Daily current affairs for 12 May 2026 with exam-focused key facts, connected news context, and revision notes for UPSC, SSC, banking and government exams.
Editorial note for exam revisionLast updated: 12 May 2026. This briefing is structured for current affairs revision, with key updates and related coverage links to help readers connect recurring topics across days.
Recent Estimates project India's GDP growth at 7.2% for final quarter of FY26
Key Updates:
India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth is estimated to reach approximately 7.2% in the final quarter of FY26.
Domestic demand is driven by consumer spending on housing, travel, electronics, food services, vehicles, online shopping, and lifestyle products.
Government infrastructure spending is focused on highways, railways, airports, ports, renewable energy, and digital infrastructure.
The digital economy expansion includes Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments, online banking, e-commerce platforms, digital education, app-based services, and online financial tools.
The banking system has improved in terms of loan recovery, asset quality, profitability, and capital strength.
The World Bank (WB) estimated India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth to have accelerated to 7.6 per cent in Financial Year 2025-26 (FY26) from 7.1 per cent in FY25. The WB projected India's growth to slow to 6.6 per…
65 per cent of Indian respondents believe the country is heading in the right direction, placing India third globally behind Singapore (78 per cent) and Malaysia (73 per cent). The Ipsos “What Worries the World” survey…
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) released the Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2026. India's economy is projected to grow at 6.4% in 2026 and 6.6% in…
India’s Q3 FY26 GDP growth slowed to 7.8% from the preceding quarter’s 8.4%. The new GDP series uses 2022-23 as its base year, replacing the earlier 2011-12 series.
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi urges fuel conservation and reduction in foreign exchange expenditure
Key Updates:
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi urged the adoption of work-from-home arrangements and virtual meetings to curb petrol and diesel consumption amid global instability in West Asia.
The PM advised postponing foreign travel, overseas vacations, and destination weddings for at least a year to conserve foreign exchange reserves.
The PM requested a temporary reduction in non-essential gold purchases and urged farmers to reduce chemical fertiliser use by 50 percent.
India is investing in alternative energy sources including solar power, ethanol blending, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) transport systems, and piped gas infrastructure.
In Telangana, the PM inaugurated or laid foundation stones for the four-laning of National Highway-167 on the Hyderabad-Panaji Economic Corridor, railway multi-tracking on the Kazipet-Vijayawada route, development projects in the Zaheerabad Industrial Area, and a Greenfield Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants terminal in Hyderabad.
The PM inaugurated the PM MITRA Park in Warangal, which is the country's first fully operational PM MITRA textile park.
S&P Global Ratings (S&P) revised India’s GDP growth forecast upward by 40 basis points to 7.1% for FY27. India recorded 7.8% GDP growth in the October–December quarter.
Team LeBroom from IIM Rohtak won the Hermes’ Dialogue 6.0 organised by Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH), Greater Noida. The 2026 theme was ‘Should Countries Prioritize Energy Independence to Ensure…
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) released the Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2026. India's economic growth is projected to be 6.4% in 2026 and 6.6% in…
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) projected India's economic growth at 6.4% for 2026 and 6.6% for 2027 in its Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2026…
State Bank of India (SBI) announces Q4 and full-year financial results
Key Updates:
State Bank of India (SBI) reported strong profits and steady business growth in its Q4 and full-year financial results.
A loan is classified as a Non-Performing Asset (NPA) when the borrower fails to repay the interest or principal amount for more than 90 days.
The Current Account Savings Account (CASA) ratio indicates the percentage of deposits held in current and savings accounts.
Net Interest Income (NII) is the difference between the interest earned from loans and the interest paid to depositors.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the institution that regulates banks in India.
State Bank of India (SBI) aims to expand its balance-sheet to approximately 25 per cent of India's GDP by 2030, increasing from the current level of about 20 per cent. SBI plans to improve its market share by one per…
The Gross Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) ratio of Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) for domestic operations declined to a historic low of 2.15% as of September 2025. According to provisional data from the Reserve Bank of…
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed penalties totalling Rs 1.35 crore on CSB Bank (Rs 63.60 lakh), Bank of Maharashtra (Rs 32.50 lakh), DCB Bank (Rs 29.60 lakh), IIFL Finance (Rs 5.30 lakh) and Navi Finserv (Rs 3.80…
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) proposes GARUDA mechanism for Alternative Investment Funds (AIF)
Key Updates:
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) proposed the Green-Channel: AIF Rollout Upon Document Acknowledgement (GARUDA) to reduce the scheme launch period from 30 working days to 10 working days after filing Placement Memorandums (PPMs).
For the first scheme of an Alternative Investment Fund (AIF), launch is permitted from the date of registration or 10 working days after filing the application, whichever is later.
As of March 31, 2026, the number of registered AIFs rose to 1,849, with cumulative commitments of ₹15.74 lakh crore and net investments of ₹6.45 lakh crore as of December 31, 2025.
For Angel Funds and Accredited Investor-only (AI-only) schemes, SEBI proposed allowing direct PPM filing by fund managers and immediate launch upon filing without a review period.
The number of accredited investors reached 2,773 as of April 30, 2026, holding AIF units with a par value of approximately ₹1.91 lakh crore as of December 31, 2025.
The Antariksh Venture Capital Fund, managed by SIDBI Venture Capital Limited (SVCL), will begin investing in Indian space startups from the first quarter of FY2027. The fund has a committed corpus of ₹1,005 crore aimed…
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) held its 213th board meeting in Mumbai on 23 March 2026. SEBI amended AIF Regulations 2012 to allow Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) with no active fund management to…
Finance Ministry (FinMin) empowers Principal Bench of Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) as National Appellate Authority for Advance Ruling
Key Updates:
The Finance Ministry (FinMin) has notified the Principal Bench of the Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) as the National Appellate Authority for Advance Rulings.
The notification is deemed to have come into force on April 1, 2026.
The Principal Bench of the GSTAT is located in New Delhi and is constituted under sub-section (3) of Section 109 of the Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) Act.
The Principal Bench consists of a President, one judicial member, and two technical members, with one technical member each from the Centre and State.
The Principal Bench is empowered to hear appeals made under section 101B of the CGST Act to resolve conflicting rulings across different States or union territories.
The National Statistical Systems Training Academy (NSSTA) celebrated its 18th Foundation Day on 13 February 2026 at Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. The theme for the 18th Foundation Day was Reimagining Capacity Building…
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released guidelines for compiling Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) with the base year 2022-23. MoSPI revised the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP)…
The Union Cabinet cleared the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026 on 11 March 2026 to retain IPS officers on deputation in five CAPFs: BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP and SSB. The Bill mandates 50% of…
The Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Act, 2026 was notified on 9 April 2026 after President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent. The Act is an umbrella law regulating recruitment, deputation, promotion and…
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Imposes Penalties on YES Bank and Hinduja Housing Finance Ltd
Key Updates:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a monetary penalty of ₹31.80 lakh on YES Bank.
The penalty on YES Bank was levied for non-compliance with certain provisions of the Know Your Customer (KYC) norms.
YES Bank failed to implement a system using the KYC Identifier assigned by the Central KYC Records Registry for establishing account-based relationships.
The RBI conducted a statutory inspection for supervisory evaluation of YES Bank with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2025.
