Monthly Current Affairs
Subject-wise revision from the shared current-affairs corpus.
Monthly Digest: May 2026
Magazine view, file link, monthly quiz and places-in-news for revision.
Monthly Digest: May 2026
139ECONOMY AND INFRASTRUCTURE
- May 2026 was dominated by large capex announcements and a recalibration of energy security.
- PM Modi inaugurated Rs 20,900 crore of projects in Kanpur on 30 May including the Chunniganj-Kanpur Central underground metro (Rs 2,120 crore), the 660 MW Panki Thermal extension (Rs 8,300 crore) and three 660 MW Ghatampur units (Rs 9,330 crore), followed by Rs 48,520 crore works at Karakat, Bihar with the 3x800 MW Nabinagar Stage-II and the Buxar-Bharauli Ganga bridge.
- The Cabinet sanctioned a Rs 37,500 crore coal and lignite gasification mission, higher MSPs for 14 kharif crops (paddy up Rs 72 to Rs 2,441) and a tripartite pact for Thoothukudi mega greenfield shipyard.
- Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri flagged 60 days of crude and gas plus 45 of LPG stock, warning of up to Rs 1 lakh crore quarterly OMC losses.
- WPI inflation hit a 42-month high of 8.3 per cent in April even as retail CPI eased to 3.48 per cent.
- PFRDA unveiled the NPS Retirement Income Scheme and Drawdown Options allowing 80 per cent corpus withdrawal up to age 85.
- RBI ran a Rs 1 trillion seven-day VRR auction on 18 May.
- Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal set a USD 1 trillion export goal for FY27 after FY26 exports touched a record USD 863 billion.
- IBBI marked ten years of the IBC with Rs 4 lakh crore realised via 1,419 resolution plans.
- MoSPI rescheduled the GDP release to 5 June under the new 2022-23 base year projecting 7.6 per cent real growth.\n\nGOVERNANCE AND WELFARE: The Viksit Bharat-GRAM-G Act 2025 will replace MGNREGA from 1 July 2026 guaranteeing 125 days of rural employment with Rs 95,692 crore.
- CCEA approved the SARTHAK-PDS umbrella scheme (Rs 25,530 crore) for 81.35 crore NFSA beneficiaries.
- The 19th Rozgar Mela on 23 May handed out 51,000 appointment letters, taking the total since October 2022 to 12 lakh.
- PM Modi chaired the first 2026 Council of Ministers meeting at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, set the 2047 Viksit Bharat horizon and spotlighted Sikkim Rs 360 crore Organic Mission covering 66,000 families.
- Sikkim was declared the sixth fully literate state under ULLAS at 99.82 per cent.
- President Murmu conferred Padma Awards 2026 on 66 personalities.
- Jal Shakti Minister C R Paatil launched the NETRA AI platform, DHARMA app and a new NDSA office.
- Punjab regularised over 65,000 contractual employees.\n\nINTERNATIONAL: India hosted BRICS Foreign Ministers under its 2026 chairship and the 11th Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting which launched Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance, a USD 20 billion Critical Minerals Initiative and an Energy Security Initiative.
- PM Modi visited Abu Dhabi (USD 5 billion UAE pact) and completed a five-nation tour of Norway (Green Strategic Partnership, Grand Cross), Netherlands (17 agreements), Italy (FAO Agricola Medal on 21 May), with parallel upgrades for Sweden (Joint Action Plan 2026-2030) and Cyprus (Strategic Partnership, six MoUs, 2026-2031 Defence Roadmap).
- India and the US signed a Strategic Critical Minerals Framework on 26 May, the 35th WMCC met in Beijing, Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing began a state visit, and Goyal led a 150-member delegation to Canada to revive CEPA targeting USD 50 billion by 2030.\n\nPOLITY: President Murmu approved the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill 2026 raising strength to 38.
- The Supreme Court upheld the ECI Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls on 26 May and mandated FIRs in all missing-child cases.
- PRS tracked the Constitution 131st Amendment, UT Laws and Delimitation Bills.
- Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah resigned ahead of the Congress power-sharing transition to D K Shivakumar.\n\nSCIENCE, TECH AND ENVIRONMENT: DRDOs scramjet combustor ran 1,200 seconds, ISRO readied GSLV-F17/GISAT-1A, Chandrayaan-3 won the 2026 AIAA Goddard Astronautics Award and Chandrayaan-2 DFSAR confirmed subsurface water ice in Faustini crater.
- Indian Railways cleared the first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell train on the Jind-Sonipat section.
- IMD declared southwest monsoon onset over Kerala on 26 May, nearly a week early, while severe heatwaves pushed Akola to 46.9 C. CSEs State of Indias Environment 2026 warned seven of nine planetary boundaries breached.\n\nRAJASTHAN: CM Bhajanlal Sharma inaugurated the state first semiconductor cluster in Bhiwadi, launched Vande Ganga Jal Sanrakshan Jan Abhiyan from Bisalpur Dam, approved 500 e-buses across eight cities by August 2026 and a New Industrial Policy targeting USD 350 billion by 2028-29.
- Amit Shah launched Vibrant Villages Phase II in Bikaner covering 184 villages with Rs 137 crore.
Top stories
139Defence Ministry on 9 May 2026 Confirms DRDOs Active-Cooled Scramjet Combustor Achieved 1,200 Seconds of Continuous Ground Test Run; Path-Breaking Milestone Advances Indias Hypersonic Cruise Missile and Aerospace Capability
On 9 May 2026 the Defence Ministry confirmed that DRDOs active-cooled scramjet combustor sustained a ground test run of more than 1,200 seconds at Hyderabad; the milestone advances Indias hypersonic cruise missile capability alongside MIRV-Agni and Tara glide weapon validations.
Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma Says 17.5 Lakh Women Have Become Lakhpati Didis as State Raises Loan Limit to Rs 1.5 Lakh and Cuts Interest Rate to 1.5 Per Cent on 11 May 2026
On 11 May 2026 Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma said 17.5 lakh women have become Lakhpati Didis under the state-implemented scheme; the state has raised the loan limit to Rs 1.5 lakh and cut interest rate to 1.5 per cent, with linkages to Rajeevika, DAY-NRLM, PM SVANidhi and PM Vishwakarma.
India Marks First Anniversary of Operation Sindoor on 7 May 2026 as Defence Ministry Reports FY 2025-26 Defence Exports of Rs 38,424 Crore, a 62.6 Per Cent Year-on-Year Surge
On the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor on 7 May 2026, the Defence Ministry reported FY 2025-26 defence exports of Rs 38,424 crore, up 62.6 per cent year-on-year, driven by BrahMos, Akash-NG, loitering munitions and Netra AEW&C exports.
Subject-wise compilation
7Rajasthan26
Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma Says 17.5 Lakh Women Have Become Lakhpati Didis as State Raises Loan Limit to Rs 1.5 Lakh and Cuts Interest Rate to 1.5 Per Cent on 11 May 2026
On 11 May 2026 Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma said 17.5 lakh women have become Lakhpati Didis under the state-implemented scheme; the state has raised the loan limit to Rs 1.5 lakh and cut interest rate to 1.5 per cent, with linkages to Rajeevika, DAY-NRLM, PM SVANidhi and PM Vishwakarma.
Rajasthan Government on 19 May 2026 Decides to Roll Out 500 Electric Buses for Public Transport in Eight Cities by August 2026 Under the Prime Minister E-Bus Sewa Scheme and the State Approved E-Mobility Plan Aligned With Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma Fuel Conservation Appeal Following the Recent National Resource Call
Rajasthan on 19 May 2026 decided to deploy 500 e-buses in eight cities including Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Bikaner, Ajmer, Udaipur, Bharatpur and Alwar by August 2026 under PM E-Bus Sewa and state e-mobility plan, aligned with CM Bhajanlal Sharma fuel conservation appeal. PMI Electro Mobility Solutions will set up the first state e-bus plant in Ghiloth with Rs 1,200 crore investment.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma Advances Rural Self-Reliance Through the Gram Vikas Yatra Outreach Campaign Reaching Every Village to Identify Local Problems and Strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions Ahead of the Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet 2026
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma is advancing rural self-reliance through the Gram Vikas Yatra outreach campaign, which reaches every village to identify local problems, strengthen Panchayati Raj institutions, and prepare for the Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet 2026.
Rajasthan Cabinet on 22 May 2026 Chaired by Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma Approves the New Rajasthan Industrial Development Policy Built on the Four G Pillars of Green Governance Growth and Globalisation with a Target State Economy of 350 Billion US Dollars by 2028-29 Under the Viksit Rajasthan 2047 Vision
Rajasthan Cabinet on 22 May 2026 approved new Industrial Development Policy on four G pillars of Green Governance Growth and Globalisation targeting USD 350 billion state economy by 2028-29 with single-window clearance digital land bank and incentives for semiconductors data centres green hydrogen and GCCs under Viksit Rajasthan 2047 vision.
Rajasthan Faces Severe Heat Wave on 23 May 2026 With Sriganganagar Recording 46.5 Degrees Celsius as Hottest City, Several Western Districts Crossing 45 Degrees, and the India Meteorological Department Warning of Severe Heat Wave Conditions in Isolated to Some Pockets of West Rajasthan During 24 to 29 May Even as the State Government Activates Its Rajasthan Heat Action Plan With Adjusted School Timings, Health Advisories and Cooling Centres
Rajasthan on 23 May 2026 faced a severe heat wave with Sriganganagar at 46.5 degrees Celsius as the hottest city; IMD warned of severe heat wave in West Rajasthan during 24-29 May; the state activated its Heat Action Plan with school timing changes, ORS, cooling centres, heat stroke wards and 24-hour power for drinking water feeders ordered by CM Bhajanlal Sharma.
Rajasthan Government Reviews Preparations on 24 May 2026 for the State-Wide Vande Ganga Jal Sanrakshan Jan Abhiyan-2026 to be Flagged Off by Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma from Jaipur on 25 May 2026 Ganga Dashami and Running Until 5 June 2026 World Environment Day Across All Districts to Address the Water Crisis Through Rainwater Harvesting Pond Restoration and Community Mobilisation Culminating in the Conferment of Jal Gaurav Samman on Outstanding Conservators
Rajasthan on 24 May 2026 reviewed preparations for the Vande Ganga Jal Sanrakshan Jan Abhiyan-2026 a state wide water conservation campaign to be flagged off by CM Bhajanlal Sharma on 25 May Ganga Dashami running until 5 June World Environment Day culminating in the Jal Gaurav Samman
Union Home Minister Amit Shah Begins Two Day Visit to Bikaner Rajasthan on 25 May 2026 to Review Border Security With Pakistan Inaugurates Women Personnel Barracks at Sanchu Border Outpost of Border Security Force and Will Chair High Level Meeting on Anti Infiltration Measures Border Infrastructure and Development Works in Border Districts on 26 May 2026
Union Home Minister Amit Shah began a two day visit to Bikaner Rajasthan on 25 May 2026 to review India Pakistan border security, inaugurated women personnel barracks at Sanchu BSF border outpost and will chair a high level review meeting on anti infiltration measures and border development works on 26 May 2026.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma Flags Off the Vande Ganga Jal Sanrakshan Jan Abhiyan 2026 From Bisalpur Dam in Tonk District on Ganga Dashami 25 May 2026 With Jal Pujan Ceremony Followed by an Aerial Survey of Isarda Dam to Review Progress of the Ramjal Setu Link Project and Calls for Mass Public Participation in Rainwater Harvesting Pond Restoration and Plantation Drives Across All Districts of Rajasthan Until World Environment Day on 5 June 2026
CM Bhajanlal Sharma launched the Vande Ganga Jal Sanrakshan Jan Abhiyan 2026 from Bisalpur Dam in Tonk on Ganga Dashami 25 May 2026, conducted an aerial survey of Isarda Dam to review the Ramjal Setu Link Project, and directed a statewide water conservation drive across all 50 districts until World Environment Day on 5 June 2026.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah Launches Vibrant Villages Programme Phase Two From India Pakistan Border Near Bikaner on 26 May 2026 Covering 184 Strategic Villages Across Five Rajasthan Border Districts Including 68 in Sri Ganganagar 46 in Bikaner 36 in Barmer 30 in Jaisalmer and 4 in Phalodi With Rs 3 Crore Annual Allocation Per Village and Rs 137 Crore Approved for More Than 1000 Development Works in Electricity Drinking Water Education Healthcare and Connectivity Sectors
Home Minister Amit Shah launched Vibrant Villages Programme-2 on 26 May 2026 from Bikaner, covering 184 strategic villages across five Rajasthan border districts (Sri Ganganagar 68, Bikaner 46, Barmer 36, Jaisalmer 30, Phalodi 4) with Rs 3 crore annual allocation per village.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma Inspects Rajasthan Sampark Helpline 181 at the Government Secretariat in Jaipur on 28 May 2026 Personally Calling Citizens Including Prince Puniram and Hemraj to Hear Their Grievances on Electricity Supply Land Lease and Water Supply Directs Officials to Ensure Time Bound Resolution Periodic Staff Feedback and Robust Monitoring of the Centralised Grievance Redressal Portal Established Under the Rajasthan Public Grievances Act 2018
Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma on 28 May 2026 inspected the Rajasthan Sampark Helpline 181 at Jaipur Secretariat, personally called citizens to hear grievances on electricity, land lease and water supply, and directed time bound redressal under the Rajasthan Public Grievances Act 2018 and the Sushasan Samvad initiative for Viksit Rajasthan 2047.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma Inaugurates Neendad Bainad Biodiversity Project Eco Trail in Sirohi District on 29 May 2026 Plants White Sandalwood Sapling Installs Bird Water Pots and Performs Shramdaan at an Anicut Under Vande Ganga Jal Sanrakshan Jan Abhiyan 2026 Directing Officials to Build Walking Tracks and Eco Tourism Amenities and Calling Citizens to Make Water Conservation a Mass Movement
CM Bhajanlal Sharma inaugurated the Neendad Bainad Eco Trail in Sirohi on 29 May 2026 and performed shramdaan at an anicut under the Vande Ganga water campaign, urging citizens to make conservation a mass movement.
Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma Addresses 9th State Convention of Rajasthan Municipality Employees Federation at Rajasthan International Centre Jaipur on 30 May 2026 With UDH Minister Jhabar Singh Kharra as Special Guest Assuring Time Bound Resolution of Pending Promotions Ministerial Cadre Review RGHS Health Coverage and Retired Employees Pension and Calls Municipal Workers Backbone of Urban Cleanliness
CM Bhajanlal Sharma addressed the 9th State Convention of the Rajasthan Municipality Employees Federation at Rajasthan International Centre Jaipur on 30 May 2026, assured time-bound resolution of pending promotions, RGHS coverage and retirement pension cases, and described municipal workers as the backbone of urban service delivery.
Amar Ujala Reported on 3 May 2026 that Rajasthan Police Exposed a Cyber-Fraud Network Worth Rs 17 Crore under Operation Mule Hunter and Arrested 21 Accused in a Major District-Level Action
Amar Ujala reported on 3 May 2026 that Rajasthan Police exposed an organised cyber-fraud gang under Operation Mule Hunter. The report said 21 cyber fraudsters were arrested and fraud worth Rs 17 crore was uncovered in a major district-level action. The story is relevant to Rajasthan policing, digital crime and targeted operations against organised fraud networks.
Amar Ujala Reports Rajasthan Government’s 4 May 2026 Plan to Develop Jaipur’s Galta Dham as a Religious Tourism Centre with Heritage Conservation and Modern Facilities
Rajasthan plans to develop Jaipur’s Galta Dham as a major religious tourism centre while protecting its mythological and historical identity. The plan includes beautified approach roads, information boards, parking, easier movement, facilities for elderly and differently abled devotees, restoration of temples and kunds, and cleaning before Sawan. CM Bhajanlal Sharma gave directions after visiting the site.
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs Approves Rs 23,437 Crore Rail Multitracking Projects on May 5, 2026, Covering Rajasthan and Five Other States and Adding About 901 Km to the Network
The CCEA approved three railway multitracking projects worth Rs 23,437 crore on May 5, 2026. Covering Rajasthan and five other states, the works will add about 901 km to Indian Railways, improve connectivity to 4,161 villages, ease congestion and support freight movement. They are planned under PM Gati Shakti, and the release also projects lower oil imports and carbon dioxide emissions.
Ministry of Home Affairs Says Census 2027 Self-Enumeration Opened in Rajasthan on 1 May 2026 Before House-to-House Houselisting from 16 May
News On AIR reported that the Ministry of Home Affairs opened Census 2027 self-enumeration in Rajasthan on 1 May 2026, with the online window available till 15 May. House-to-house Houselisting Operations in Rajasthan will follow from 16 May to 14 June. Around 82 lakh households had used the official portal, showing the digital Census model's reach.
ETInfra Reports Ceigall India-SAM India Builtwell JV Won Rs 918.04 Crore Jaipur Metro Phase-II EPC Contract on 2 May 2026 for 10.8 km Elevated Viaduct and 10 Stations
ETInfra reported on 2 May 2026 that the Ceigall India-SAM India Builtwell JV had won a Rs 918.04 crore Jaipur Metro Phase-II contract from Jaipur Metro Rail Corporation. The 34-month package covers a 10.8 km elevated viaduct, a depot spur line and 10 elevated stations from Prahladpura to Pinjrapole Gaushala. The project is important for Jaipur's urban mobility and Rajasthan's capital-region infrastructure.
Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma Spent the Night in Bambori Village of Pratapgarh on 6-7 May 2026 and Said the Gram Vikas Yatra is Driving Rural Self-Reliance Ahead of the GRAM Programme
Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma stayed in Bambori village, Pratapgarh on 6-7 May 2026 and said the Gram Vikas Yatra is driving rural self-reliance ahead of the GRAM agritech programme; raised Lakhpati Didi loan ceiling to Rs 1.5 lakh at 1.5 per cent.
Rajasthan Anti-Corruption Bureau Arrests Former PHED Minister Mahesh Joshi from His Jaipur Residence on 7 May 2026 in the Rs 960 Crore Jal Jeevan Mission Tender Scam; Court Remands Him to ACB Custody Till 11 May
Rajasthan ACB on 7 May 2026 arrested former PHED Minister Mahesh Joshi from his Jaipur residence in the Rs 960 crore Jal Jeevan Mission tender scam; the Special ACB Court remanded him to ACB custody till 11 May 2026.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma Announces Brahmagupta Award, Youth Innovation Centre at Jaipur Coaching Hub and State-Level Drone Cell on National Technology Day 11 May 2026
On National Technology Day 11 May 2026 Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma announced the Brahmagupta Award for science and mathematics, a youth Innovation Centre at Jaipur's coaching hub, and a State-Level Drone Cell for AI and machine learning applications in disaster management, agriculture and urban planning.
Rajasthan Cabinet Minister Madan Dilawar in Jodhpur on 12 May 2026 Highlights State Governments Ward-Wise Development Strategy for Cities and Villages and Says Administration is Working at Fast Speed Across All Sectors
On 12 May 2026 in Jodhpur, Rajasthan Cabinet Minister Madan Dilawar detailed the states ward-wise development strategy, reviewed Gram Vikas Yatra progress, school sanitation and Mukhyamantri Shri Annapurna Food Packet Scheme implementation, and pushed the Gram Rath campaign ahead of GRAM 2026 in Jaipur.
Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma on 13 May 2026 Issues State Guidelines for Petrol and Diesel Conservation Following PM Modi National Resource Appeal Reduces His Own Convoy to Five Vehicles and Directs All Officials and Public Representatives to Curtail Unnecessary Vehicle Use and Trim Programmes
Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma on 13 May 2026 issued state guidelines for petrol and diesel conservation following PM Modi appeal, reduced his convoy to five vehicles, and directed officials to use carpooling, virtual meetings and trim programmes amid high crude oil import dependence.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on 15 May 2026 Inaugurates State First Semiconductor Cluster in Bhiwadi With Rs 1,200 Crore Investment Expected to Create 2,500 Jobs and Produce 60 Million Chips Annually
Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma on 15 May 2026 inaugurated the state's first semiconductor cluster in Bhiwadi with a Rs 1,200 crore investment, expected to create 2,500 jobs and produce 60 million chips annually, while highlighting progress on RRTS, the Yamuna Water Agreement and AMRUT railway stations.
Rajasthan's Ramjal Setu Link Project, the Renamed Modified Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal-Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project, Progresses Towards Delivering Drinking, Irrigation and Industrial Water to Around 21 Districts of Eastern Rajasthan
Rajasthan's Ramjal Setu Link Project, the renamed Modified PKC-ERCP, progresses as an inter-state river-linking project to supply drinking, irrigation and industrial water to around 21 eastern Rajasthan districts; the tripartite MoU was signed on 28 January 2024 and the project is in the DPR stage.
Rajasthan Intensifies Preparations for the Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet GRAM-2026 to be Held at JECC Jaipur from 23 to 25 May 2026 with Over 75,000 Farmers, 250 Exhibitors and 100 Companies Expected
Rajasthan has intensified preparations for the Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet GRAM-2026 to be held at JECC Jaipur from 23-25 May 2026, with over 75,000 farmers, 250 exhibitors and 100 companies expected, supported by investor roadshows and CM Bhajan Lal Sharma's "Gram Rath" outreach campaign.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on 18 May 2026 Announces a Major New Industrial Area Near Bandikui in Alwar District and Inaugurates Khairthal-Tijara Projects Including the Elsina Electronics Complex and a 34 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant
On 18 May 2026 Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma announced a major new industrial area near Bandikui in Alwar district and inaugurated Khairthal-Tijara projects including the Elsina Electronics Complex and a 34 MLD sewage treatment plant, citing 35 new investment policies and the region's NCR and DMIC advantages.
National23
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Arrives in Rome on 19 May 2026 to Conclude His Five-Nation Tour as India and Italy Prepare to Elevate Ties to a Special Strategic Partnership Under the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029 and Sign Agreements on Maritime Transport, Agriculture, Critical Minerals and Higher Education
PM Modi reached Rome on 19 May 2026 for the final leg of his five-nation tour, with India and Italy set to elevate ties to a Special Strategic Partnership, review the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029, sign pacts on maritime transport, agriculture, critical minerals and higher education, and deepen the IMEC initiative.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Conferred the FAO Agricola Medal for 2026 in Rome on 21 May 2026 in Recognition of Leadership in Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture During the First Indian Head of Government Visit to FAO Headquarters in Three Decades
PM Narendra Modi received the FAO Agricola Medal for 2026 in Rome on 21 May 2026 for his leadership in food security and sustainable agriculture, in the first visit by an Indian Head of Government to FAO headquarters in nearly three decades.
Indian Council of World Affairs Opens Two-Day India-Africa Forum Summit IV Pre-Summit Track-II Academic Conference in New Delhi from 22 to 23 May 2026 Under the Theme Shared Futures Shared Strength Expanding India Africa Partnership Ahead of the Main IAFS-IV Scheduled at New Delhi from 28 to 31 May 2026 With the Operational Theme IA SPIRIT
ICWA on 22 May 2026 opened two-day Pre-Summit Track-II Academic Conference of Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi on theme Shared Futures Shared Strength feeding recommendations into IAFS-IV (28-31 May 2026) structured on IA SPIRIT theme covering digital public infrastructure critical minerals food security climate resilience and Asia-Africa connectivity.
Sixty Eighth Session of the Asian Productivity Organization Governing Body Meeting Concludes Successfully at Bharat Mandapam New Delhi on 23 May 2026 After India Hosted the Three Day Event from 20 to 22 May 2026 With Over 60 Senior Delegates From Twenty APO Member Economies Discussing the APO Vision 2030, AI Driven Productivity Growth and Regional Cooperation While Indonesia Director Prof. Anwar Sanusi Assumes Charge as APO Chair for 2026-27 Succeeding India
The 68th APO Governing Body Meeting concluded in New Delhi on 23 May 2026 with India hosting over 60 delegates from twenty member economies, deliberating on APO Vision 2030, AI-driven productivity and the 2027-28 biennium budget; Indonesia took over as APO Chair for 2026-27 from India.
India and Cyprus Conclude State Visit of President Nikos Christodoulides from 20 to 23 May 2026 With the Two Countries Elevating Bilateral Ties to a Strategic Partnership, Setting Up a Joint Task Force on Infrastructure and Shipping, Adopting a 2026 to 2031 Defence Roadmap, Signing Six MoUs and Cyprus Reiterating Support for India's Permanent UNSC Membership and the IMEC Connectivity Corridor
The State Visit of Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides to India (20-23 May 2026) elevated bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership, set up a Joint Task Force on infrastructure and shipping, adopted a 2026-2031 Defence Roadmap, signed six MoUs, and saw Cyprus reaffirm support for India's permanent UNSC seat and IMEC.
