Here are the top 10 major news headlines from India generating national attention on Friday, May 22, 2026:
1. RBI Approves Record Dividend Tranche of ₹2.86 Lakh Crore to Centre
The Central Board of Directors of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved a massive surplus transfer of ₹2,86,588.46 crore to the Union Government as a dividend for the 2025–26 accounting year. The historic payout comes after factoring in current macroeconomic parameters, robust bank performance, and the maintenance of essential risk buffers.
2. IMD Sounds Alarm: Severe Heatwave Persists Across North and Central India
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an urgent press release confirming that severe heatwave conditions will continue to scorch the plains of Northwest, Central, and adjoining East India. Meanwhile, the IMD noted that early advancements of the Southwest Monsoon are being tracked near the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal, offering a glimmer of eventual relief.
3. India and Cyprus Elevate Bilateral Ties to a “Strategic Partnership”
Following an extensive bilateral meet in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides announced a major elevation in diplomatic relations. Key outcomes include finalized mobility and social security agreements. PM Modi stated that Cyprus remains a top-10 investor in India, with the goal of doubling these investments over the next five years.
4. Home Minister Amit Shah Vows Complete Expulsion of Infiltrators
Speaking on national security and demographics, Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared that the Government of India is taking definitive action to halt cross-border infiltration entirely. Shah emphasized that every illegal infiltrator would be identified and expelled to prevent “unnatural demographic changes” across the country.
5. Supreme Court Recalls “Harsh” Remarks Against Academics in NCERT Row
The Supreme Court modified its contentious March 11 order, officially recalling harsh observations made against three academics regarding a textbook chapter on judicial corruption. Additionally, the apex court asked a panel led by a former Supreme Court judge to review the usage of political and social cartoons in NCERT textbooks.
6. Congress Accuses Government of Covering Up Alleged NEET-UG 2026 Irregularities
Stepping up its political offensive, the Congress party accused the Modi administration of attempting a “cover-up” regarding suspected paper leaks and irregularities in the NEET-UG 2026 examinations. Senior leader Jairam Ramesh demanded full accountability from the Prime Minister and the Education Minister.
7. High Court Grants 3-Day Interim Bail to Delhi Riots Accused Umar Khalid
The Delhi High Court granted a three-day interim bail to Umar Khalid, an accused in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case. The brief release, scheduled from June 1 to June 3, was approved to allow Khalid to attend his mother’s upcoming surgery. The Supreme Court also indicated that interim bail orders for co-accused Khalid Saifi are expected Monday.
8. Cabinet Formation Finalized in Tamil Nadu as TVK Inducts Allies
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay concluded his historic cabinet formation with the swearing-in of coalition partners. Ministers from the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) took their oaths administered by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, marking the state’s highest-ever Scheduled Caste cabinet representation.
9. Health Ministry Moves Pregabalin to Restricted “Schedule H1” List
The Union Health Ministry has officially moved the widely prescribed drug Pregabalin under Schedule H1 of the Drugs Rules via a gazette notification. The restrictive classification aims to curb growing reports of prescription drug abuse and unauthorized over-the-counter sales.
10. Tragedy on Everest: Two Indian Climbers Perish During Descent
International mountaineering officials confirmed the tragic deaths of two Indian climbers in Nepal. The individuals lost their lives due to extreme altitude complications while descending from the summit of Mount Everest.