A separate penalty of ₹1.8 lakh was imposed on Hinduja Housing Finance Ltd for non-compliance with directions relating to governance.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a monetary penalty of ₹31.80 lakh on HSBC for non-compliance with regulatory norms. The penalty was issued following a statutory inspection for supervisory evaluation of the…
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a monetary penalty of ₹2.70 lakh on Manappuram Finance. The penalty was levied for non-compliance with RBI guidelines regarding the compensation of Key Managerial Personnel…
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed penalties of ₹95.40 lakh on Union Bank of India, ₹63.60 lakh on Central Bank of India, ₹58.50 lakh on Bank of India, and ₹3.10 lakh on Pine Labs for regulatory non-compliance. Union…
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a monetary penalty of ₹11.50 lakh on Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Limited on 27 February 2026. The penalty was for non-compliance with RBI directions on ‘Fair Practices…
PM MITRA Scheme: First operational PM MITRA Park inaugurated in Warangal with ₹1,695 crore cost, expected ₹6,000 crore investment and over 24,400 direct jobs.
Key Updates:
The PM MITRA Scheme was approved by the Union Ministry of Textiles in 2023 to create large scale integrated textile parks across India.
Seven states selected under PM MITRA Scheme: Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh.
The first operational PM MITRA Park, established in Warangal, Telangana, spans 1,327 acres and was developed at a cost of over ₹1,695 crore.
The park is expected to attract investments worth more than ₹6,000 crore and create over 24,400 direct jobs across the textile value chain.
Industries setting up units in the park can access dedicated incentive support of ₹300 crore under the scheme.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Lok Sabha (LS) regarding the West Asia conflict, highlighting its impact on India’s energy security and the safety of nearly 1 crore Indian citizens in the region. The…
The Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) of the Indian Army has partnered with the IIT-Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation to develop indigenous military technologies. A Nodal Indigenisation Centre…
Annapurna Yojana: ₹3,000 Monthly Assistance for Women in West Bengal
Key Updates:
The West Bengal government approved the rollout of the Annapurna Yojana to provide monthly financial assistance of ₹3,000 to women in the state.
The scheme increases the financial aid compared to the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, where beneficiaries currently receive ₹1,500 per month and Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) women receive ₹1,700.
Launched in February 2021, the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme provides monthly aid of ₹1,200 for SC/ST beneficiaries and ₹1,000 for others among women aged 25 to 60 years enrolled under the Swasthya Sathi programme.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has pledged 33 per cent reservation for women in all government jobs, including the police force.
The BJP has promised free travel in public transport vehicles for women in West Bengal.
India Post released a special cover to commemorate the birth centenary of the legendary Surbahar player and Indian classical musician Annapurna Devi. The special cover was released on 9 March 2026 at the Kolkata General…
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced the Banglar Yuva Sathi Scheme 2026 during the state interim budget to support unemployed youth. The scheme provides a monthly allowance of ₹1,500 to educated but…
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced the State Government’s plan to extend the Bhavantar Yojana to mustard farmers to cover the gap between market price and procurement price. The proposal has been sent to…
Ayushman Bharat Diwas is celebrated annually on April 30 to recognise the impact of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). PM-JAY was launched on September 23, 2018, in Ranchi, Jharkhand.
SEHAT Initiative: Linking Agriculture with Public Health
Key Updates:
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) jointly launched the Science Excellence for Health through Agricultural Transformation (SEHAT) initiative.
The programme was unveiled on May 11, 2026, in the presence of Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda and Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
SEHAT aims to integrate agriculture, nutrition, and public health to address malnutrition and rising lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer.
The initiative focuses on promoting organic and sustainable farming practices and ensuring the scientific validation of agricultural interventions.
The mission contributes to the broader One Health vision, which links human, animal, and environmental health.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) announced the selection of 10 startups for the second cohort of the IndiaAI Startups Global Acceleration Programme (ISG). The ISG is developed in…
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has launched an Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven pathogen detection tool designed to predict the spread of serious diseases and future pandemics. A new mandate from the…
IndiaAI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to advance healthcare outcomes through the responsible and scalable application of artificial intelligence (AI). The…
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) under NITI Aayog launched the first State Innovation Mission (SIM) in Tripura at the Hapania International Exhibition Centre in Agartala. SIM is part of the approved AIM 2.0 programme under…
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) Revises Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Guidelines to Allow Institutional Investors
Key Updates:
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has modified the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) guidelines to allow large institutional investors to bid for highway projects.
The revised norms permit sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, infrastructure funds, private equity, and Alternative Investment Funds (AIF) to participate in BOT projects under the public-private-partnership (PPP) model.
Previously, these large-scale funds were only permitted to bid for Toll, Operate and Transfer (TOT) projects.
The policy change follows the failure of four highway projects worth ₹22,000 crore to attract private bids due to concerns over contract terms.
Under the new framework, institutional investors will be assessed on financial strength, while technical construction qualifications can be fulfilled through engineering partners or concessionaires.
The Supreme Court (SC) declared the right to safe road travel as part of the right to life guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. The order was issued on April 13 by a Bench comprising Justice JK…
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) rolled out Mobile Quality Control Vans (MQCVs) to monitor National Highway quality. Pilot runs are underway in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka and Odisha.
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) amended the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008 with effect from 15 February 2026. On partially operational National Expressways, toll…
The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) operationalised India's first Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) barrier-less tolling system at the Choryasi toll plaza on the Surat–Bharuch section of NH-48 in Gujarat on May 1…
Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G Act): Guaranteed wage employment increased to 125 days
Key Updates:
The Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G Act), 2025, will come into force across India from July 1, 2026, replacing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
Under the VB-G RAM G Act, every rural household whose adult members volunteer for unskilled manual work is entitled to 125 days of guaranteed wage employment in a financial year, increased from 100 days under MGNREGA.
The scheme focuses on four broad categories of works: water security projects, core rural infrastructure, livelihood-related infrastructure, and extreme weather mitigation works.
Local development is managed through Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans (VGPPs) prepared by Gram Panchayats and approved by Gram Sabhas, with attendance captured via a face authentication-based system.
Funding patterns are 90:10 for northeastern and Himalayan states, 60:40 for other states and Union Territories with legislatures, and 100 per cent central funding for Union Territories without legislatures.
The Union Cabinet approved the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) 5.0 with an outlay of Rs 18,100 crore to address short-term liquidity mismatches caused by the West Asia Crisis. Eligible borrowers include…
The Union Government withdrew the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025 from the Lok Sabha on a Tuesday. Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal moved the withdrawal, which the House approved by voice vote.
Maharashtra government launched the ₹65.25 crore 'Majha Gaon, Arogyasampann Gaon' rural healthcare initiative on World Health Day. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the campaign in Mumbai in the presence of…
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, approved the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-III (PMGSY-III) until March 2028. The total financial outlay for the scheme has been…
One Case One Data and Su Sahay AI Chatbot for Judicial Data Integration and Access
Key Updates:
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant announced the "One Case One Data" initiative to strengthen judicial data integration and improve public access to court services.
The "One Case One Data" initiative will integrate multi-level information from all high courts, district courts, and taluka courts into a unified system.
The "One Case One Data" initiative aims to create a comprehensive and interconnected digital database to develop an efficient case management system.
The judiciary launched "Su Sahay", an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered assistance chatbot integrated with the Supreme Court website to facilitate easier access to justice and court-related services for litigants.
The "Su Sahay" chatbot was developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) in collaboration with the Supreme Court Registry to provide front-end guidelines and guidance for accessing essential services of the Supreme Court.
The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MSJE) launched the SMILE–Beggary Survey Mobile Application. The application was launched during the Chintan Shivir held in Chandigarh from 24th to 26th April 2026.
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Chairman launched three IT platforms on 24 March. SUPCOMS replaces email-centric interactions and centralises all official communications with external entities.