Major Abhilasha Barak of the Indian Army Announced on 23 May 2026 as Recipient of the 2025 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award for Outstanding Outreach for Women and Adolescent Girls and Gender Sensitization Training While Serving as Commander of the Female Engagement Team With the Indian Battalion in UNIFIL Lebanon and to be Honoured at UN Headquarters New York on 29 May 2026
Major Abhilasha Barak of Indian Army announced on 23 May 2026 as recipient of the 2025 UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award for her work with UNIFIL Female Engagement Team to be honoured on 29 May 2026 the International Day of UN Peacekeepers
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal Leads a 150 Member Indian Business Delegation to Canada Beginning Ottawa Engagement on 25 May 2026 to Advance the India Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Negotiations With the Stated Objective of Tripling Bilateral Trade to US Dollar 50 Billion by 2030 and Both Sides Targeting Conclusion of the Agreement by November Ahead of the Group of Twenty Leaders Summit
Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal led a 150 member Indian business delegation to Canada starting 25 May 2026 in Ottawa to advance India Canada CEPA negotiations, with both sides agreeing to conclude the agreement by November 2026 and target tripling bilateral trade to US dollar 50 billion by 2030.
Indian Council of World Affairs Opens Two Day National Conference on India Energy Security and Strategic Engagement in the Context of the United States Israel Iran Conflict in the Emerging Geopolitical Order at Sapru House New Delhi on 25 May 2026 Bringing Together Diplomats Energy Experts and Strategic Affairs Scholars to Examine the Implications of West Asian Instability for Indian Oil Supplies Shipping Routes and the Chabahar International North South Transport Corridor Strategy
ICWA opened a two day National Conference at Sapru House New Delhi on 25 May 2026 titled India Energy Security and Strategic Engagement in the Context of the US Israel Iran Conflict in the Emerging Geopolitical Order, examining oil supply, Strait of Hormuz chokepoints, Chabahar and INSTC and protection of Indian diaspora in the Gulf.
India and United States Sign Strategic Critical Minerals Cooperation Framework in New Delhi on 26 May 2026 Between External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Secretary of State Marco Rubio Covering Mining Processing Recycling and Investments in Rare Earth Elements to Build Resilient Supply Chains Reduce Dependence on China Which Processes Ninety Per Cent of Global Rare Earths and Protect Sensitive Supply Chains From Coercive Market Practices Through International Cooperation
India and the US signed a strategic Critical Minerals Cooperation Framework on 26 May 2026 in New Delhi, covering mining, processing, recycling and investments in rare earths to build resilient supply chains and reduce dependence on China which processes 90% of global rare earths.
India Hosts Eleventh Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting in New Delhi on 26 May 2026 With External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong Launching the First Ever Indo Pacific Maritime Surveillance Collaboration the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative With USD Twenty Billion Mobilisation Target and the Quad Indo Pacific Energy Security Initiative
India hosted the 11th Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting in New Delhi on 26 May 2026 launching the Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance Collaboration (IPMSC), Quad Critical Minerals Initiative with USD 20 billion mobilisation, and Quad Initiative on Indo-Pacific Energy Security.
India and China Hold 35th Meeting of Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India China Border Affairs in Beijing With MEA Press Statement on 28 May 2026 Led by Joint Secretary East Asia Sujit Ghosh and DG Hou Yanqi Reviewing LAC Peace Discussing Delimitation Border Management Trans Border Rivers and Preparing for the Next Special Representatives Meeting in China
India and China held the 35th WMCC meeting in Beijing on 27 May 2026 with the MEA press statement issued on 28 May 2026, led by Joint Secretary Sujit Ghosh and Director General Hou Yanqi, reviewing LAC peace, discussing delimitation, border management, mechanism building and trans border rivers, and agreeing to prepare for the next Special Representatives meeting in China.
India and Singapore Hold 16th Defence Policy Dialogue in Singapore Reported on 29 May 2026 Co Chaired by Indian Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Singapore Permanent Secretary Defence Joseph Leong Reviewing Bilateral Defence Cooperation and Identifying New Areas of Collaboration in Artificial Intelligence Cyber Security Maritime Security Unmanned Systems Advanced Defence Technologies and ASEAN Plus Engagement With a Visit to the Digital Operations Technology Centre
The 16th India Singapore Defence Policy Dialogue held on 28 May 2026 in Singapore reviewed bilateral defence cooperation and identified new areas of collaboration in AI, cyber security, maritime security, unmanned systems and ADMM Plus engagement.
Myanmar President Senior General U Min Aung Hlaing Begins Five Day State Visit to India From 30 May 2026 Landing in Gaya Bihar to Visit the Mahabodhi Temple Before Reaching New Delhi for Talks With Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 1 June and a Business Forum on Bilateral Cooperation in Trade Connectivity Border Security and Defence Followed by a Visit to Mumbai on 2 June for Industry Interactions and Site Visits Accompanied by High Level Delegation of Cabinet Ministers and Senior Officials
Myanmar President Senior General U Min Aung Hlaing began a five-day State visit to India on 30 May 2026, his first foreign trip as Head of State, landing in Gaya for Mahabodhi temple darshan before heading to New Delhi for talks with PM Modi on trade, connectivity, border security and defence, with a Mumbai leg on 2 June.
Petroleum Ministry’s 4 May 2026 Inter-Ministerial Briefing Says India’s Fuel, Fertiliser, Maritime and Citizen-Support Systems Remain Stable Amid West Asia Developments
India’s 4 May 2026 inter-ministerial briefing on West Asia said fertiliser stocks, fuel supplies, seafarer safety and citizen assistance remained under control. Fertiliser stock was 195.71 lakh metric tonnes against a Kharif need of 390.54 lakh metric tonnes, and about 84 lakh metric tonnes had been added after the crisis. Citizens were advised to avoid panic buying, while Indian missions continued helplines and advisories.
Ministry of Defence Says Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi Began Four-Day Myanmar Visit on 2 May 2026 to Review Maritime Cooperation, Training and Capability Enhancement
Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi began a four-day official visit to Myanmar from 2 to 5 May 2026, the Ministry of Defence said. He is scheduled to meet Myanmar's defence and naval leadership, visit key naval commands and review maritime cooperation, capacity building, capability enhancement and training. The visit builds on exercises, patrols, staff talks, port visits and Myanmar's participation in Indian Navy forums.
India Hosts Kimberley Process Intersessional Meeting 2026 in Mumbai From 11-14 May Under Its 2026 Chairship; Day Two Deliberations on 12 May Focus on the 3Cs Credibility, Compliance and Consumer Confidence in Global Natural Diamond Trade
India is hosting the Kimberley Process Intersessional Meeting 2026 in Mumbai from 11-14 May; 12 May deliberations focused on the 3Cs theme - credibility, compliance and consumer confidence in the natural diamond trade.
BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting Held in New Delhi on 14 and 15 May 2026 Under India 2026 Chairship to Prepare for the 18th BRICS Summit With Discussions on Security Economic Cooperation and Multilateral Reform
The BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting was held in New Delhi on 14-15 May 2026 under India's 2026 chairship to prepare for the 18th BRICS Summit in September 2026, with discussions on security, economic cooperation and multilateral reform at Bharat Mandapam.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi State Visit to Abu Dhabi on 15 May 2026 Yields Landmark India-UAE Defence and Energy Pacts With Strategic Petroleum Reserve Cooperation, Long-Term LPG Supply and a 5 Billion US Dollar UAE Investment Commitment in India
PM Modi's 15 May 2026 State Visit to Abu Dhabi produced landmark India-UAE pacts on defence industrial collaboration, strategic petroleum reserve storage, long-term LPG supply and a 5 billion US dollar UAE investment commitment including in RBL Bank and NIIF.
India and Sweden Elevate Bilateral Ties to a Strategic Partnership on 17 May 2026 as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson Adopt the India-Sweden Joint Action Plan 2026-2030 Built on Four Pillars
On 17 May 2026 India and Sweden elevated ties to a Strategic Partnership and adopted the India-Sweden Joint Action Plan 2026-2030 built on four pillars, with PM Modi and PM Kristersson addressing the European Round Table for Industry alongside EU chief von der Leyen.
India and Norway Prepare for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's First-Ever Visit to Norway and the Third India-Nordic Summit in Oslo on 18-19 May 2026, the First Indian Prime Ministerial Visit to the Country in 43 Years
PM Modi will make his first-ever visit to Norway on 18-19 May 2026 - the first Indian Prime Ministerial visit in 43 years - and attend the Third India-Nordic Summit in Oslo, with talks focusing on technology, renewable energy, Arctic cooperation, defence, space and resilient supply chains.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Arrives in Oslo on 18 May 2026 as India and Norway Elevate Bilateral Ties to a Green Strategic Partnership and Modi is Conferred the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit
On 18 May 2026 PM Modi arrived in Oslo, the first Indian PM visit to Norway in 43 years; he was conferred the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit (his 32nd international honour) and India-Norway agreed to elevate ties to a Green Strategic Partnership ahead of the 3rd India-Nordic Summit on 19 May.
India and the Netherlands Deepen Strategic Partnership with 17 Agreements Across Technology, Energy and Trade as Prime Minister Modi Concludes Netherlands Leg of Five-Nation Tour on 18 May 2026 with Focus on Semiconductors
India and the Netherlands deepened their strategic partnership on 18 May 2026 with 17 agreements across technology, energy and trade as PM Modi concluded the Netherlands leg of his five-nation tour, with semiconductors a central focus given the Netherlands' role as home to ASML.
India and Vietnam Issue Joint Statement on 6 May 2026 Elevating Ties to Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership; 13 MoUs Signed and USD 25 Billion Trade Target Set for 2030
India-Vietnam elevate ties to Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership on 6 May 2026, signing 13 MoUs and setting a USD 25 billion trade target by 2030 during President To Lam's State Visit.
International23
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Arrives in Rome on 19 May 2026 to Conclude His Five-Nation Tour as India and Italy Prepare to Elevate Ties to a Special Strategic Partnership Under the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029 and Sign Agreements on Maritime Transport, Agriculture, Critical Minerals and Higher Education
PM Modi reached Rome on 19 May 2026 for the final leg of his five-nation tour, with India and Italy set to elevate ties to a Special Strategic Partnership, review the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029, sign pacts on maritime transport, agriculture, critical minerals and higher education, and deepen the IMEC initiative.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Conferred the FAO Agricola Medal for 2026 in Rome on 21 May 2026 in Recognition of Leadership in Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture During the First Indian Head of Government Visit to FAO Headquarters in Three Decades
PM Narendra Modi received the FAO Agricola Medal for 2026 in Rome on 21 May 2026 for his leadership in food security and sustainable agriculture, in the first visit by an Indian Head of Government to FAO headquarters in nearly three decades.
Indian Council of World Affairs Opens Two-Day India-Africa Forum Summit IV Pre-Summit Track-II Academic Conference in New Delhi from 22 to 23 May 2026 Under the Theme Shared Futures Shared Strength Expanding India Africa Partnership Ahead of the Main IAFS-IV Scheduled at New Delhi from 28 to 31 May 2026 With the Operational Theme IA SPIRIT
ICWA on 22 May 2026 opened two-day Pre-Summit Track-II Academic Conference of Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi on theme Shared Futures Shared Strength feeding recommendations into IAFS-IV (28-31 May 2026) structured on IA SPIRIT theme covering digital public infrastructure critical minerals food security climate resilience and Asia-Africa connectivity.
Sixty Eighth Session of the Asian Productivity Organization Governing Body Meeting Concludes Successfully at Bharat Mandapam New Delhi on 23 May 2026 After India Hosted the Three Day Event from 20 to 22 May 2026 With Over 60 Senior Delegates From Twenty APO Member Economies Discussing the APO Vision 2030, AI Driven Productivity Growth and Regional Cooperation While Indonesia Director Prof. Anwar Sanusi Assumes Charge as APO Chair for 2026-27 Succeeding India
The 68th APO Governing Body Meeting concluded in New Delhi on 23 May 2026 with India hosting over 60 delegates from twenty member economies, deliberating on APO Vision 2030, AI-driven productivity and the 2027-28 biennium budget; Indonesia took over as APO Chair for 2026-27 from India.
