Is this rude?

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To approach a group of people, for instance at a place of employment, and say, 'Hello. What is going on here, please?'

I don't think that it is rude unless it is a small group of people having a very private conversation.

I am by no means the expert on social interactions, but here are my thoughts.
Approaching a group of people is fine. Talking to them is fine. I think you have to word your opening sentence differently, though. When you say, "what is going on here," it sounds a bit like an accusation. I think that, yes, that could be interpreted as rude, even though I don't think you mean to be. I would recommend, "What's up?" or some synonymous phrase instead.
I'm assuming that you do mean to strike up conversation with this group of people, not accuse them of something, yes?

That sounds good.

And an impromptu conversation like this, as like many business conversations, almost more productive if it's kept on the brief side.

sounds a little like you are accusing them of something. i'd try, "can someone catch me up on what is going on here?"

It would be slightly funny to say that if you knew the people well and were mimicking your boss or supervisor. However, if you said this to people you do not really know well or you said it in a serious manner, it could be received by those people as accusatory.

Thank you for the advice. No, I do not want to accuse them of doing something wrong.

You sound like a proper English Bobby . As mentioned by others it sounds like you are insinuating that others are doing something wrong by suggesting that something is going on. By annexing the word 'please' on to the end it almost sounds like you are implying that you're in a more authoritative position than they are and you are suggesting that whatever it is that is 'going on' perhaps shouldn't be and that they should get back to work. That's how I read it. If you are trying to initiate a conversation or become part of another one, try and be more colloquial:

"Ey up guys?"
"You 'right lads?"
"How's it goin'?"
"You guys watch the game last night? I felt like ripping the referee's legs off"

If those suggestions make it sound like you are dumbing yourself down or perhaps butchering the English language, it's because you are, but that's how 'guys' talk (I'm assuming the people you are trying to converse with are guys, although that term is androgynous for me). What I have found useful when trying to enter a conversation is looking at how the group talks. Hear what words they use (if it's polite discourse or cockney slang) then come up with a line that will ingratiate you in to the group but won't make it sounds like you are mimicking them or insinuating anything. For me I find "y'alright guys" said in a confident manner to be extremely versatile.