Uttarakhand has secured the first position in the national implementation of the ICJS 2.0 with a score of 93.46, as per data up to January 2026. The ranking was published in the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and…
The Saksham Skill Census, India’s first AI-powered skill census, was launched at RD National College, Bandra West, Mumbai Suburban’s H-West Ward. The initiative employs AI technology and GIS mapping to divide areas into…
Uttar Pradesh Government Launches 'Tech Youth-Supported Youth' Scheme for Modern Training of Youth
Key Updates:
On National Technology Day (May 11, 2026), Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced the state's aim to become India's 'Deep Tech Capital'.
Missions in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) have been launched by the Uttar Pradesh government.
The data center cluster initiative is underway in the state.
The 'Tech Youth-Supported Youth' scheme is ensuring modern training for youth in Uttar Pradesh.
Uttar Pradesh is advancing in drones, quantum technology, green hydrogen, and med-tech under the mantra 'Innovate in UP, Scale for the World'.
Uttar Pradesh tabled its first-ever Economic Survey in the Assembly on Monday. State’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) more than doubled from Rs 13.30 lakh crore in 2016-17 to Rs 30.25 lakh crore in 2024-25…
Uttar Pradesh has more than 20 expressways operational, under construction, or in the planning stage. Yamuna Expressway spans 165.5 km with six lanes, completed in 2012 at an estimated cost of ₹13,300 crore.
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) under NITI Aayog launched the first State Innovation Mission (SIM) in Tripura at the Hapania International Exhibition Centre in Agartala. SIM is part of the approved AIM 2.0 programme under…
Uttar Pradesh finance minister Suresh Khanna presented a Rs 9,12,696.35 crore budget for 2026-27, registering a 12.2% rise over the previous year. Capital expenditure accounts for 19.5% of the total outlay.
Yashoda Programme and Human Milk Banks: Promoting Breast Milk Donation in Rajasthan
Key Updates:
The Yashoda programme has operated under the Norway-India Partnership Initiative since 2008, focusing on immediate and exclusive breastfeeding for maternal and neonatal care.
Jeevan Dhara, Rajasthan's first state-run human milk bank, was inaugurated at Mahila Chikitsalaya on 27 March 2015 in collaboration with the Norwegian government and JK Lon Hospital.
The Mother Milk Bank at Barmer District Hospital, established on 4 March 2018, has collected 29,882 units of milk and supported 3,165 newborn babies.
The Barmer facility stores human milk at minus 19 degrees Celsius for preservation up to six months, following HIV screening and infection testing.
In Bhilwara, the Aanchal Mother Milk Bank received 160.81 litres of milk from Raksha Jain between June 2018 and November 2023, supporting more than 5,000 feeds.
Sumitra Juanga, a 16-year-old Juang tribal girl from Talabaruda village in Odisha, led behaviour change on early marriage, nutrition and hygiene. She promoted iron and folic acid tablet use among teenage girls and…
Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad will establish the national cow culture museum at Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Veterinary Science University in Mathura. The museum will display approximately 100 digital and…
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) N. Chandrababu Naidu announced a proposed Population Management Strategy to address the state’s declining fertility rate. The state government is considering a financial incentive of…
Delhi Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana will deposit ₹61,000 in stages from birth until graduation, maturing to around ₹1.25 lakh with interest. Budget provision of ₹128 crore has been made for the Delhi Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana.
Aftercare Scheme for Young Persons: Support for youth exiting childcare institutions
Key Updates:
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched the Aftercare Scheme for Young Persons at Village Cottage Home in Lajpat Nagar to assist youth leaving childcare institutions and orphanages after turning 18.
Eligible beneficiaries will receive assistance for higher education, skill development, vocational training, mentoring, counselling, career guidance, rehabilitation support, independent living assistance, emergency support, internships, employment opportunities at government institutions, financial support, and a monthly stipend.
The Delhi government approved the scheme under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
The scheme will be overseen by a state aftercare committee, headed by the Secretary of the Women and Child Development Department, and district aftercare committees, headed by respective District Magistrates.
Delhi currently has 88 Child Care Institutions (CCIs) and two aftercare homes, one for boys and one for girls, to support the transition of young adults toward independent living.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) released the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) 2.0 Guidelines at the National Summit on Good Practices and Innovations in Public Healthcare Service Delivery. The…
Nagaland launched the ‘100 Days Ayushman Student Coverage Mission’ to expand health coverage for its younger citizens. The mission is being implemented from May to August, led by the Nagaland Health Protection Society…
Union Minister of Labour & Employment Mansukh Mandaviya will launch the nationwide free 'Annual Health Check-Up Initiative' for workers aged 40 years and above on May 7, 2026. The initiative will be formally inaugurated…
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana effective from April 1, replacing the 2008 Ladli Yojana. The scheme will deposit ₹56,000 in stages during a girl’s academic journey, projected to grow to…
Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif announces May 10 as 'Marka-e-Haq Day' annually to mark 2025 conflict with India
Key Updates:
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that May 10 will be observed annually as 'Marka-e-Haq Day' to mark the first anniversary of the four-day conflict with India in 2025.
The conflict began after the 22 April Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed, prompting India to launch Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025.
India carried out airstrikes on nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, eliminating at least 100 terrorists.
The hostilities ended with an understanding to halt military actions on May 10, 2025, following talks between army officials of both sides.
Pakistan PM thanked United States President Donald Trump, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Chinese President Xi Jinping for their political support during the conflict.
Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab Lil Haq on the night of 26-27 February 2026, targeting Kabul, Kandahar, Nangarhar and Paktika. Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar claimed 27 Taliban posts were destroyed…
The two-day National Chintan Shivir was organised by the Ministry of Minority Affairs at Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar. Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju inaugurated the NIGRANI App, Haj Wrist Band…
International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism is observed on 12 February 2026. United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres released a message for the day.
India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducts long duration scramjet combustor test in Hyderabad
Key Updates:
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a long duration test of its scramjet combustor in Hyderabad.
The test was conducted by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) and achieved a run time of more than 1,200 seconds.
This performance is a major improvement over the earlier 700 second test conducted in January 2026.
Scramjet engines enable missiles to travel at hypersonic speeds above Mach 5 by using oxygen from the atmosphere during flight.
The combustor utilizes indigenous technologies including Indian developed liquid hydrocarbon fuel, advanced thermal barrier coatings, and modern manufacturing techniques.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) unveiled two indigenous advanced armoured platforms, one tracked and one wheeled, on April 25 at the Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (VRDE)…
India to host 4th India-Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi on 31 May 2026
Key Updates:
The 4th India-Africa Forum Summit will be held in New Delhi from 28 to 31 May 2026, with senior officials meetings on 28 May, Foreign Ministers meeting on 29 May, and the leaders summit on 31 May.
Previous summits were held in 2008 (New Delhi), 2011 (Addis Ababa), and 2015 (New Delhi), with the third summit witnessing participation from all 54 African countries.
India has opened 17 new diplomatic missions in Africa since 2018, increasing its diplomatic presence to 46 nations across the continent.
India contributes nearly 5,000 peacekeepers to United Nations missions in African countries and has signed digital cooperation agreements with seven African nations.
39 African countries have joined the International Solar Alliance, and the summit will focus on cooperation in sectors including defence, trade, energy, space, and climate action.
World Bank (WB) forecasts India’s GDP growth at 7.6% in FY26 and 6.6% in FY27. WB had earlier pegged India’s growth at 6.3% for FY25 in its October 2025 update.