India and Cyprus Conclude State Visit of President Nikos Christodoulides from 20 to 23 May 2026 With the Two Countries Elevating Bilateral Ties to a Strategic Partnership, Setting Up a Joint Task Force on Infrastructure and Shipping, Adopting a 2026 to 2031 Defence Roadmap, Signing Six MoUs and Cyprus Reiterating Support for India's Permanent UNSC Membership and the IMEC Connectivity Corridor
The State Visit of Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides to India (20-23 May 2026) elevated bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership, set up a Joint Task Force on infrastructure and shipping, adopted a 2026-2031 Defence Roadmap, signed six MoUs, and saw Cyprus reaffirm support for India's permanent UNSC seat and IMEC.
Major Abhilasha Barak of the Indian Army Announced on 23 May 2026 as Recipient of the 2025 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award for Outstanding Outreach for Women and Adolescent Girls and Gender Sensitization Training While Serving as Commander of the Female Engagement Team With the Indian Battalion in UNIFIL Lebanon and to be Honoured at UN Headquarters New York on 29 May 2026
Major Abhilasha Barak of Indian Army announced on 23 May 2026 as recipient of the 2025 UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award for her work with UNIFIL Female Engagement Team to be honoured on 29 May 2026 the International Day of UN Peacekeepers
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal Leads a 150 Member Indian Business Delegation to Canada Beginning Ottawa Engagement on 25 May 2026 to Advance the India Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Negotiations With the Stated Objective of Tripling Bilateral Trade to US Dollar 50 Billion by 2030 and Both Sides Targeting Conclusion of the Agreement by November Ahead of the Group of Twenty Leaders Summit
Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal led a 150 member Indian business delegation to Canada starting 25 May 2026 in Ottawa to advance India Canada CEPA negotiations, with both sides agreeing to conclude the agreement by November 2026 and target tripling bilateral trade to US dollar 50 billion by 2030.
Indian Council of World Affairs Opens Two Day National Conference on India Energy Security and Strategic Engagement in the Context of the United States Israel Iran Conflict in the Emerging Geopolitical Order at Sapru House New Delhi on 25 May 2026 Bringing Together Diplomats Energy Experts and Strategic Affairs Scholars to Examine the Implications of West Asian Instability for Indian Oil Supplies Shipping Routes and the Chabahar International North South Transport Corridor Strategy
ICWA opened a two day National Conference at Sapru House New Delhi on 25 May 2026 titled India Energy Security and Strategic Engagement in the Context of the US Israel Iran Conflict in the Emerging Geopolitical Order, examining oil supply, Strait of Hormuz chokepoints, Chabahar and INSTC and protection of Indian diaspora in the Gulf.
India and United States Sign Strategic Critical Minerals Cooperation Framework in New Delhi on 26 May 2026 Between External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Secretary of State Marco Rubio Covering Mining Processing Recycling and Investments in Rare Earth Elements to Build Resilient Supply Chains Reduce Dependence on China Which Processes Ninety Per Cent of Global Rare Earths and Protect Sensitive Supply Chains From Coercive Market Practices Through International Cooperation
India and the US signed a strategic Critical Minerals Cooperation Framework on 26 May 2026 in New Delhi, covering mining, processing, recycling and investments in rare earths to build resilient supply chains and reduce dependence on China which processes 90% of global rare earths.
India Hosts Eleventh Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting in New Delhi on 26 May 2026 With External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong Launching the First Ever Indo Pacific Maritime Surveillance Collaboration the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative With USD Twenty Billion Mobilisation Target and the Quad Indo Pacific Energy Security Initiative
India hosted the 11th Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting in New Delhi on 26 May 2026 launching the Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance Collaboration (IPMSC), Quad Critical Minerals Initiative with USD 20 billion mobilisation, and Quad Initiative on Indo-Pacific Energy Security.
India and China Hold 35th Meeting of Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India China Border Affairs in Beijing With MEA Press Statement on 28 May 2026 Led by Joint Secretary East Asia Sujit Ghosh and DG Hou Yanqi Reviewing LAC Peace Discussing Delimitation Border Management Trans Border Rivers and Preparing for the Next Special Representatives Meeting in China
India and China held the 35th WMCC meeting in Beijing on 27 May 2026 with the MEA press statement issued on 28 May 2026, led by Joint Secretary Sujit Ghosh and Director General Hou Yanqi, reviewing LAC peace, discussing delimitation, border management, mechanism building and trans border rivers, and agreeing to prepare for the next Special Representatives meeting in China.
India and Singapore Hold 16th Defence Policy Dialogue in Singapore Reported on 29 May 2026 Co Chaired by Indian Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Singapore Permanent Secretary Defence Joseph Leong Reviewing Bilateral Defence Cooperation and Identifying New Areas of Collaboration in Artificial Intelligence Cyber Security Maritime Security Unmanned Systems Advanced Defence Technologies and ASEAN Plus Engagement With a Visit to the Digital Operations Technology Centre
The 16th India Singapore Defence Policy Dialogue held on 28 May 2026 in Singapore reviewed bilateral defence cooperation and identified new areas of collaboration in AI, cyber security, maritime security, unmanned systems and ADMM Plus engagement.
Myanmar President Senior General U Min Aung Hlaing Begins Five Day State Visit to India From 30 May 2026 Landing in Gaya Bihar to Visit the Mahabodhi Temple Before Reaching New Delhi for Talks With Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 1 June and a Business Forum on Bilateral Cooperation in Trade Connectivity Border Security and Defence Followed by a Visit to Mumbai on 2 June for Industry Interactions and Site Visits Accompanied by High Level Delegation of Cabinet Ministers and Senior Officials
Myanmar President Senior General U Min Aung Hlaing began a five-day State visit to India on 30 May 2026, his first foreign trip as Head of State, landing in Gaya for Mahabodhi temple darshan before heading to New Delhi for talks with PM Modi on trade, connectivity, border security and defence, with a Mumbai leg on 2 June.
Petroleum Ministry’s 4 May 2026 Inter-Ministerial Briefing Says India’s Fuel, Fertiliser, Maritime and Citizen-Support Systems Remain Stable Amid West Asia Developments
India’s 4 May 2026 inter-ministerial briefing on West Asia said fertiliser stocks, fuel supplies, seafarer safety and citizen assistance remained under control. Fertiliser stock was 195.71 lakh metric tonnes against a Kharif need of 390.54 lakh metric tonnes, and about 84 lakh metric tonnes had been added after the crisis. Citizens were advised to avoid panic buying, while Indian missions continued helplines and advisories.
Ministry of Defence Says Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi Began Four-Day Myanmar Visit on 2 May 2026 to Review Maritime Cooperation, Training and Capability Enhancement
Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi began a four-day official visit to Myanmar from 2 to 5 May 2026, the Ministry of Defence said. He is scheduled to meet Myanmar's defence and naval leadership, visit key naval commands and review maritime cooperation, capacity building, capability enhancement and training. The visit builds on exercises, patrols, staff talks, port visits and Myanmar's participation in Indian Navy forums.
India Hosts Kimberley Process Intersessional Meeting 2026 in Mumbai From 11-14 May Under Its 2026 Chairship; Day Two Deliberations on 12 May Focus on the 3Cs Credibility, Compliance and Consumer Confidence in Global Natural Diamond Trade
India is hosting the Kimberley Process Intersessional Meeting 2026 in Mumbai from 11-14 May; 12 May deliberations focused on the 3Cs theme - credibility, compliance and consumer confidence in the natural diamond trade.
BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting Held in New Delhi on 14 and 15 May 2026 Under India 2026 Chairship to Prepare for the 18th BRICS Summit With Discussions on Security Economic Cooperation and Multilateral Reform
The BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting was held in New Delhi on 14-15 May 2026 under India's 2026 chairship to prepare for the 18th BRICS Summit in September 2026, with discussions on security, economic cooperation and multilateral reform at Bharat Mandapam.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi State Visit to Abu Dhabi on 15 May 2026 Yields Landmark India-UAE Defence and Energy Pacts With Strategic Petroleum Reserve Cooperation, Long-Term LPG Supply and a 5 Billion US Dollar UAE Investment Commitment in India
PM Modi's 15 May 2026 State Visit to Abu Dhabi produced landmark India-UAE pacts on defence industrial collaboration, strategic petroleum reserve storage, long-term LPG supply and a 5 billion US dollar UAE investment commitment including in RBL Bank and NIIF.
India and Sweden Elevate Bilateral Ties to a Strategic Partnership on 17 May 2026 as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson Adopt the India-Sweden Joint Action Plan 2026-2030 Built on Four Pillars
On 17 May 2026 India and Sweden elevated ties to a Strategic Partnership and adopted the India-Sweden Joint Action Plan 2026-2030 built on four pillars, with PM Modi and PM Kristersson addressing the European Round Table for Industry alongside EU chief von der Leyen.
India and Norway Prepare for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's First-Ever Visit to Norway and the Third India-Nordic Summit in Oslo on 18-19 May 2026, the First Indian Prime Ministerial Visit to the Country in 43 Years
PM Modi will make his first-ever visit to Norway on 18-19 May 2026 - the first Indian Prime Ministerial visit in 43 years - and attend the Third India-Nordic Summit in Oslo, with talks focusing on technology, renewable energy, Arctic cooperation, defence, space and resilient supply chains.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Arrives in Oslo on 18 May 2026 as India and Norway Elevate Bilateral Ties to a Green Strategic Partnership and Modi is Conferred the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit
On 18 May 2026 PM Modi arrived in Oslo, the first Indian PM visit to Norway in 43 years; he was conferred the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit (his 32nd international honour) and India-Norway agreed to elevate ties to a Green Strategic Partnership ahead of the 3rd India-Nordic Summit on 19 May.
India and the Netherlands Deepen Strategic Partnership with 17 Agreements Across Technology, Energy and Trade as Prime Minister Modi Concludes Netherlands Leg of Five-Nation Tour on 18 May 2026 with Focus on Semiconductors
India and the Netherlands deepened their strategic partnership on 18 May 2026 with 17 agreements across technology, energy and trade as PM Modi concluded the Netherlands leg of his five-nation tour, with semiconductors a central focus given the Netherlands' role as home to ASML.
India and Vietnam Issue Joint Statement on 6 May 2026 Elevating Ties to Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership; 13 MoUs Signed and USD 25 Billion Trade Target Set for 2030
India-Vietnam elevate ties to Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership on 6 May 2026, signing 13 MoUs and setting a USD 25 billion trade target by 2030 during President To Lam's State Visit.
Economic25
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on 19 May 2026 Sets a One Trillion US Dollar Export Target for FY 2026-27 and Two Trillion US Dollars in Five Years as India FY 2025-26 Goods and Services Exports Touch a Record 863 Billion US Dollars at the Launch of Bharatiya Vyapar Mahotsav in New Delhi
Piyush Goyal on 19 May 2026 announced a USD 1 trillion export target for FY 2026-27 and USD 2 trillion within five years at the launch of Bharatiya Vyapar Mahotsav, after India total exports rose 5 per cent to a record USD 863 billion in FY 2025-26 led by services. The minister urged industry to scale up manufacturing amid FTA momentum, though analysts called the one-year target ambitious.
Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Through a Circular Dated 15 May 2026 Launches the Retirement Income Scheme and Drawdown Options Under the National Pension System Permitting Subscribers to Withdraw up to 80 Per Cent of Corpus, Extending NPS Account Continuation up to Age 85 and Introducing Systematic Lump Sum Withdrawal and Systematic Unit Redemption
PFRDA on 15 May 2026 launched the Retirement Income Scheme and new drawdown options under NPS, allowing 80 per cent lump-sum withdrawal, extending account continuation to age 85, introducing Systematic Lump Sum Withdrawal and Systematic Unit Redemption, waiving annuity for corpora up to Rs 8 lakh, and capping lump-sum withdrawal at Rs 6 lakh for corpora between Rs 8-12 lakh. Tax law amendments are pending.
India Current Account Deficit Widens to 13.2 Billion US Dollars or 1.3 Per Cent of GDP in the December 2025 Quarter Driven by a Larger Goods Trade Gap Even as the Services Surplus Expands
India's current account deficit widened to 13.2 billion US dollars or 1.3 per cent of GDP in the October-December 2025 quarter, up from 11.3 billion US dollars a year earlier, mainly due to a larger goods trade gap even as the services surplus expanded.
