Daily current affairs for 16 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: 16 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.
European Union (EU) restores India on seafood export list to support $1.593 billion trade
Key Updates:
The European Union (EU) has included India in the revised draft list for the continued export of aquaculture products from September 2026.
The inclusion follows compliance with the European Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/905, which mandates that animal products be free from antimicrobial medicinal products used for growth promotion and those reserved for human treatment.
In 2025-26, the EU was the third-largest destination for Indian seafood exports, accounting for 18.94 per cent of the total export value at $1.593 billion.
Indian seafood exports to the EU in the previous fiscal recorded a value increase of 41.45 per cent and a shipment volume increase of 38.29 per cent, with farmed shrimp dominating the exports.
Regulatory compliance was strengthened by the Department of Commerce, Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), and Export Inspection Council (EIC) through the National Residue Control Programme, post-harvest testing protocols, and surveillance systems for banned antibiotics and pharmacologically active substances.
India's seafood exports reached an all-time high of ₹72,325.82 crore ($8.28 billion) with volumes of 19.32 lakh metric tonnes in Financial Year (FY) 2025-26, according to the Marine Products Export Development Authority…
National Maritime Day is observed in India on April 5 to commemorate the historic voyage of the country's first modern merchant ship. India possesses a coastline stretching over 7,500 kilometres and handles approximately…
India and the European Union (EU) will grant each other Most Favoured Nation status for five years after their trade deal takes effect. The deal aims to eliminate or reduce tariffs on 96.6% of traded goods by value and…
Export Promotion Mission (EPM) launched by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal with ₹25,060-crore outlay over six years. Live Events Direct E-Commerce Credit Facility offers up to ₹50-lakh credit with 90% guarantee for…
TCRC and Afghan National Standards Authority (ANSA) sign $46.3 million modernisation deal
Key Updates:
India and Afghanistan have entered into a strategic partnership through a $46.3 million agreement for modernisation.
The five-year contract was signed between the Indian company TCRC and the Afghan National Standards Authority (ANSA).
The agreement involves establishing advanced laboratory complexes in Kabul to test construction materials, electrical equipment, and textiles.
The project includes the enhancement of nine border crossings in Afghanistan to improve regional trade dynamics and quality control.
The initiative aims to curb low-quality imports and includes a programme for training Afghan staff in modern testing techniques.
Indian Army executed its first capital procurement contract through Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal. Contract covers supply of 93 Telescopic Handlers under Buy (Indian) category.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed contracts worth Rs 5,083 crore for six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III (Maritime Role) and Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch - Shtil missiles. The ALH Mk-III contract valued at…
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed contracts worth a total of Rs 858 crore to enhance the air and maritime defence capabilities of India. A contract valued at Rs 445 crore was signed with JSC Rosoboronexport, Russia…
Government of India records wholesale inflation at 8.3% for April
Key Updates:
India's wholesale inflation reached 8.3% in April, marking the fastest pace in three-and-a-half years.
Fuel and power inflation jumped to 24.71% in April from 1.05% in March, driven by a 67.18% rise in crude petroleum and natural gas inflation.
Manufactured products inflation accelerated to 4.62% in April from 3.39% in March, with basic metals inflation at 7% and chemicals at 5.09%.
The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) food index rose 2.31% year-on-year in April, while onion prices fell 26.45% and pulses inflation stood at -4.03%.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) projected Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation at 4.6% for FY27, with a core inflation projection of 4.4%.
India’s retail inflation quickened to 3.2% in February 2026, a 10-month high, according to data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) on 12 March 2026. CPI inflation was last higher…
India’s retail inflation quickened to 3.4% year-on-year in March from 3.21% in February under the revised CPI series with 2024 base year. Rural inflation stood at 3.63% and urban inflation at 3.11%.
The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) based inflation rose to an 11-month high of 2.13% in February, compared to 1.81% in January and 0.96% in December. Manufactured products, which carry the largest weight in the WPI basket…
Government extended the mandate for Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to maintain retail inflation at 4% with a tolerance band of 2 percentage points on either side for another five years ending March 31, 2031. The flexible…
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) removes approval requirement for banks' outward remittance tie-ups with fintechs
Key Updates:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed Authorised Dealer (AD) banks to facilitate outward remittance services through third-party online platforms without seeking prior approval from the central bank.
The revised framework applies to cross-border outward remittance of funds for non-trade current account transactions facilitated through websites, online platforms, software applications, and mobile applications.