India will host the 4th India-Africa Forum Summit on May 31, marking the first such event in a decade. The theme of the summit is 'India Africa Strategic Partnership for Innovation, Resilience and Inclusive…
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met in New Delhi on Saturday. Both leaders signed an agreement to boost cooperation on critical minerals and rare earths.
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar represented India at the Group of 7 (G7) foreign ministers' meeting held at Abbaye des-Vaux-de-Cernay, France. France, the current chair of the G7, invited India, Saudi…
India conducts Samudra Pradakshina all-women tri-service global circumnavigation expedition
Key Updates:
The Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni is completing Samudra Pradakshina, which is India’s first all-women tri-service global circumnavigation expedition.
The crew comprises 10 women officers from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force (IAF), led by Expedition Leader Lieutenant Colonel Anuja Varudkar.
IASV Triveni is a 50-foot yacht built in Puducherry that is expected to complete the 43,000-kilometre expedition in June 2026.
The voyage commenced from Mumbai on 11 September 2025 and covered over 23,000 nautical miles by 8 May 2026 with stops in Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, and Cape Town.
The crew is scheduled to cross the equator twice and round three major landmarks: Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn, and the Cape of Good Hope.
INS Sunayna, a Saryu-class Offshore Patrol Vessel, reached Male on Sunday as part of the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR initiative. The deployment is the first international stop of a 50-day overseas mission and carries…
INS Sunayna, an Offshore Patrol Vessel of the Indian Navy, set sail from Mumbai as Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR. Sanjay Seth, Minister of State for Defence, flagged off the ship carrying naval personnel from India and…
The Indian Navy (IN) has commenced the second edition of the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR initiative to enhance collaborative maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Naval personnel from 16 friendly foreign…
Rolls-Royce Plc Plans Up to $10 Billion Investment in India's Defence, Aviation, and Nuclear Sectors
Key Updates:
Rolls-Royce Plc (Rolls-Royce) aims to establish India as its fourth home market following the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States.
The company has indicated an intention to invest up to $10 billion in India across the defence, civil aviation, and nuclear energy sectors.
Rolls-Royce is competing to provide engines for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and has proposed creating a local design centre with an Indian partner.
The company currently powers the SEPECAT Jaguar aircraft and Arjun tanks, and is collaborating with Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE) to supply marine engines for the navy and coast guard.
To support Airbus A350 aircraft ordered by Air India and IndiGo, Rolls-Royce plans to establish a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in India.
The company is targeting the nuclear energy sector via its small modular reactor business under the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025.
GE Aerospace announced a contract with the Indian Air Force (IAF) to set up an in-country depot for F404-IN20 engines that power the IAF’s Light Combat Aircraft Tejas fleet. The depot will be owned, operated and…
GE Aerospace and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) have reached an agreement on technical matters for coproduction of fighter jet engines. The agreement covers transfer of manufacturing technology for the F414 engine, with…
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh stated that the request for proposal (RFP) for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is likely to be issued soon to shortlisted private sector players. India has reached out to…
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Chairman Samir V Kamat confirmed that the Agni VI missile project is ready to begin once the Centre grants approval. Agni VI is a proposed next-generation…
Pakistan announces May 10 as 'Marka-e-Haq Day' to commemorate conflict with India
Key Updates:
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that May 10 will be observed annually as 'Marka-e-Haq Day'.
'Marka-e-Haq' is the name given by Islamabad to a four-day conflict with India that occurred in 2025.
The conflict was triggered by a terror attack in Pahalgam on 22 April, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people.
India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, conducting airstrikes on nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), eliminating at least 100 terrorists.
Military hostilities ended on May 10, 2025, following an understanding reached through talks between army officials of both nations.
Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab Lil Haq on the night of 26-27 February 2026, targeting Kabul, Kandahar, Nangarhar and Paktika. Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar claimed 27 Taliban posts were destroyed…
Eid Al-Fitr 2026 is expected to be celebrated around March 20, 2026, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon that marks the beginning of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic Hijri calendar. The first Eid…
International Labour Day, also known as May Day or Antrarashtriya Shramik Diwas in India, is observed annually on May 1. The theme for International Labour Day 2026, selected by the International Labour Organisation…
National Safe Motherhood Day is observed annually on 11 April in India. The day was first established in 2003 by the White Ribbon Alliance India (WRAI).
India and Trinidad and Tobago Sign 8 MoUs During External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's Visit on 8-9 May
Key Updates:
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar visited Trinidad and Tobago on 8-9 May to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister (PM) Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
A total of 8 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed in sectors including tourism, healthcare, infrastructure, and Ayurveda.
The agreements include the solarisation of the Ministry of Foreign and Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Affairs building and cooperation in vector control.
Provisions were made for the infrastructure upgrade of Nelson Island and the establishment of an Indian Chair on Ayurveda at the University of the West Indies.
India provided machinery worth $1 million for an agro-processing facility and handed over the first batch of 2,000 laptops to selected schoolchildren.
An MoU was signed between India and Israel to deepen defence ties and strengthen ongoing joint activities, including future seminars and cooperative initiatives. The International Defence Cooperation Directorate (SIBAT)…
The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) and the Indo Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) signed an MoU on Monday during the India-Canada Business Roundtable held in New Delhi. The MoU provides…
India hosts India Aircraft Leasing and Financing Summit 2.0 in GIFT City on 08 May 2026
Key Updates:
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the India Aircraft Leasing and Financing Summit 2.0 on 08 May 2026 at GIFT City, Gandhinagar.
The summit was jointly organised by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
MoUs for new partnerships and investments in the civil aviation sector were signed among Air India, IndiGo, Star Air, Bank of India, IFSCA, and Akasa Air.
India is projected to become the world's third-largest civil aviation market by 2035 with an estimated fleet of around 2,250 aircraft and leasing opportunities worth nearly 50 billion dollars over the next decade.
The IFSCA has facilitated the leasing of over 370 assets, with more than 40 aircraft lessors currently operating in GIFT City and transactions completed for over 200 aircraft and 84 engines.
Integral Coach Factory (ICF) general manager U. Subba Rao inaugurated the International Rail Coach Expo (IRCE) 2026 at ICF ground in Chennai on Thursday. IRCE 2026 is organised by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)…
The Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company (ADNIC) has obtained a licence to undertake reinsurance business from the International Financial Services Centre Authority (IFSCA) at GIFT City. GIFT City is India's first…
GE Aerospace announced a contract with the Indian Air Force (IAF) to set up an in-country depot for F404-IN20 engines that power the IAF’s Light Combat Aircraft Tejas fleet. The depot will be owned, operated and…
GIFT City and AJNIFM signed an MoU on 18 February 2026 to collaborate on capacity building, academic engagement, and knowledge exchange in international finance, governance, and financial technology under the GIFT…
International Day of Plant Health 2026 focuses on Plant Biosecurity for Food Security
Key Updates:
The International Day of Plant Health is observed on 12 May 2026 at the Sheikh Zayed Centre, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Headquarters in Rome.
The theme for the 2026 observance is Plant Biosecurity for Food Security and Nutrition, highlighting biosecurity as a safety net in agrifood systems.
Opening remarks for the high-level event were delivered by FAO Director-General QU Dongyu and FAO Chief Economist Máximo Torero via video message.
The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) Secretariat guided the dialogue involving the Ambassadors of Brazil, Mexico, and the United States, and the Director General of the Alliance of Bioversity International & CIAT.
Plant biosecurity supports the FAO Four Betters by safeguarding production systems, improving nutrition outcomes, conserving ecosystems, and strengthening resilient livelihoods.