Securities and Exchange Board of India Examines Proposals for Salary Linked Systematic Investment Plans on 23 May 2026 That Would Permit Direct Deduction of Mutual Fund Investments from Employee Salaries on the Lines of EPF Subscriptions, in a Move Designed to Mainstream Household Financial Savings Through Organised Capital Markets and Deepen Mutual Fund Penetration in India
SEBI on 23 May 2026 is examining a proposal for salary-linked SIPs that would allow mutual fund investments to be deducted directly from employee salaries on the lines of EPF, aiming to deepen mutual fund penetration, boost household financial savings and embed equity investing into salary structures.
Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation Revises GDP Release Calendar in May 2026 With Provisional Annual Estimates for 2025-26 and Fourth Quarter Estimates Now Scheduled for 5 June 2026 Instead of 29 May 2026 to Account for the Two Month Lag in Audited Listed Company Quarterly Filings and Central Government Fiscal Data Finalisation Under the New National Accounts Series With Base Year 2022-23 That Projects Real GDP Growth of 7.6 Per Cent for the Financial Year
MoSPI in May 2026 revised the release date of Provisional Annual GDP estimates for FY 2025-26 and Q4 estimates from 29 May 2026 to 5 June 2026 under the new 2022-23 base year series that projects real growth at 7.6 per cent and nominal at 8.6 per cent
Ministry of Civil Aviation Clears Entry of Three New Domestic Airlines Shankh Air Al Hind Air and FlyExpress Following the IndiGo Operational Crisis That Saw Around 4500 Flight Cancellations Setting the Stage for the First Major Competitive Reset of the Indian Skies in Almost a Decade as IndiGo and the Air India Group Together Account for Nearly 92 Per Cent of Domestic Capacity With Regional Routes in Uttar Pradesh and Kerala Expected to Benefit First in 2026
Ministry of Civil Aviation cleared three new domestic airlines Shankh Air Al Hind Air and FlyExpress in response to the IndiGo operational crisis with around 4500 cancellations seeking to dilute the IndiGo Air India Group duopoly that controls 92 per cent of the market
AYUSHEXCIL and Spices Board of India Sign Memorandum of Understanding on 25 May 2026 in Presence of Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav to Promote Global Cooperation in Ayush Products and Medicinal Spices Through Joint Export Promotion Quality Assurance Standardisation Research and the Proposed Spice and Heal Branding Initiative Positioning India as a Global Leader in Holistic Health and Natural Healing Solutions
AYUSHEXCIL and the Spices Board of India signed an MoU on 25 May 2026 in the presence of Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav to promote global cooperation in Ayush products and medicinal spices through joint export promotion, quality assurance, standardisation, research and the proposed Spice and Heal branding initiative.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Inaugurates Two Day National Conference on Agriculture for Kharif Campaign 2026 at NASC Complex Pusa New Delhi on 28 May 2026 Setting 360 Million Tonne Foodgrain Target for 2026 to 2027 and Focusing on Climate Resilient Farming Natural Farming Pulses and Oilseeds Aatmanirbharta Digital Agriculture and Farm Finance
The Union Agriculture Ministry on 28 May 2026 inaugurated the two day National Conference on Agriculture for Kharif Campaign 2026 at NASC Complex Pusa New Delhi, chaired by Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, setting a 360 million tonne foodgrain target and focusing on climate resilient farming, natural farming, pulses and oilseeds self sufficiency, digital agriculture and farm finance.
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India Reports on 29 May 2026 That the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 2016 Has Completed Ten Years of Operation Facilitating Realisations of Over Rupees Four Lakh Crore for Creditors Through 1419 Resolution Plans Admission of 8987 Cases Closure of 7102 Cases Rescue of 4099 Companies and Pre Admission Withdrawal of More Than 30000 Cases Involving Approximately Rupees 14 Lakh Crore
IBC 2016 completed ten years by May 2026 with 8987 cases admitted, 4099 firms rescued and Rs 4 lakh crore realised for creditors, with more than Rs 14 lakh crore worth of cases withdrawn pre admission.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Lays Foundation Stone and Dedicates Multiple Development Projects Worth Over Rupees 48520 Crore at Karakat in Bihar on 30 May 2026 Including Nabinagar Super Thermal Power Project Stage Two of 3 Into 800 Megawatts in Aurangabad Worth Rupees 29930 Crore Plus Four Laning of NH 119A Six Laning of NH 319B New Buxar Bharauli Ganga Bridge and Son Nagar Mohammad Ganj Third Rail Line
PM Modi inaugurated and laid foundation stones for projects worth over Rs 48,520 crore at Karakat, Bihar on 30 May 2026, including the Nabinagar Super Thermal Power Project Stage II of 3x800 MW worth Rs 29,930 crore, several major highway upgrades, a new Ganga bridge and a new rail line, aimed at boosting eastern India energy and connectivity.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates and Lays Foundation Stones for Development Projects Worth Around Rupees 20900 Crore at Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh on 30 May 2026 Including the Chunniganj to Kanpur Central Underground Metro Section of Rupees 2120 Crore the 660 Megawatt Panki Thermal Power Extension Project of Rupees 8300 Crore Three 660 Megawatt Units of the Ghatampur Thermal Power Project of Rupees 9330 Crore and Two Rail Overbridges at Panki Power House and Panki Dham
PM Modi inaugurated and laid foundation stones for projects worth around Rs 20,900 crore at Kanpur on 30 May 2026, including the Chunniganj-Kanpur Central Metro section, the 660 MW Panki Thermal Power Extension Project, three 660 MW units of Ghatampur Thermal Power Project and two rail overbridges.
Ministry of Finance Said on 3 May 2026 that CBIC Member Surjit Bhujabal Inaugurated GST Bhawan at Itanagar as a Taxpayer Facilitation Centre, with Arunachal Pradesh GST Revenue at Rs 526 Crore in FY 2025-26
The Ministry of Finance said on 3 May 2026 that CBIC Member Shri Surjit Bhujabal inaugurated a new GST Bhawan at Itanagar as a taxpayer facilitation centre. The release highlighted trust-based voluntary compliance, improved accessibility and Arunachal Pradesh's GST revenue of Rs 526 crore in FY 2025-26, a 29.4% increase over the previous year, along with outreach to widen the tax base.
Ministry of Finance Says Department of Financial Services Approved Viability Plan 2.0 for All 28 Regional Rural Banks on May 5, 2026 for Financial Stability and Operational Efficiency
The Department of Financial Services approved Viability Plan 2.0 for all 28 Regional Rural Banks on May 5, 2026. The three-year framework for 2025-26 to 2027-28 uses 30 parameters across operational excellence, asset quality, profitability and growth. It aims to strengthen financial stability, rural credit expansion, digital inclusion and financial outreach.
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways Says NHAI Launched India's First Multi-Lane Free Flow Tolling System at Chorayasi Toll Plaza in Gujarat on 2 May 2026; 41,500 Vehicles Crossed on Day One
NHAI launched India's first Multi-Lane Free Flow tolling system at Chorayasi Toll Plaza on NH-48 in Gujarat on 2 May 2026, with about 41,500 vehicles crossing on day one. The barrier-less system uses Automatic Number Plate Recognition and FASTag for automated contactless tolling. Users must clear Electronic Notices within 72 hours or face double user fee, FASTag blacklisting and service restrictions.
Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on 12 May 2026 Says India Has 60 Days of Crude Oil, 60 Days of Natural Gas and 45 Days of LPG Rolling Stock; Oil Marketing Companies Could Face Quarterly Losses of Up to Rs 1 Lakh Crore if Elevated Crude Prices Persist
On 12 May 2026, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said India has 60 days of crude, 60 days of natural gas and 45 days of LPG rolling stock; OMC quarterly losses could touch Rs 1 lakh crore as state retailers absorb roughly Rs 1,000 crore a day to keep retail fuel prices unchanged.
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on 13 May 2026 Approves Higher Minimum Support Prices for 14 Kharif Crops for Marketing Season 2026-27 With Common Paddy Hiked by Rs 72 to Rs 2,441 Per Quintal and Steepest Absolute Hike of Rs 622 for Sunflower Seed
CCEA on 13 May 2026 approved higher MSP for 14 kharif crops for 2026-27 season; common paddy raised by Rs 72 to Rs 2,441 per quintal and sunflower seed got the steepest absolute hike of Rs 622 to Rs 8,343 per quintal.
Ministry of Ports Shipping and Waterways on 13 May 2026 Highlights Tripartite MoU Among HD Korea Shipbuilding NSHIP-TN and Sagarmala Finance Corporation for India's First Mega Greenfield Shipyard at Thoothukudi With 2.5 Million Gross Tonnage Annual Capacity and 15,000 Direct Jobs Under Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047
Shipping Ministry on 13 May 2026 detailed the tripartite MoU among HD Korea Shipbuilding, NSHIP-TN and Sagarmala Finance Corporation for India's first mega greenfield shipyard at Thoothukudi with 2.5 MGT annual capacity and 15,000 direct jobs under Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
Union Cabinet Approves Rs 37,500 Crore Scheme for Promotion of Surface Coal and Lignite Gasification Projects Targeting 75 Million Tonnes Gasification Capacity to Cut Import Dependence on LNG Methanol Ammonia and Urea
The Union Cabinet approved a Rs 37,500 crore scheme to promote surface coal and lignite gasification projects, targeting 75 MT gasification capacity to reduce import dependence on LNG, ammonia, methanol and urea, with incentives up to 20 per cent of plant and machinery cost.
Government of India and International Fund for Agricultural Development Launch Eight-Year Country Strategic Opportunities Programme COSOP 2026 to 2033 Targeting Three Million Rural Households Aligned With Viksit Bharat 2047
India and IFAD launched the eight-year Country Strategic Opportunities Programme (COSOP) 2026-2033 at Bharat Mandapam, targeting around 3 million rural households (13.2 million individuals), aligned with Viksit Bharat@2047, with IFAD and NABARD also signing a strategic rural finance partnership.
India Wholesale Price Index Inflation Surges to a 42-Month High of 8.3 Percent in April 2026 Driven by a Sharp Spike in Fuel and Power Prices Even as Retail CPI Inflation Stays Moderate at 3.48 Percent
India's WPI inflation more than doubled to a 42-month high of 8.3 percent in April 2026 from 3.9 percent in March, driven by Fuel and Power inflation jumping to 24.71 percent amid the West Asia crisis, while retail CPI inflation rose modestly to 3.48 percent.
Reserve Bank of India Conducts a Seven-Day Variable Rate Repo Auction Worth Rupees One Trillion on 18 May 2026 to Manage Evolving Liquidity Conditions in the Banking System
On 18 May 2026 the RBI conducted a seven-day Variable Rate Repo auction worth Rs 1 trillion to manage banking-system liquidity, despite a net surplus of about Rs 2.17 trillion, illustrating fine-tuning of short-term liquidity through the Liquidity Adjustment Facility.
Business Standard Reports India's First Barrier-Free Multi-Lane Tolling Operations at Chorayasi Plaza on NH-48 in Gujarat on 1 May 2026
Business Standard reported that India's first barrier-less multi-lane tolling operations began at Chorayasi Toll Plaza on NH-48 in Gujarat on 1 May 2026. The system reads vehicle number plates through cameras, removing the need to stop at plazas. The rollout links highway digitisation with lower waiting time, fuel efficiency, emission reduction and tighter toll-revenue enforcement.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Inaugurates First Multi-Lane Free Flow Barrier-less Toll Plaza of Delhi-NCR at Mundka-Bakkarwala on Urban Extension Road-II on 11 May 2026
On 11 May 2026, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated the first Multi-Lane Free Flow barrier-less toll plaza of Delhi-NCR at Mundka-Bakkarwala on Urban Extension Road-II, using ANPR technology integrated with FASTag-based electronic toll collection to allow non-stop highway tolling.
Ministry of Steel FY 2025-26 Year-End Performance Report Highlighted on 7 May 2026 Shows Crude Steel Output Up 10.7 Per Cent, Finished Steel Exports Up 35.8 Per Cent and Imports Down 46.5 Per Cent
Ministry of Steel year-end FY 2025-26 data highlighted on 7 May 2026 shows finished-steel output of 160.9 MT (up 9.7 per cent), crude steel up 10.7 per cent, exports up 35.8 per cent and imports down 46.5 per cent, with India a net steel exporter again.