The responsibility for regulatory compliance, Know Your Customer (KYC) checks, and Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) adherence remains solely with the AD banks.
The RBI directed that remitter funds must not flow into the account of the third-party entity in India and banks must ringfence customer funds from insolvency risks.
Banks and their third-party partners must ensure customer data collection is consent-based and compliant with the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will exempt non-deposit-taking Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) with an asset size of less than ₹1,000 crore from registration and reserve fund requirements effective from July 1…
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued the Digital Payments: E-mandate Framework, 2026, consolidating all existing guidelines on recurring digital payments into a single master framework. The framework applies to…
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted final authorisations to In-Solutions Global Ltd (ISG) to operate as a Payment Aggregator (PA). The authorisations cover three specific categories: Online (PA-O)…
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released Payments Vision 2028 on 27 March 2026. Vision 2028 targets full interoperability across Trade Receivables Discounting Systems (TReDS) and expands receivables financing to export…
CTBC Bank of Taiwan opens branch at GIFT City
Key Updates:
CTBC Bank of Taiwan (CTBC Bank) has opened a branch at GIFT City in Gujarat to support cross-border financing and enhance financial connectivity.
CTBC Bank is the first Taiwanese lender to establish a presence at GIFT City and the only Taiwanese bank with a branch presence in India.
The branch aims to serve clients in the Indian subcontinent and Taiwan by leveraging GIFT City's position as an international financial services hub.
Established in 1966, CTBC Bank has operated in India for 30 years through branches in New Delhi and Kattupakkam, Chennai.
The new branch will facilitate treasury solutions, trade, and investment flows between India, Taiwan, Asia, and global markets.
City Union Bank appointed Indian cricketer Ravindra Jadeja as its primary brand ambassador on 16 March 2026. The two-year agreement was executed in association with Baseline Ventures India Private Limited.
AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) and CheQ have launched a co-branded credit card featuring an LED-powered tap-to-pay indicator. The LED feature is powered by the Near Field Communication (NFC) field of the point-of-sale…
India assured its second Thomas Cup medal by defeating Chinese Taipei 3-0 in the quarterfinals. The quarterfinal match was held in Horsens.
Mahey Tokpo-Raldho Irrigation Canal Project Strengthens Water Security in Ladakh
Key Updates:
Ladakh Lieutenant Governor (L-G) Vinai Kumar Saxena inaugurated the 2.10 km Mahey Tokpo-Raldho irrigation canal at an altitude of over 14,000 feet in the Changthang region.
The canal draws water from Yaya Lake to provide a reliable irrigation facility for nearly 100 acres of agricultural land in the Mahey area.
The project was executed by the Irrigation and Flood Control Department using PCC lining and breast wall works to ensure durability 200 feet above the road in mountainous terrain.
Originally initiated in 2022-23, the project saw the completion of its final 850-metre stretch in two months following a review by the L-G on 13 March 2026.
A plantation drive of 15,000 trees was launched alongside the canal to support soil conservation, slope stabilisation, and ecological sustainability in the region.
Narmada canal water originating from Amarkantak hills in Madhya Pradesh has reached Sundra village in Barmer district after travelling 728 km. Sundra, located along the India–Pakistan border in Rajasthan, has received…
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has extended the environmental clearance (EC) for the 1,750 MW Demwe Lower Project in Arunachal Pradesh until 2037. The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) on…
The Amrit Sarovar campaign has led to the creation of 70,000 water bodies across the nation. Nearly 5 million artificial water harvesting structures have been built under the eleven-year-old water conservation campaign.
Special Intensive Revision (SIR) Phase III for Electoral Roll Update
Key Updates:
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has rolled out Phase III of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise across 16 states and three Union Territories to update and verify electoral rolls.
The exercise will be conducted nationwide except in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh.
Approximately 3.94 lakh Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will perform door-to-door verification of around 36.73 crore registered voters, supported by 3.42 lakh Booth Level Agents (BLAs).
The SIR Phase III schedule is aligned with the Census house-listing exercise and aims to remove duplicate, shifted, and deceased voters.
Earlier phases of the revision process covered nearly 60 crore voters and were completed in Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Bihar, and Kerala.
Election Commission of India (ECI) activated the Know Your Candidates (KYC) module on ECINet for 2026 Assembly elections. Voters can view criminal antecedents, assets, liabilities, education and verified social media…
The Election Commission of India (ECI) organised the International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP) 2026 during the Assembly elections in Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry. A total of 38 delegates representing 22 nations…
Minimum Support Price (MSP) for 14 Kharif Crops (2026-27) Approved
Key Updates:
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved an increase in the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for 14 Kharif crops for the 2026-27 marketing season.