World Pulses Day is celebrated annually on February 10 to highlight the importance of pulses in nutrition, food security, and sustainable agriculture. The United Nations (UN) first declared the observance of World Pulses…
Dr Renu Swarup, former Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, has been appointed Conference Chair for GCWAS–2026. Dr Rajbir Singh, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension), Indian Council of…
President Droupadi Murmu addressed the inaugural session of GCWAS-2026 in New Delhi on 12 March 2026. United Nations has declared 2026 as ‘The International Year of the Woman Farmer’.
World Homoeopathy Day 2026 was observed by the Ministry of Ayush at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on April 10, 2026. The theme for 2026 was 'Homoeopathy for Sustainable Health'.
Saudi Arabia Joins India-led International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) as 26th Member
Key Updates:
Saudi Arabia is set to join the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) as its 26th member country.
The IBCA was launched by India to promote coordinated global action for protecting major big cat species and their habitats.
The alliance aims to protect seven major big cat species: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma.
As of May 2026, the alliance includes 25 member countries, including India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Russia, Kenya, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka, and five observer nations: Kazakhstan, Namibia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Ecuador.
India's conservation efforts include Project Tiger and programmes for Tigers, Asiatic lions, Leopards, Snow leopards, and Cheetah reintroduction.
India will host the inaugural summit of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) in New Delhi on June 1 and 2. The summit is themed “Save Big Cats, Save Humanity, Save Ecosystem”.
Forest Survey of India (FSI) and Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Saturday. The MoU aims to strengthen the use of geospatial…
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), in partnership with the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), launched a five-year project titled Strengthening Institutional Capacities for…
National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) launched a short-term internship programme of up to 3 months for undergraduate and postgraduate students. The programme offers project-based, experiential learning by engaging…
Project Cheetah: Kuno National Park Becomes Global Model for Wildlife Breeding Success
Key Updates:
Project Cheetah was launched on September 17, 2022, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking the world's first intercontinental translocation of large carnivores with eight cheetahs from Namibia.
The cheetah population at Kuno National Park has reached 57, including 37 Indian-born cheetahs.
A scientific breakthrough was achieved with the birth of four cubs to a two-year-old Indian-born female, marking the first second-generation birth and the first birth to occur entirely in the wild.
Key breeding females contributing to the population growth include Gamini, Jwala, and Nirva.
Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary is being developed as a second habitat to create a Kuno–Gandhi Sagar landscape capable of supporting 60–70 cheetahs.
Early project setbacks included the death of nine out of the first 20 translocated cheetahs and the loss of ten cubs during infancy.
A Namibian cheetah named Jwala delivered five cubs at Kuno National Park (KNP) on 9 March 2026. The birth of the five cubs has increased India’s total cheetah population to 53, crossing the 50-mark for the first time…
Nine cheetahs airlifted from Botswana reached Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh, on Saturday in an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft. All nine cheetahs were reported in good health and received their first meal on Monday…
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced that South African cheetah Gamini delivered three cubs at Kuno National Park. The births coincide with the third anniversary of the arrival of South African cheetahs…
Tajikistan and Uzbekistan have submitted a proposal to include the Striped Hyena (Hyaena hyaena) in Appendix I and II of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS). The proposal will be…
Chinese Researchers Develop AI-Powered Technology to Convert Wastewater into Fertiliser
Key Updates:
Chinese researchers have developed a technology to convert nitrate-laden wastewater into ammonia for fertilisers.
The process utilises Artificial Intelligence (AI) to identify a super-effective dual-atom catalyst.
This development represents a significant advancement in circular resource recovery.
The AI-powered process is designed to tackle two major global issues.
The technology was reported as a development on 11 May 2026.
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar has launched India’s first fully integrated agricultural intelligence system. The system was developed by the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in AI for Agriculture, ANNAM.AI.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is organising 'Him-CONNECT' as part of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) in New Delhi. The event…
Saudi Researchers Develop Electricity-Free Cooling System Nescod
Key Updates:
Researchers in Saudi Arabia have developed an electricity-free cooling system called Nescod.
The technology is designed to reduce the reliance on air conditioners.
Nescod utilizes ammonium nitrate, water, and solar energy to generate cooling.
The system operates without the use of compressors or constant electricity.
The low-cost system is intended to provide affordable cooling as temperatures and power demand rise.
Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister for Earth Sciences and Science & Technology, visited Kavaratti in Lakshadweep to review the OTEC-based desalination facility. The project harnesses the temperature gradient between warm…
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) signed an MoU with Voltas Limited to strengthen industry-startup collaboration in cooling and smart-appliance technologies. The collaboration will…
Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has signed a binding 15-year Supply and Purchase Agreement to supply green ammonia to Samsung C&T Corporation starting second half FY2029. The contract is valued at more than $3 billion…
Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) celebrated its 25th Foundation Day at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar presided as Chief Guest.
Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) approves restart of Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS) Unit 2
Key Updates:
The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) approved the restart and continued operation of Unit 2 at Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS) in the Palghar district of Maharashtra.
The approval, granted on May 7, follows a major overhaul by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and authorises operation for a further period of 10 years.
TAPS is Asia's first commercial nuclear power plant, with Units 1 and 2 based on the Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) design and in commercial operation since 1969.
Refurbishment of Unit 2 included replacing reactor coolant recirculation piping with forged stainless steel and commissioning the Reactor Containment Filtered Venting System (CFVS) and Alternate Cooling Water System (ACWS).
TAPS Unit 1 was permitted to restart in late December 2025 and is currently operating at a rated power of 160 MWe.
The clinical laboratory at Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI) Bengaluru received ISO 15189:2022 accreditation for biochemistry and haematology. CARI Bengaluru is the first institute under Central Council for…
INS Nilgiri is participating in the sea phase of Exercise Kakadu 2026 in Australia during its deployment to the Western Pacific. Exercise Kakadu is a multilateral maritime exercise hosted by Australia that brings…
India Pushes Ethical Scientific Research as Government Hosts National Conference on Laboratory Animal Welfare
Key Updates:
The Committee for Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CCSEA), under the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD), organised the National Conference on 'Laboratory Animal Welfare: Policies and Best Practices' in New Delhi.
The conference emphasised the principles of Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement (3Rs) in laboratory animal research to minimise animal suffering.
Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh highlighted the role of effective vaccination programmes such as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) control in strengthening India's dairy sector growth and export potential.
India remains the world's largest milk producer, and improved veterinary research and disease management are essential for sustaining dairy sector expansion.
The conference included technical sessions on 'Policies and Best Practices of Research on Animals and their Welfare', deliberating on national regulatory frameworks and international welfare standards.
Vantara University, the world’s first integrated global university dedicated to wildlife conservation and veterinary sciences, was launched in Jamnagar, Gujarat. Anant Ambani, Reliance Industries Executive Director and…
India will host the inaugural summit of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) in New Delhi on June 1 and 2. The summit is themed “Save Big Cats, Save Humanity, Save Ecosystem”.
World Day for Laboratory Animals, also known as World Day for Animals in Laboratories or World Lab Animal Day, is observed annually on April 24. The day was established in 1979 by the National Anti-Vivisection Society…
Pune to Implement India's First Low Emission Zone (LEZ)
Key Updates:
Pune will institutionalise India's first Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in the Shivajinagar area of its central business district.
The initiative is supported by the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) India under Maharashtra’s 2021 Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy and aligns with the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).
The proposed LEZ in Pune covers a 14.5 sq km zone from Shivajinagar in the north to Swargate in the south, and from SB Road in the west to East Street in the east, restricting BS-III and older vehicles.