Union Cabinet Approves Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme 5.0 on 5 May 2026; Civil Aviation Ministry Says Rs. 5,000 Crore Credit Window Will Support Airlines Facing West Asia-Linked Cost and Liquidity Stress
The Union Cabinet approved Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme 5.0 on 5 May 2026, earmarking Rs. 5,000 crore for airlines within an additional Rs. 2,55,000 crore credit-flow envelope. The scheme responds to ATF-price spikes, airspace closures and West Asia-related operational stress. It offers sovereign-backed guarantees, longer tenure, a moratorium and interest-conversion relief to protect liquidity and connectivity.
Science & Tech15
Defence Ministry on 9 May 2026 Confirms DRDOs Active-Cooled Scramjet Combustor Achieved 1,200 Seconds of Continuous Ground Test Run; Path-Breaking Milestone Advances Indias Hypersonic Cruise Missile and Aerospace Capability
On 9 May 2026 the Defence Ministry confirmed that DRDOs active-cooled scramjet combustor sustained a ground test run of more than 1,200 seconds at Hyderabad; the milestone advances Indias hypersonic cruise missile capability alongside MIRV-Agni and Tara glide weapon validations.
Atomic Energy Regulatory Board Reports 30 April 2026 Permission for Major Equipment Erection at Kudankulam Units 5 and 6 After Multi-Tier Safety Review of 1,000 MW(e) VVER Reactors
The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board said on 1 May 2026 that it had permitted major equipment erection at Kudankulam Units 5 and 6 after a multi-tier safety review. NPCIL can now install the reactor pressure vessel, steam generators and coolant pumps. The two 1,000 MW(e) VVER units join the staged regulatory path already followed by other Kudankulam units.
India and Sweden Sign Memorandum of Understanding for Swedish National Space Agency Participation in ISRO Venus Orbiter Mission Shukrayaan Targeting a March 2028 Launch and Venus Orbit Insertion in July 2028
ISRO and the Swedish National Space Agency signed an MoU formalising Sweden's participation in India's Venus Orbiter Mission, Shukrayaan, which targets a 29 March 2028 launch and Venus orbit insertion on 19 July 2028.
Indian Space Research Organisation Chandrayaan 3 Mission Receives the 2026 AIAA Goddard Astronautics Award at the ASCEND 2026 Conference in Washington DC on 21 May 2026 With India Ambassador to the United States Vinay Mohan Kwatra Accepting the Highest Honour From the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics for the Historic Soft Landing Near the Lunar South Pole on 23 August 2023 Recognising Technological Innovation Mission Engineering and the Advancement of Global Space Research
ISRO Chandrayaan 3 mission received the 2026 AIAA Goddard Astronautics Award on 21 May 2026 in Washington DC accepted by Indian Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra recognising the historic lunar south pole soft landing of 23 August 2023
Indian Railways Clears Operation of Country First Indigenous Hydrogen Fuel Cell Powered Train on the Jind to Sonipat Section of Northern Railway in Haryana on 28 May 2026 With a 1200 Kilowatt Propulsion System a Ten Coach Broad Gauge Trainset Developed by Research Designs and Standards Organisation and Built by Integral Coach Factory Chennai a Top Speed of 75 Kilometres Per Hour an Indigenous Hydrogen Storage and Refuelling Facility at Jind and Mandated 24x7 Safety Monitoring
Indian Railways on 28 May 2026 cleared the commercial operation of India first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell powered train on the Jind to Sonipat section in Haryana, featuring a 1200 kilowatt propulsion system, a 10 coach broad gauge trainset designed by RDSO and built by ICF Chennai, top speed of 75 kmph and a dedicated hydrogen refuelling facility at Jind.
ISRO Chandrayaan 2 Dual Frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar Study Published in npj Space Exploration With Findings Reported on 28 May 2026 Identifies Radar Signatures Consistent With Subsurface Water Ice Beneath Doubly Shadowed Craters Near the Lunar South Pole With the Strongest Evidence in a 1.1 Kilometre Crater Inside the Larger Faustini Crater Marking a Major Boost for Future Crewed Lunar Missions and Resource Utilisation
An ISRO study published in npj Space Exploration and reported on 28 May 2026 uses Chandrayaan 2 DFSAR data to identify subsurface water ice beneath four doubly shadowed craters near the lunar south pole, with strongest evidence in a 1.1 km crater inside Faustini, supporting Chandrayaan 4, LUPEX and the 2040 crewed lunar landing.
Ministry of Home Affairs Said on 3 May 2026 that Mission Drishti by GalaxEye Is the World's First OptoSAR Satellite and India's Largest Privately Built Satellite, Combining Optical Cameras with All-Weather Radar for Earth Observation
The Ministry of Home Affairs said on 3 May 2026 that Shri Amit Shah congratulated GalaxEye for building Mission Drishti, described as the world's first OptoSAR satellite and India's largest privately built satellite. The satellite combines optical cameras with all-weather radar, a feature presented as changing how Earth is observed and as supporting India's space-power vision.
The Economic Times Reported on 3 May 2026 that AERB Cleared Major Equipment Erection for Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project Units 5 and 6 after Multi-Tier Safety Review
The Economic Times reported on 3 May 2026 that AERB cleared major equipment erection for Kudankulam Units 5 and 6. The approval follows a multi-tier safety review and permits installation of reactor pressure vessels, steam generators and coolant pumps. Kudankulam's six Russia-collaboration VVER units are planned to total 6,000 MW once completed, supporting India's long-term nuclear-capacity plans.
Ministry of Railways Reports Launch of Five Heavy Portal Beams Over Active Tracks at Maninagar for Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project on 4 May 2026
The Railways Ministry said all five heavy portal beams for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project were launched over active tracks at Maninagar within 22 days. The beams weighed 1170 to 1360 tonnes and were placed using a 2200-tonne crawler crane. The work highlights complex high-speed rail engineering over operational railway lines.
Ministry of Education Says Dharmendra Pradhan Inaugurated IIT Madras' First Technology Summit at Bharat Mandapam on May 5, 2026 to Link Research, Industry and Government for Viksit Bharat
The Ministry of Education said Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated IIT Madras' first Technology Summit at Bharat Mandapam on May 5, 2026. The summit linked industry, academia and government for Viksit Bharat, highlighted a Rs 1 lakh crore RDI allocation, and called for research to move from citations and patents to deployable products, scalable technologies and societal solutions.
Ministry of Railways Says Modern Coach Factory Raebareli Rolled Out Its First 16-Car Vande Bharat Chair Car Trainset on 2 May 2026 with Siemens Propulsion, Kavach and Accessibility Features
Modern Coach Factory, Raebareli rolled out its first 16-car Vande Bharat Chair Car trainset on 2 May 2026 and sent it for testing and field trials. The train has Siemens propulsion, Kavach, fire detection, flood protection, sealed gangways, automatic plug doors and Divyangjan-friendly facilities. The Ministry linked it to the Vande Bharat programme's move toward its 100th trainset and India's rolling-stock modernisation.
India Observes 28th National Technology Day on 11 May 2026 With Theme "Responsible Innovation for Inclusive Growth"; Government Opens Three-Day Vigyan Tech 2026 Showcase at Bharat Mandapam
India observed the 28th National Technology Day on 11 May 2026 with the theme "Responsible Innovation for Inclusive Growth", marking the Pokhran-II tests of 1998, and opened the three-day Vigyan Tech 2026 showcase with 3,000+ stakeholders and 500+ technologies at Bharat Mandapam.
ISRO Prepares to Launch the GSLV-F17 Mission Carrying the GISAT-1A (EOS-05) Geo-Imaging Satellite for Real-Time Earth Observation and Disaster Monitoring from Satish Dhawan Space Centre Sriharikota in Late May 2026
ISRO is preparing to launch the GSLV-F17 mission carrying the GISAT-1A (EOS-05) geo-imaging satellite (about 2,100 kg) into geostationary orbit from Sriharikota in late May 2026 for near-continuous Earth observation and disaster monitoring of the Indian subcontinent.
SAMEER and ISRO ISTRAC on 13 May 2026 Sign Memorandum of Understanding at IIT Bombay Mumbai for Indigenous Gallium Nitride High-Power Systems to Support Indian Deep Space Network X-Band Telecommand Operations and Reduce Foreign OEM Dependence in Future Interplanetary Missions
SAMEER (under MeitY) and ISRO ISTRAC on 13 May 2026 signed an MoU at IIT Bombay to jointly develop indigenous GaN-based high-power systems for X-band telecommand at the Indian Deep Space Network, cutting reliance on foreign OEMs.
India Meteorological Department on 12 May 2026 Releases Country's First AI-Enabled Block-Level Monsoon Onset Advance Forecasting Model Covering 3,196 Blocks Across 15 States and One Union Territory With Four-Week Lead Time and Four-Day Error Margin
IMD on 12 May 2026 launched India's first AI-enabled block-level monsoon onset forecasting model covering 3,196 blocks in 15 states and one UT with up to four-week lead time and four-day error, to support rainfed sowing decisions through Agri Stack APIs.
Sports1
Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya Begins Three Day Visit to Shillong Meghalaya From 29 May 2026 to Review Preparations for the 39th National Games 2026 Inspect the Umsawli Sports Complex Inaugurate the Rupees 132.9 Crore Integrated Multipurpose Indoor Sports Complex With Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on 30 May 2026 and Attend the Chintan Shivir of the Department of Youth Affairs With North Eastern States
Union Sports Minister Mandaviya began a three day visit to Shillong on 29 May 2026 to review 39th National Games 2026 preparations, inaugurate the Rs 132.9 crore Integrated Indoor Sports Complex on 30 May and hold a Chintan Shivir of the Department of Youth Affairs.
Miscellaneous49
India Marks First Anniversary of Operation Sindoor on 7 May 2026 as Defence Ministry Reports FY 2025-26 Defence Exports of Rs 38,424 Crore, a 62.6 Per Cent Year-on-Year Surge
On the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor on 7 May 2026, the Defence Ministry reported FY 2025-26 defence exports of Rs 38,424 crore, up 62.6 per cent year-on-year, driven by BrahMos, Akash-NG, loitering munitions and Netra AEW&C exports.
Ministry of Environment Says CAQM Enforcement Task Force Reviewed 174 Delhi-NCR Inspections and 61 Violations in Its May 4, 2026 Meeting, Prioritising DG Sets, C&D Sites and Industrial Emissions
The CAQM Enforcement Task Force reviewed Delhi-NCR enforcement in its May 4, 2026 meeting after 174 inspections over April 11-28 found 61 violations. Proposed actions included closures, DG set sealing, Show Cause Notices, Environmental Compensation and one prosecution proposal. Cumulative inspections reached 27,008 units, projects or entities by May 4, 2026, across NCR.
Business Standard Reports CREA Estimate that India Curtailed 31 GW Renewable Energy in Q4 FY26 Amid Transmission and Flexibility Constraints
Business Standard reported CREA's estimate that India curtailed 31 GW of renewable energy in Q4 FY26 because transmission capacity and system flexibility lagged capacity growth. Solar accounted for 27 GW and wind for 4 GW of the main curtailment, with Gujarat recording the highest reduction. The report points to storage, transmission upgrades and demand-side management as transition priorities.
National Highways Authority of India Expands Project Saksham Across the Country in May 2026 in Partnership with Vertis Foundation Training Over 6,000 Youth in 12 Centres With More Than 80 Per Cent Women Beneficiaries Earning Average Monthly Income of Rs 13,000 to Rs 16,000 in Plumbing, Electrical Work, Tailoring and Nursing Assistance
NHAI in May 2026 expanded Project Saksham with Vertis Foundation, training 6,000 plus rural youth in 12 centres with 80 per cent women beneficiaries earning Rs 13,000-16,000 monthly in electrical, plumbing, tailoring and nursing assistance, of whom 4,000 plus have been placed.
National Green Tribunal Directs the Constitution of the Delhi Ridge Management Board and Seeks Replies from Central Pollution Control Board and Central Ground Water Authority on Environmental Violations in the National Capital
The National Green Tribunal directed the constitution of the Delhi Ridge Management Board and sought replies from the Central Ground Water Authority and the Central Pollution Control Board on environmental violations in the National Capital Region.
