in 1960. The observance emphasizes the significance of light-based technologies in diverse fields including science, education, healthcare, communication, and sustainable development.
The theme for 2026 is "Light for a Sustainable Future," highlighting advancements in energy-efficient lighting solutions, environmentally friendly production methods, and enhanced practices in agriculture.
4. Establishment of Rajasthan's Inaugural Semiconductor Cluster
On 15th May 2026, Rajasthan's first semiconductor cluster was inaugurated in Bhiwadi within Alwar district. This facility is situated at the Electronics Manufacturing Cluster in Salarpur, Khushkhera, and was initiated by Sahasra Semiconductors Pvt Ltd.
The cluster specializes in Assembly, Testing, Marking, and Packaging (ATMP) along with Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) services. It manufactures memory-related semiconductor products and possesses an annual packaging capacity of 60 million units.
ATMP and OSAT units perform downstream activities such as chip assembly, final testing, and packaging following wafer fabrication.
5. Launch of India's First Satellite-Tagged Ganges Soft-Shell Turtle
On 15th May 2026, the first Ganges soft-shell turtle in India equipped with a satellite tag was released in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, Assam. This tagging initiative allows researchers to monitor the turtle's movement patterns, habitat preferences, and behavior to support conservation and scientific studies.
6. Election of Speaker of the 18th West Bengal Legislative Assembly
Rathindra Bose, the BJP MLA representing Cooch Behar Dakshin, was unanimously chosen as the Speaker of the 18th West Bengal Legislative Assembly on 15th May 2026. The election was conducted through a voice vote.
7. Funding Secured by Dhruva Space for Project Garud
Dhruva Space, a Hyderabad-based company, obtained ₹105 crore funding from the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) in May 2026 for its Project Garud. This project aims to develop a 500 kg-class satellite platform designed for constellation-scale missions with scalable deployment capabilities.
The indigenous, modular, and mass-producible platform is intended to serve both national and international markets. It bridges the gap between small experimental satellites and large traditional ones by offering enhanced payload capacity, scalability, and launch efficiency.
Applications span telecommunications, national security, Earth observation, and data services. The project targets the manufacture of up to two satellites daily, with an annual production capacity ranging between 500 and 600 units.
8. Sahdev Yadav Appointed Head of South Asian Weightlifting Federation
On 14th May 2026, Sahdev Yadav, who presides over the Indian Weightlifting Federation, was unanimously elected as the leader of the South Asian Weightlifting Federation (SAWF).