Pimpri-Chinchwad is planning a city-wide initiative under its Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
Mathura-Vrindavan aims to restrict an 11-km stretch of Parikrama Marg to only electric vehicles and pedestrians by Diwali.
Varanasi will allow only e-golf carts and pedestrians on the 4-km temple corridor stretch between Maidagin and the main temple.
Andhra Pradesh is developing Clean Air Zones (CAZs) around hospitals, educational institutions, and marketplaces in Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada.
The Andhra Pradesh government has allocated ₹50 crore to five cities under its new EV policy to establish zero-emission zones and transition city bus fleets to electric vehicles.
The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) India research indicates that LEZs can reduce emission loads by 85% for nitrogen oxides (NOx) and 50% for carbon monoxide.
Envirocatalysts, a Delhi-based research and public policy think tank, launched a public air quality dashboard based on Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data since 2015. Delhi's annual average ozone levels rose from…
Metropolis by Reliance MET City, Haryana, received India’s first LEED Platinum Pre-Certification under the LEED for Cities: Plan and Design rating system, as confirmed by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI). LEED…
A delegation led by Tirupati Urban Development Authority (TUDA) Chairman C. Divakar Reddy presented the Andhra Pradesh Integrated Clean Energy Policy at the World Climate Cities Forum in Yeosu, South Korea. The World…
The Department of Commerce notified a special economic zone for Tata Semiconductor Manufacturing Pvt Ltd at Dholera, Gujarat. Tata Semiconductor Manufacturing has proposed an investment of ₹91,000 crore to set up India's…
India Adds Record 44 GW Solar Capacity in 2025 to Reach 150 GW Total
Key Updates:
India added a record 44 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity in 2025, bringing the total installed solar power capacity to 150 GW.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) attributed this growth to the PM Surya Ghar, PM-KUSUM, and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.
India's annual addition of 44 GW surpasses the United States (30-40 GW) and trails only China and the European Union (EU).
India's total solar capacity in the pre-2014 era was 2.5 GW.
India's crude oil import dependence is 85 per cent.
India added 45 GW of renewable capacity in 2025, raising total installed renewable energy capacity to 250.5 GW from 175.9 GW in 2023. Solar capacity additions in India reached 37 GW in 2025, making it the second-highest…
Central Electricity Authority (CEA) report released on 19 March 2026 at Bharat Electricity Summit projects India’s installed power generation capacity at 1,121 GW by 2035-36. Non-fossil fuel sources are projected to…
The Ministry of Power (MoP) reported a record addition of 52,537 MW in power generation capacity during the financial year 2025–26 up to 31 January 2026. The current addition represents a growth of more than 11 per cent…
National Technology Day observed on May 11 commemorates 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests (Operation Shakti) and technological milestones like Hansa-3 aircraft and Trishul missile.
Key Updates:
National Technology Day is observed annually on May 11 to commemorate India's successful nuclear tests at Pokhran in 1998, collectively known as Operation Shakti, which made India the sixth member of the global nuclear club.
India conducted three underground nuclear tests on May 11, 1998, followed by two more on May 13, demonstrating thermonuclear and fission weapons capability.
The operation was led by aerospace scientist and former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
The day also marks the successful test flight of the indigenous Hansa-3 aircraft in Bengaluru and the successful test-firing of the Trishul surface-to-air missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee declared May 11 as National Technology Day in 1999 to honour India's scientific community.
Central Excise Day is observed in India on 24 February to mark the enactment of the Central Excise and Salt Act of 1944. The day honours the officers of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) for their…
The North Tech Symposium 2026, themed 'Defence Triveni Sangam', is scheduled to be held in Prayagraj from May 4 to May 6. The event is organised by the Directorate of Public Relations (DPR) under the Ministry of Defence…
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully carried out the second integrated air drop test (IADT-02) for its Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. The test focused on…
Exercise Vayushakti-26 will be held at Pokhran Air-to-Ground Range, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan on 27 February 2026. The Indian Air Force (IAF) will deploy 77 fighter aircraft, 43 helicopters and eight transport aircraft.
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Activates 'Viral Shield' to Monitor Andes Hantavirus
Key Updates:
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has activated the Viral Shield protocol, utilising a network of 165 specialised Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) facilities to monitor the Andes strain of hantavirus.
The measure follows the identification of two Indian nationals aboard the Dutch-flagged cruise ship MV Hondius, who were evacuated to the Netherlands for quarantine as of 10th May 2026.
The Andes strain is distinguished by its ability for rare human-to-human transmission and typically spreads via the inhalation of aerosolised droppings from the long-tailed pygmy rice rat.
The ICMR uses the Real-Time Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) protocol to detect the genetic signature of the virus before it develops into Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS).
The monitoring of the nationals is a precautionary measure under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), involving a 45-day observation window managed by the ICMR-National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune.
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has classified the hantavirus outbreak response as a Level 3 emergency activation. The emergency response was triggered following international concerns…
The World Health Organisation (WHO), led by Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, reported three deaths and three illnesses following a suspected Hantavirus infection outbreak on a cruise ship in the Atlantic.…
The Union Health Ministry will launch a special HPV vaccination campaign for 14-year-old girls later this month. During the first 90 days girls aged 14 years as per their date of birth can receive the single-dose MSD…
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has launched an Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven pathogen detection tool designed to predict the spread of serious diseases and future pandemics. A new mandate from the…
CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR) and Research and Information System for the Developing Countries (RIS) sign MoU
Key Updates:
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Research and Information System for the Developing Countries (RIS) on 6 May 2026.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in science, technology, innovation policy, and diplomacy through joint research, policy analysis, capacity building, and knowledge sharing.
RIS initiatives include ITEC courses, iGOT Karmayogi training, Forum for Indian Science Diplomacy publications, and global partnerships through DAKSHIN and IBSA Fellowships.
CSIR-NIScPR focuses on science communication, policy research, affordable HIV drug innovations, traditional knowledge validation, rural innovations, and the management of 15 open-access journals.
Three documents were released: “India-Republic of Korea S&T Cooperation: Co-Creating the Future”, “Proceeding of Workshop on Strengthening India's Semiconductor Ecosystem: Policies, Challenges and Opportunities”, and a policy bulletin titled “The key drivers of particulate pollution from road transportation in Indian states”.
The first edition of the Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative (SDI) was held on 5 March 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The initiative was jointly launched by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to…
Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) Academy signed an MoU in New Delhi to enhance National Security Training and Accreditation. RRU, an Institution of National Importance, will provide…
The Science City of Andhra Pradesh (SCAP) signed an MoU with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) on 30 March 2026. The…
NTPC and Électricité de France (EDF) signed a non-binding MoU on 8 April 2026 to explore cooperation in developing nuclear power projects in India. The agreement sets a framework for jointly assessing the feasibility of…
Urvil Patel equals Yashasvi Jaiswal's fastest IPL fifty record
Key Updates:
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Urvil Patel jointly hold the record for the fastest half century in Indian Premier League (IPL) history, both achieving the feat in 13 balls.
Yashasvi Jaiswal scored the 13-ball fifty for Rajasthan Royals against Kolkata Knight Riders in 2023, and Urvil Patel achieved it for Chennai Super Kings against Lucknow Super Giants in 2026.
Players who recorded 14-ball fifties include KL Rahul (2018), Pat Cummins (2022), and Romario Shepherd (2025).
Players who recorded 15-ball fifties include Yusuf Pathan (2014), Sunil Narine (2017), Nicholas Pooran (2023), Jake Fraser-McGurk (2024), Vaibhav Suryavanshi (2026), and Abhishek Sharma (2026).