Supreme Court on 22 May 2026 Issues Pan-India Binding Directions Making Registration of Kidnapping FIR Mandatory in Every Missing Child Case and Orders the Ministry of Home Affairs to Build a National Data Grid Linking All Police Stations for Tracing Missing Women and Children
Supreme Court on 22 May 2026 made registration of kidnapping FIR mandatory in every missing child case ordered creation of MHA national data grid linking all police stations and directed full operationalisation of Anti-Human Trafficking Units to combat 47000 missing children backlog.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 22 May 2026 Chairs the First Council of Ministers Meeting of 2026 at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan in New Delhi Setting the Target Year of 2047 for a Fully Developed India and Directing All Ministries to Frame Time-Bound Roadmaps for Ease of Living, Ease of Doing Business and Faster File Movement Under the Viksit Bharat Vision
Prime Minister Modi on 22 May 2026 chaired first Council of Ministers meet of 2026 setting 2047 target for Viksit Bharat directing all ministries to publish 25-year roadmaps and compress approval timelines with eight ministries presenting Ease of Living and Ease of Doing Business reform pipelines.
India Observes International Day for Biological Diversity on 22 May 2026 Under the Global Theme Acting Locally for Global Impact as Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change Through GEF Small Grants Programme India Operational Phase-7 and UNDP Releases the Publication Community-Led Biodiversity Restoration in Coastal India Documenting Eight Initiatives From Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra
India observed International Day for Biological Diversity 2026 on 22 May under UN CBD theme Acting Locally for Global Impact with MoEFCC releasing through GEF-SGP India OP7 and UNDP a publication on Community-Led Biodiversity Restoration in Coastal India documenting eight Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra initiatives aligned with Kunming-Montreal Framework Target 3.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Distributes More Than 51,000 Appointment Letters During the 19th Rozgar Mela on 23 May 2026 Held Simultaneously at 47 Locations Nationwide With More Than 50 Per Cent of Appointments Dedicated to Indian Railways and Newly Recruited Youth Joining Ministries Including ISRO, Home Affairs, Health and Financial Services Taking Total Appointment Letters Issued Since October 2022 to Around 12 Lakh
PM Narendra Modi on 23 May 2026 distributed more than 51,000 appointment letters at the 19th Rozgar Mela held simultaneously at 47 locations nationwide, with over 50 per cent recruitments in Indian Railways and others joining ISRO, MHA, MoHFW and DFS; total letters issued since October 2022 cross 12 lakh.
India Meteorological Department Extends Severe Heat Wave Warning Across North, Central and Peninsular India Until 28 May 2026 as Akola Records 46.9 Degrees Celsius and India Sets a New Record for Single-Day Electricity Generation Driven by Air-Conditioning Demand While the National Disaster Management Authority and IMD Operationalise Heat Action Plans with Twenty-Three States Under the National Framework for Heat Wave Management
IMD on 23 May 2026 extended its heat wave warning across north, central and peninsular India till 28 May 2026 with severe heat wave likely over West Rajasthan; Akola recorded 46.9 degrees C, India's power generation hit a single-day record, and NDMA-IMD is running Heat Action Plans with 23 States/UTs under the National Framework.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 24 May 2026 Shares Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia Article Highlighting Sikkim Journey Towards Viksit Sikkim 2047 Calling Khangchendzonga the Protector of the States Land Memory and Consciousness While Spotlighting the 360 Crore Organic Mission Aimed at Transforming Sikkim into a Globally Integrated Premium Organic Economy Impacting More Than 66000 Farmer Families Through MDoNER Support
PM Modi on 24 May 2026 shared Union Minister Scindia article on Sikkim journey toward Viksit Sikkim 2047 spotlighting Khangchendzonga and 360 crore MDoNER organic economy mission impacting 66000 farmer families
President Droupadi Murmu Confers Padma Awards 2026 on 66 Distinguished Personalities at the Civil Investiture Ceremony I Held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 25 May 2026 With the Government Having Approved 131 Padma Awards Including Five Padma Vibhushan Thirteen Padma Bhushan and One Hundred Thirteen Padma Shri Honours Across Public Affairs Arts Literature Medicine Business Social Service Sports Science and Grassroots Cultural Traditions
President Droupadi Murmu conferred Padma Awards 2026 on 66 personalities at the Civil Investiture Ceremony I at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 25 May 2026 in the presence of the Vice President, Prime Minister and Home Minister, with a total of 131 Padma Awards approved for 2026.
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs Chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi Approves SARTHAK-PDS Umbrella Scheme on 26 May 2026 With a Central Outlay of Rs 25530 Crore for Five Years From April 2026 to March 2031 Merging Assistance to State Agencies for Intra-State Foodgrain Movement and SMART PDS to Modernise Public Distribution System Through Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning Natural Language Processing and Blockchain for 81.35 Crore NFSA Beneficiaries
CCEA chaired by PM Modi on 26 May 2026 approved SARTHAK-PDS umbrella scheme with Rs 25,530 crore outlay for 2026-2031, merging two existing schemes and using AI, ML, NLP and Blockchain to modernise PDS for 81.35 crore NFSA beneficiaries.
India Meteorological Department Declares Southwest Monsoon Onset Over Kerala on 26 May 2026 Nearly a Week Ahead of the Normal 1 June Arrival Date Making it One of the Earliest Onsets in Two Decades With Isolated Heavy to Very Heavy Rainfall Over Kerala and Tamil Nadu Even as Severe Heat Wave Conditions Persist Over Northwest India and Maximum Temperatures in Delhi Forecast to Range Between 43 and 45 Degrees Celsius on 26 and 27 May Under IMD Heat Action Plan
IMD declared Southwest Monsoon onset over Kerala on 26 May 2026, nearly a week ahead of the normal 1 June date - one of the earliest onsets in two decades. Northwest India simultaneously faced severe heat wave with Delhi temperatures forecast at 43-45 degrees Celsius.
Supreme Court of India on 26 May 2026 Upholds Validity of Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls Conducted by the Election Commission of India Holding That the ECI is Within Its Constitutional Powers to Examine Citizenship Claims for the Limited Purpose of Inclusion or Exclusion From Electoral Rolls Rules That the SIR Process Does Not Violate the Representation of the People Act 1950 and Has a Nexus With the Constitutional Goal of Free and Fair Elections
Supreme Court on 26 May 2026 upheld the validity of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls by ECI, holding that the Commission can examine citizenship for the limited purpose of electoral roll inclusion/exclusion. Process did not violate Representation of People Act 1950.
Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Paatil Inaugurates New National Dam Safety Authority Office at R K Puram New Delhi on 28 May 2026 and Launches NDSA Website NETRA AI Platform Developed With Indian Navy WESEE DHARMA Mobile Application for Dam Health and Rehabilitation Monitoring and Releases National Register of Specified Dams 2026 Covering Over 6600 Large Dams Under the Dam Safety Act 2021
Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Paatil on 28 May 2026 inaugurated the new NDSA office in New Delhi and launched the NDSA website, NETRA AI platform built with Indian Navy WESEE, DHARMA mobile app for dam health monitoring, and released the National Register of Specified Dams 2026 covering over 6600 large dams under the Dam Safety Act 2021.
Sikkim Declared Fully Literate State Under ULLAS Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram at Seventh Sikkim University Convocation in Gangtok Reaching 99.82 Per Cent Literacy Rate Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia Hails Achievement on 28 May 2026 Making Sikkim Sixth State or UT After Mizoram Goa Tripura Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh
Sikkim was declared a fully literate state under the ULLAS Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram at the seventh Sikkim University convocation in Gangtok in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu, with a literacy rate of 99.82 per cent. Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia hailed the achievement on 28 May 2026, making Sikkim the sixth state or UT to earn the status.
Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot Accepts Resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on 29 May 2026 Dissolves the State Cabinet and Asks Him to Continue as Caretaker Chief Minister Until Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar Is Sworn In Under a Mid Term Power Sharing Agreement of the Indian National Congress Setting the Stage for Karnataka Leadership Transition Ahead of the 2028 Assembly Elections
Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on 29 May 2026 accepted CM Siddaramaiah resignation under Article 164, paving the way for Deputy CM D K Shivakumar to take over under a Congress mid term power sharing pact.
Ministry of Panchayati Raj Organises Regional Workshop Seva Se Samriddhi on Panchayat Led Service Delivery in Guwahati on 29 May 2026 Chaired by Union Minister of State S P Singh Baghel With Assam Minister Atul Bora Bringing Together Functionaries From Assam Andhra Pradesh Madhya Pradesh Odisha Punjab Rajasthan and Telangana to Strengthen Digital Public Infrastructure Common Services Centre and BHASHINI Linkages at Gram Panchayat Level
Ministry of Panchayati Raj held the Seva Se Samriddhi Regional Workshop on Panchayat Led Service Delivery in Guwahati on 29 May 2026, bringing together seven states to deepen digital public infrastructure and last mile delivery at Gram Panchayat level.
Vice President of India C P Radhakrishnan Begins Three Day Visit to Karnataka Goa and Kerala From 29 May 2026 Attending Forty Five Years of the Art of Living Foundation in Bengaluru and Platinum Jubilee of University BDT College Davangere Followed by Goa Statehood Day CSIR NIO Visit Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Inauguration of SIRI Industrial Park at Belthangady and 140th Foundation Anniversary of Deepika Daily at Kottayam
Vice President C P Radhakrishnan began a three day visit to Karnataka, Goa and Kerala from 29 May 2026, attending the 45 years of Art of Living, BDT College Platinum Jubilee, Goa Statehood Day, NIO Goa, Dharmasthala temple, SIRI Industrial Park at Belthangady and Deepika 140th anniversary at Kottayam.
Goa Celebrates Forty Years of Statehood at Dinanath Mangeshkar Kala Mandir Kala Academy Panaji on 30 May 2026 With Vice President of India C P Radhakrishnan as Chief Guest Joined by Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant Releasing Mario Miranda Commemorative Postage Stamp Inaugurating Padma Vibhushan Mario Miranda Exhibition Launching Coffee Table Book Goa Engineering the Next Era and Issuing Police Sub Inspector Appointment Letters
Goa celebrated its 40th Statehood Day on 30 May 2026 at Kala Academy, Panaji with Vice President C P Radhakrishnan as Chief Guest, Governor Ashok Gajapathi Raju and CM Pramod Sawant; releases included a Mario Miranda commemorative stamp, the Padma Vibhushan exhibition and the coffee table book Goa Engineering the Next Era.
Punjab Cabinet Chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann Approves Regularisation of More Than 65000 Outsourced and Contractual Employees on 30 May 2026 Abolishes the Contractor System by Repealing the Punjab Adhoc Contractual Daily Wage Temporary Work Charged and Outsourced Employees Welfare Act 2016 and Clears the Punjab State Outsourced Personnel Transition to Contractual Engagement Bill 2026 and Punjab Contractual Personnel Absorption Against Sanctioned Vacancies Bill 2026
Punjab Cabinet on 30 May 2026 approved regularisation of over 65,000 outsourced and contractual employees, abolishing the contractor system by repealing the 2016 Welfare Act and clearing two new bills providing direct government employment, 3-year eligibility for hazardous workers and 10-year path to absorption against sanctioned posts.
Health Ministry Unveils Swasth Bharat Portal on 6 May 2026; One-Stop Aggregator to Integrate National Health Programme Systems and Reduce Duplicate Data Entry
The Health Ministry said on 6 May 2026 that the Swasth Bharat Portal had been launched as a one-stop aggregator for national health programme systems. It will reduce multiple logins, duplicate data entry and fragmented reporting while supporting ABDM and ABHA-linked secure record exchange. The Ministry projected 20-30% lower infrastructure load and 20-40% lower data-entry and HR duplication.
Election Commission Says ECINET Supported General Elections and Bye-Elections 2026 on 6 May 2026; Platform Crossed 10 Crore Downloads and Countered 68 Lakh Malicious Counting-Day Hits
The Election Commission said ECINET supported the 2026 Assembly elections and bye-elections through real-time monitoring, faster reporting and transparency. Launched in January 2026, the platform crossed 10 crore downloads and handled over 98.3 crore polling-day hits. It also countered over 68 lakh malicious counting-day hits and used QR code photo IDs at counting centres.