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who won the U-19 world cup for India, became the youngest player to score an IPL fifty at 14 years of age against Gujarat Titans in 2025.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) and Cricket West Indies (CWI) have provisionally suspended Javon Searles, Chitranjan Rathod, and Trevon Griffith from all forms of cricket. The charges involve alleged breaches of…
Rajasthan Royals (RR) became the first Indian Premier League (IPL) team to be sold for over 1 billion USD. The acquisition deal is valued at 1.63 billion USD (Rs 13,500 crore), marking the largest ownership transaction…
Punjab Kings (PBKS) defeated Delhi Capitals (DC) by six wickets to record the highest successful run chase in T20 and Indian Premier League (IPL) history. PBKS chased down a target of 265, surpassing their own previous…
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) defeated Delhi Capitals (DC) by 47 runs in an Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match held in Hyderabad. SRH scored 242 for 2 in 20 overs, while DC scored 195 for 9 in 20 overs.
75th Anniversary of Somnath Temple Restoration observed on May 11
Key Updates:
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi will visit Somnath on May 11 to mark 75 years since the restored temple's inauguration in 1951.
The restored Somnath Temple was officially inaugurated on May 11, 1951, by the former President of India, Rajendra Prasad.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel initiated the reconstruction of the temple on November 13, 1947, at the site of the ruins in Prabhas Patan, Veraval, Gujarat.
The Somnath Swabhiman Parv was held in January to commemorate 1,000 years since the first attack on the temple.
Special pujas will be conducted at the Somnath Temple for the next 1,000 days as a tribute to its civilisational journey and restoration.
PM Modi inaugurated the Sri Guru Bhairavaikya Mandir at Mandya, a memorial dedicated to Sri Balagangadharanatha Swamiji of the Adichunchanagiri Mutt. He urged people to save water and manage natural resources efficiently…
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel released the Gujarati biography 'Vishwaguru Srila Prabhupada' in Gandhinagar. The book chronicles the life, struggles, and global spiritual journey of ISKCON Founder-Acharya Srila…
Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti, Shri V. Somanna, launched the coffee table book 'Karnataka Bharat Gaurav Train: Journey of a Thousand Shrines' at Rail Bhawan, New Delhi, on 23 February 2026. The book…
Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan released the book titled The Sage Who Reimagined Hinduism: The Life, Lessons, and Legacy of Sree Narayana Guru at the India International Centre (IIC) in New Delhi on 19 February 2026. The…
Supreme Court Ruling on Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code
Key Updates:
Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) was introduced in 1983 to protect married women from cruelty, harassment, and dowry-related abuse by husbands or their relatives.
Under Section 498A, cruelty by a husband or his relatives is a criminal offence, enabling the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) and the initiation of legal proceedings.
The Supreme Court (SC) recently allowed criminal proceedings against a husband to continue in a dowry harassment case while quashing the FIR against his family members.
The SC quashed the FIR against the in-laws on the grounds that the allegations were too general and lacked specific evidence.
The judiciary has stated that criminal law should not automatically involve every relative unless there is clear evidence of direct involvement to prevent the misuse of criminal provisions.
The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, last amended in 2021, prescribes a general upper limit of 20 weeks for termination. Termination may extend up to 24 weeks for categories including survivors of rape or…
The Supreme Court (SC) allowed a 15-year-old minor to terminate a seven-month pregnancy, citing reproductive autonomy under Article 21 of the Constitution. A bench comprising Justice B V Nagarathna and Justice Ujjal…
The Gujarat High Court (HC) introduced a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy during a conference of district judiciary judges. The policy prohibits the use of AI for authoring, generating, or substantially composing…
The Supreme Court (SC) ruled that all adoptive mothers are entitled to 12 weeks of maternity leave, regardless of the age of the adopted child. A bench comprising Justice J B Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan read down…
Supreme Court ruling on Section 18 of SC/ST Act on May 11, 2026
Key Updates:
A Supreme Court (SC) bench comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan ruled that the statutory bar on anticipatory bail under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act (SC/ST Act) must not be applied mechanically.
The SC clarified that Section 18 of the SC/ST Act, which restricts pre-arrest bail, depends on the specific facts of each case and the nature of allegations levelled in the First Information Report (FIR).
The ruling originated from an appeal against a Gujarat High Court order passed in March 2026 involving charges under Section 69 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the SC/ST Act.
The SC bench noted that judicial scrutiny is required to assess whether the ingredients of caste-based offences are prima facie established before denying liberty to the accused.
The court reinforced that the embargo under Section 18 does not prevent courts from examining if a genuine case under the statute is made out based on the material on record.
The Bihar Civil Nyayalay (Court) Bill, 2026 was passed unanimously by the Bihar assembly. The Bill replaces the Bengal, Agra and Assam Civil Courts Act, 1887.
The Supreme Court (SC) is hearing petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioner Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office Act, 2023. The…
The Supreme Court ruled that eligible ex-servicemen are entitled to full arrears of disability pension from the cut-off dates of 1 January 1996 or 1 January 2006. The Court dismissed the central government's appeal and…
The Supreme Court of India (SC) bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi declined to permit 34 lakh appellants excluded from West Bengal electoral rolls to vote in the 2026 polls while their…
Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for those who Lost their Lives during WWII observed on May 8 and 9
Key Updates:
The Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for those who Lost their Lives during WWII is observed annually on May 8 and 9.
The United Nations (UN) General Assembly established this observance through Resolution 59/26 on November 22, 2004.
The dates of May 8 and 9 were selected to mark the anniversary of the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany.
The observance commemorates the victims of the Second World War, which resulted in the estimated deaths of approximately 40 million civilians and 20 million soldiers.
In 2010, the UN General Assembly passed Resolution 64/257 to mark the 65th anniversary of the conclusion of the war.
World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day 2026 is observed on Friday, May 8, 2026, commemorating the birth anniversary of Henry Dunant, founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The theme for World Red…
International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day is observed annually on April 26. The day was established by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2016 to mark the anniversary of the 1986 nuclear accident.
World Understanding and Peace Day is observed annually on February 23 to commemorate the founding of Rotary International (RI). The first Rotary Club meeting was held on February 23, 1905, in Chicago by Paul Harris…
The African Union (AU) designated 2026 Theme of the Year as 'Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063'. Agenda 2063 is Africa’s 50-year development blueprint…
C Joseph Vijay Sworn in as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
Key Updates:
C Joseph Vijay, founder of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), took oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai.
TVK is the first non-Dravidian party to form the government in Tamil Nadu.
The new cabinet comprises nine ministers: 'Bussy' N Anand, Aadhav Arjuna, K A Sengottaiyan, K G Arunraaj, P Venkataramanan, C T R Nirmal Kumar, A Rajmohan, S Keerthana, and K T Prabhu.
S Keerthana is the only woman minister in the cabinet.
Chief Minister Vijay is expected to prove his majority through a vote of confidence on or before May 13.
Sunil Bajpai belongs to the 1990 batch of IRS. He holds a B.Tech in Civil Engineering from IIT Kanpur and an M.Tech in Structural Engineering from IIT Delhi.
PM Narendra Modi will arrive in Chennai on the night of 28 February and stay overnight at the Governor's residence. On 1 March, he will travel to Puducherry to participate in a public programme and address a large…
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) crossed the magic number of 148 seats in West Bengal, where Suvendu Adhikari defeated Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in the Bhabanipur constituency by 15,105 votes. In Assam, the National…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched multiple development projects worth approximately ₹16,450 crore across Kerala and Tamil Nadu on 11 March. In Kerala, projects worth about ₹10,800 crore were launched, including the…
Himanta Biswa Sarma Appointed Chief Minister of Assam
Key Updates:
Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya appointed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Himanta Biswa Sarma as the Chief Minister (CM) of Assam.