Ministry of Education Said on 3 May 2026 that Dharmendra Pradhan Reviewed NEET UG 2026 Arrangements at National Testing Agency Headquarters for Nearly 23 Lakh Registered Candidates Across India
The Ministry of Education said on 3 May 2026 that Shri Dharmendra Pradhan reviewed NEET UG 2026 arrangements at the National Testing Agency headquarters. The exam was being conducted for nearly 23 lakh registered candidates at centres across India under strict protocols. NEET UG remains the gateway to MBBS, BDS and allied medical programmes, making centre coordination and monitoring crucial.
Ministry of Panchayati Raj Announced on 3 May 2026 a Two-Day National Workshop in New Delhi on Panchayat Development Plans for 2026-27, with Launch of Planning Booklets and Revamped eGramSwaraj Portal
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj announced on 3 May 2026 a two-day national workshop in New Delhi on Panchayat Development Plans for 2026-27. The event would launch planning booklets and the revamped eGramSwaraj portal, bring together central, State and Union Territory stakeholders, and focus on data-driven, participatory plans aligned with 16th Finance Commission conditionalities.
Union Health Ministry Launches Nationwide Fire Safety Week from 4 to 10 May 2026 and Issues National Guidelines for Fire and Life Safety in Healthcare Facilities
The Union Health Ministry launched Fire Safety Week from 4 to 10 May 2026 and issued national fire and life-safety guidelines for healthcare facilities. The campaign emphasises audits, trained staff, evacuation drills, high-risk hospital areas and regular reporting on the IHIP portal. It links patient safety with disaster preparedness and institutional compliance.
Ministry of Panchayati Raj Opens National Workshop on 4 May 2026 with People’s Plan Campaign Booklet, Quality GPDP Report and Revamped eGramSwaraj Portal
The Panchayati Raj Ministry opened a national workshop on 4 May 2026 and launched a PPC booklet, a quality GPDP report and the revamped eGramSwaraj planning portal. Officials stressed outcome-based Gram Panchayat planning, convergence, digital transparency, asset upkeep and citizen participation. The 16th Finance Commission framework allocates ₹4.35 lakh crore to Rural Local Bodies for 2026-31.
Environment Ministry Says CAQM Revoked GRAP Stage-I Across Entire NCR on 4 May 2026 After Delhi’s Average AQI Improved from 175 to 88
CAQM revoked GRAP Stage-I across the entire NCR on 4 May 2026 after Delhi’s average AQI improved from 175 on 3 May to 88 on 4 May because of rain and favourable weather. Forecasts indicated Satisfactory to Moderate air quality ahead. Agencies must still implement statutory directions, dust-control timelines and pollution-control rules.
Union Cabinet Approves Supreme Court Number of Judges Amendment Bill, 2026 on May 5 to Raise Sanctioned Judge Strength from 33 to 37 Excluding the Chief Justice of India
The Union Cabinet approved the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026 on May 5, 2026. It proposes to increase the sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges from 33 to 37, excluding the Chief Justice of India. The release links the change to speedier justice, efficiency and Parliament's power under Article 124(1) to prescribe a larger strength by law.
NITI Aayog Launches Central Prabhari Officer Portal on May 5, 2026 to Strengthen Real-Time Governance and Last-Mile Delivery in Aspirational Districts and Blocks
NITI Aayog launched the Central Prabhari Officer Portal on May 5, 2026 for the Aspirational Districts and Blocks Programme. It lets Central Prabhari Officers submit field observations and recommendations in real time, allows districts to respond, and enables State Planning Secretaries, NITI Aayog and line ministries to monitor implementation and accountability.
Ministry of Defence Says Anugraha Narayana Das Took Charge as Controller General of Defence Accounts on 1 May 2026
The Ministry of Defence said Anugraha Narayana Das, a 1991-batch Indian Defence Accounts Service officer, took charge as Controller General of Defence Accounts on 1 May 2026. His profile includes more than three decades in defence financial management, procurement policy, audit oversight, budgeting and expenditure monitoring, with service in the Defence Ministry, Army Headquarters and CGDA Headquarters.
Prime Minister's Office Highlights Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana's Women-Centred Clean Cooking Impact on 1 May 2026
The Prime Minister's Office said Narendra Modi shared Dharmendra Pradhan's article on Ujjwala's impact on 1 May 2026. The scheme was presented as women-centred policy, expanding LPG coverage and targeted subsidy transfers to over 10 crore women. The release stressed reduced household air pollution, improved well-being and the next focus on sustained use, affordability and energy justice.
Ministry of Communications Launches Indigenous Cell Broadcast System on 2 May 2026 for Geo-Targeted Disaster Alerts Across India, Linked with SACHET and Developed with C-DOT, NDMA and the Ministry of Home Affairs
The Ministry of Communications launched India's indigenous Cell Broadcast System on 2 May 2026 for near real-time, geo-targeted disaster alerts. Developed with C-DOT, NDMA and MHA and integrated with SACHET, it can reach mobile users within selected towers or wider areas despite congestion. The launch included a national test, disaster-management guidelines and recognition of disaster-management awardees.
Election Commission Deploys 165 Additional Counting Observers and 77 Police Observers on 2 May 2026 for West Bengal Assembly Election Counting Centres Under Article 324 and the Representation of the People Act
The Election Commission deployed 165 Additional Counting Observers and 77 Police Observers on 2 May 2026 for West Bengal Assembly election counting centres. Acting under Article 324 and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, it framed the deployment as a safeguard for secure, peaceful and transparent counting. The order also covered QR-based entry, mobile-phone restrictions and Form 17C-II cross-verification.
Labour Ministry Says Mansukh Mandaviya Launched Nationwide Annual Health Check-Up Initiative for Workers Aged 40 and Above on 7 May 2026 from ESIC Medical College Basaidarapur Under the New Labour Codes
Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on 7 May 2026 launched a nationwide free Annual Health Check-Up Initiative for workers aged 40 plus from ESIC Medical College Basaidarapur, operationalising a key provision of the four new Labour Codes.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Participates in Somnath Amrut Mahotsav on 11 May 2026 Marking 75 Years of Reconstructed Temple, Releases Rs 75 Commemorative Coin and Postage Stamp at Prabhas Patan
PM Modi attended the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav on 11 May 2026 marking 75 years of the reconstructed Somnath Temple, released a Rs 75 coin and postage stamp, and witnessed an IAF Suryakiran flypast at Prabhas Patan in Gujarat.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates Sardardham Hostel in Vadodara on Evening of 11 May 2026 With Capacity for 1000 Boys and 1000 Girls Along With Central Dining Hall, Library and Auditorium
On 11 May 2026 evening, PM Modi inaugurated the Sardardham Hostel in Vadodara with capacity for 1,000 boys and 1,000 girls, plus a central dining hall, library and auditorium, intended to support students from rural and economically weaker backgrounds preparing for competitive examinations.
Government Notifies Viksit Bharat-G RAM G Act 2025 on 12 May 2026 to Replace MGNREGA From 1 July 2026 With Guaranteed 125 Days of Rural Wage Employment and Rs 95,692 Crore Central Allocation for FY 2026-27
Government notifies VB-G RAM G Act 2025 on 12 May 2026; effective 1 July 2026, the new law replaces MGNREGA and guarantees 125 days of rural wage employment with Rs 95,692.31 crore central allocation for FY 2026-27.
Press Information Bureau Feature on 13 May 2026 Highlights AI-Powered Financial Inclusion in India Backed by 58.16 Crore Jan Dhan Accounts and 2,264 Crore Monthly UPI Transactions With Banking BHASHINI Unified Lending Interface MuleHunter.AI and RBI Regulatory Sandbox Anchoring an Estimated 130 to 170 Billion US Dollar MSME Credit Gap Opportunity
PIB on 13 May 2026 highlighted AI-powered financial inclusion in India built on 58.16 crore Jan Dhan accounts, 2,264 crore monthly UPI transactions, Banking BHASHINI, ULI, MuleHunter.AI and the RBI Regulatory Sandbox, with potential to unlock a 130-170 billion USD MSME credit gap.
NITI Aayog Policy Report on School Education System in India Flags Decline in Government School Enrolment From 71 Percent in 2005 to 49.24 Percent in 2024-25 With 13 Recommendations for Quality Enhancement
NITI Aayog's policy report on the school education system flags a decline in government school enrolment from 71 per cent in 2005 to 49.24 per cent in 2024-25, notes India's 14.71 lakh schools serving 24.69 crore students, and offers 13 recommendations with 33 pathways and 125+ indicators for quality enhancement.
PRS Legislative Research Tracks the Constitution 131st Amendment Bill 2026 the Union Territories Laws Amendment Bill 2026 and the Delimitation Bill 2026 Enabling Delimitation Based on 2011 Census and Women Reservation
PRS Legislative Research is tracking three Bills introduced in the Lok Sabha on 16 April 2026 - the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill 2026, the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill 2026, and the Delimitation Bill 2026 - which together increase the Lok Sabha size, enable delimitation based on the 2011 census and operationalise women's reservation.
India's Seventh National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity Reveals Only Two of Twenty-Three National Biodiversity Targets Are On Track With Land Degradation Affecting 29.77 Percent of Geographical Area
India submitted its Seventh National Report to the CBD, finding only 2 of 23 National Biodiversity Targets on track, land degradation affecting 29.77 percent (97 million hectares) of geographical area, protected areas at just over 5 percent, but flagship species gains including 3,167 tigers.
State of India's Environment 2026 Report by Centre for Science and Environment and Down To Earth Warns Seven of Nine Planetary Boundaries Breached and Extreme Weather Struck India on 331 of 334 Days in 2025
CSE and Down To Earth released the State of India's Environment 2026 report, warning 7 of 9 planetary boundaries are breached, India had extreme weather on 331 of 334 days in 2025 killing 4,419 people, and only 15 percent of the population lives near air quality monitors.
Government Notifies Revised Windfall Gains Tax on Petroleum Exports Through Notification Number 22 of 2026 Levying Rs 3 Per Litre Special Additional Excise Duty on Petrol While Cutting Diesel to Rs 16.5 and ATF to Rs 16 Effective 16 May 2026
The government issued Notification No. 22/2026 (15 May 2026) revising windfall tax on petroleum exports effective 16 May 2026: a fresh Rs 3/litre SAED on petrol, diesel SAED cut from Rs 23 to Rs 16.5/litre and ATF from Rs 33 to Rs 16/litre, as part of the fortnightly review.
A Medical Federation Moves the Supreme Court Seeking Replacement or Restructuring of the National Testing Agency After the NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak, with the CBI Probing a Multi-State Guess-Paper Syndicate
A medical federation has moved the Supreme Court seeking replacement or restructuring of the NTA after the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak; the exam held on 3 May 2026 for over 22.7 lakh aspirants was cancelled on 12 May 2026, and the CBI is probing a multi-state guess-paper syndicate with nine arrests.
President Droupadi Murmu Approves Increase in Supreme Court Judge Strength from 33 to 37 as the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill 2026 Raises Total Sanctioned Strength to 38 Including the Chief Justice of India
President Murmu approved increasing the Supreme Court judge strength from 33 to 37 (excluding the CJI), raising total sanctioned strength to 38; the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill 2026 amends the 1956 Act to address rising pendency, the first such increase since 2019.
Environment Ministry Says India Will Host the First International Big Cat Alliance Summit in New Delhi on 1-2 June 2026; Website and Logo Launched on 6 May 2026
The Environment Ministry said on 6 May 2026 that India will host the first International Big Cat Alliance Summit in New Delhi on 1-2 June 2026. The Summit will focus on seven big cats and is expected to produce the Delhi Declaration on conservation. It will bring together leaders, experts and partners from 95 range countries and promote South-South cooperation and landscape-based conservation.
Daily Environment Court Digest of 12 May 2026 Shows NGT Hearing on Oil India ERD Drilling in Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, CPCB Finding of Hexavalent Chromium Above Limits at Sukinda Valley Mines and Direction to Ultratech Cement Bichhapuri Coal Mine on Groundwater Recharge
Down To Earths 12 May 2026 court digest covers NGT hearing on Oil India ERD drilling in Dibru-Saikhowa, CPCB finding of hexavalent chromium at 0.16 mg/L (limit 0.05 mg/L) at Sukinda Valley mines, and direction to Ultratech Bichhapuri coal mine to build groundwater recharge structures.
Monthly quiz
Practice MCQs from this compilation in test mode.
Start quiz