The appointment was formalised under Clause (1) of Article 164 of the Constitution of India following the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) victory.
The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place at 11:40 am on May 12 at the Veterinary College Field at Khanapara in Guwahati.
In the 126-seat assembly, the BJP won 82 seats while its allies, the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bodoland Peoples Front (BPF), won 10 seats each.
Union Minister JP Nadda served as the central observer and Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini as the co-observer for the election of the legislature party leader.
Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as the Chief Minister of West Bengal on 9 May 2026. Adhikari is the first leader from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to hold the Chief Minister's post in West Bengal.
Depali Das, a 60-year-old resident of Cachar district in Assam, received a certificate of naturalisation under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The citizenship was granted on the grounds that she entered India from…
Himanta Biswa Sarma submitted his resignation as the CM to Governor Laxman Acharya at Lok Bhawan following the formal notification of the Assam Assembly Elections 2026 results. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA)…
Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced Suvendu Adhikari as the first Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Chief Minister of West Bengal. The announcement followed the victory of the BJP in the West Bengal assembly elections.
C. Joseph Vijay took oath as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
Key Updates:
C. Joseph Vijay, chief of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), took oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu at Nehru Stadium in Chennai.
TVK emerged as the single largest party in the 2026 Assembly election with 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly.
The government was formed through a coalition of TVK, Congress, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)), and the Indian Union Muslim League Legislature Party (IUML).
Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office and secrecy.
The approved cabinet ministers are N. Anand, Aadhav, Arjuna, Dr. K.G. Arunraj, K.A. Sengottaiyan, P. Venkataramanan, R. Nirmalkumar, Rajmohan, Dr. TK. Prabhu, and S. Keerthana.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sri Guru Bhairavaikya Mandira at Sri Kshetra Adichunchanagiri in Mandya, Karnataka. The inauguration was part of Modi's official visit to Karnataka.
Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thenarasu presented a Rs 2,55,391 crore interim budget for 2026-27. Rs 4,000 crore allocated for the DMK’s flagship scheme of free bus travel for women.
Nitish Kumar is set to take oath as a Rajya Sabha member on April 10. Senior National Democratic Alliance (NDA) leaders are expected to attend the oath-taking ceremony.
PM Narendra Modi will arrive in Chennai on the night of 28 February and stay overnight at the Governor's residence. On 1 March, he will travel to Puducherry to participate in a public programme and address a large…
Rumen Radev named Bulgarian Prime Minister
Key Updates:
Rumen Radev was named the Prime Minister of Bulgaria on 7 May 2026.
He received the mandate to govern from President Iliana Iotova.
Radev secured the first outright parliamentary majority in Bulgarian elections since 1997.
The 62-year-old Prime Minister is a former fighter pilot and former President of Bulgaria.
He must implement anti-corruption reforms to unlock nearly €400 million in funds from the European Union (EU).
The Progressive Bulgaria (PB) party emerged as the winner of Bulgaria's eighth parliamentary election in five years held on 19 April 2026. Rumen Radev, leader of PB and former president of Bulgaria, will be the next…
The Progressive Bulgaria (PB) party emerged as the winner of Bulgaria's eighth parliamentary election in five years held on 19 April 2026. Rumen Radev, leader of the PB, will be the next prime minister of Bulgaria.
Rob Jetten, 38, was sworn in as the youngest and first openly gay Prime Minister of the Netherlands. Jetten leads a minority coalition of Democrats 66 (D66), People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), and Christian…
Iraq's parliament elected Nizar Amedi as the country's new president. Amedi was nominated by the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK).
Laura Fernández sworn in as President of Costa Rica
Key Updates:
Laura Fernández was sworn in as the president of Costa Rica.
Fernández is the second woman to lead the Central American country.
Outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves was appointed as the minister of the presidency and minister of finance.
Second Vice President Douglas Soto was appointed as the ambassador to Washington.
Kristi Noem, the United States (US) special envoy to a coalition of countries to combat regional crime, represented the US administration at the inauguration.
José Antonio Kast assumed office as President of Chile on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. He defeated communist candidate Jeannette Jara in the December 2025 election and secured about 60% of the vote.
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley won a third consecutive term after her Barbados Labor Party captured all 30 seats in Parliament. The general election was held on Wednesday, with results announced by state-owned…
Peru’s Congress elected Jose Maria Balcazar as the interim president of the country, succeeding Jose Jeri following his removal from office. Balcazar is an 83-year-old former judge and professor who represents the…
The Clodomiro Picado Institute (ICP) developed a free mobile app that covers 25 venomous snake species found in Costa Rica. The app includes visual and written data enabling users to compare encountered snakes with…
Singappen Special Task Force for Women's Safety in Tamil Nadu
Key Updates:
The Tamil Nadu government ordered the formation of the Singappen Special Task Force to strengthen women's safety and preventive protection measures.
The special unit will function under the direct supervision of the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
The task force was created following a proposal submitted by the Director General of Police (DGP).
Sanctioned posts for the first phase include one Inspector General of Police, one Superintendent of Police, two Deputy Superintendents of Police, four Inspectors, eight Sub-Inspectors, and 20 personnel from other ranks.
P Senthilkumar was appointed as Additional Chief Secretary/Secretary I and G Laxmi Priya as Secretary II to the Chief Minister.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin launched the Tamil Nadu Women Entrepreneur Empowerment Scheme (TWEES) designed by the MSME Department. TWEES aims to encourage one lakh women to take up entrepreneurship within five…
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Nireekshak, a diving support and submarine rescue vessel of the Indian Navy (IN), arrived at the port of Colombo, Sri Lanka. The vessel is participating in the 4th India-Sri Lanka joint diving…
The Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP) partnered with TBIS BITS Pilani Hyderabad, T-Hub and Telangana government’s WE Hub to launch the fund. The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) backs the fund that will…
National Federation of Churches in India (NFCI) formed on May 11, 2026
Key Updates:
Forty-five senior Church leaders announced the formation of the National Federation of Churches in India (NFCI) during the 4th Ecumenical meeting of the Catholic Bishops Council of India (CBCI) held in Bengaluru.
Cardinal Anthony Poola, the chairman of the CBCI office for Dialogue, has been named as the chairperson of the new national body.
Archbishop Joseph D’Souza, Archbishop Joseph Kallarangatt, and Rt. Rev. Vincent Vinod Kumar will serve as the convenors of the NFCI.
Father Anthonyraj Thumma, the national secretary of the CBCI, has been appointed as the secretary of the federation.
The NFCI brings together Catholics, major Protestant mainline denominations, evangelical groups, independent churches, and the Pentecostal community to protect constitutional rights.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) constituted the National Dental Commission (NDC) through a notification on 19 March 2026. The NDC replaces the dissolved Dental Council of India (DCI) and repeals the…
Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram will lead the 25th Foundation Day celebrations of the National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC) on Friday. The main event will be held at the World…
The Ministry of Cooperation organised the Second Regional Conference on Cooperative Reforms in Aizawl, Mizoram, to advance the "Sahkar se Samriddhi" vision. The conference included representatives from all North-Eastern…
The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly passed the Freedom of Religion Bill 2026, introduced by the Mahayuti government to curb religious conversions involving coercion, inducement, fraud, or deception. The legislation…