The highest absolute increase in MSP was announced for sunflower seed at ₹622 per quintal, followed by cotton at ₹557, nigerseed at ₹515, and sesamum at ₹500 per quintal.
The MSP for common paddy has been increased to ₹2,441 per quintal, Grade A paddy to ₹2,461, maize to ₹2,410, bajra to ₹2,900, and ragi to ₹5,205 per quintal.
For pulses, oilseeds, and cotton, the MSP for moong is ₹8,780, tur/arhar is ₹8,450, urad is ₹8,200, sesamum is ₹10,346, nigerseed is ₹10,052, sunflower seed is ₹8,343, groundnut is ₹7,517, soybean is ₹5,708, medium staple cotton is ₹8,267, and long staple cotton is ₹8,667 per quintal.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare stated that the revised MSPs align with the Union Budget 2018-19 commitment of fixing rates at least 1.5 times the all-India weighted average cost of production.
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) extended the commissioning deadline for PM KUSUM projects with power purchase agreements or letters of intent signed or issued on or before 31 December 2025 to 31 March 2027.…
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has increased the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of raw jute by ₹275 to ₹5,925 per quintal for the 2026-27 marketing season. The new MSP ensures a return of 61.8 per cent…
Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan approved the second advance estimate of crop production for 2025-26. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) released the estimates covering both…
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved Rs 1,718.56 crore to the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) for cotton procurement operations during the cotton season…
Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047: India Signs MoU for First Mega Greenfield Shipyard in Tamil Nadu
Key Updates:
A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on April 20 between HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), National Shipbuilding & Heavy Industries Park, Tamil Nadu Limited (NSHIP-TN), and Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW).
The agreement facilitates the development of India's first mega greenfield shipyard at Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu, which is expected to have an annual shipbuilding capacity of 2.5 million Gross Tonnage (GT).
The project is launched under the India-Republic of Korea maritime cooperation framework VOYAGES (Shared Vision for Operation of Yard Assisted Growth with Efficiency and Scale) following talks between the two nations.
The initiative aligns with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which aims to place India among the world's top five shipbuilding nations with a targeted annual output of 4.5 million GT by 2047.
The MoPSW noted that the project follows a comprehensive ₹70,000 crore shipbuilding policy package announced by the Centre in September 2025 to strengthen maritime manufacturing capabilities.
The National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with UltraTech Cement Limited to strengthen skill development and capacity building in the construction sector. The…
The Maritime India Foundation, acting as the implementing agency for the Sagarmala Startup Innovation Initiative under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to…
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated and laid foundation stones for projects worth more than Rs 1,500 crore at V. O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOC Port) in Tuticorin.…
On 16 February 2026, the Government of Tamil Nadu signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) totalling ₹5,980 crore to strengthen advanced manufacturing in electronics and aerospace. MinebeaMitsumi signed an MoU with…
IP Catalyst to transform Electronics and IT patents into global products
Key Updates:
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched the "IP Catalyst" initiative and digital platform on 12 May 2026 at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi.
The initiative is implemented by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) Pune with support from MeitY to connect publicly funded R&D institutions, startups, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), academia, industry partners, technology innovators, and investors.
A unified online gateway, cipie.in, has been launched to serve as a national repository of technologies and provide IP and commercialisation support services.
India filed 1,10,375 patent applications in FY 2024–25 and 1,43,729 in FY 2025–26, with the Electronics and IT sector accounting for 44% and 52% of filings respectively.
The initiative provides support services including financial support for IP filing for MeitY organisations and grantee institutions, international patent filing support for startups and MSMEs, prior-art search, IP advisory services, technology readiness and maturity assessment, IP valuation, technology transfer and licensing facilitation, industry–academia–startup collaboration, access to indigenous technologies, prototype-to-product development support, and market deployment assistance.
The programme aims to strengthen domestic capabilities in strategic technology areas including Semiconductors, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Electronics manufacturing, Strategic technologies, and Advanced digital systems.
World Intellectual Property Day is observed annually on April 26. The event was established to increase general understanding of intellectual property rights, including patents, trademarks, industrial designs, and…
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 Maritime India Foundation, acting as the implementing agency for the Sagarmala Startup Innovation Initiative under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to…
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) signed an MoU with KRAFTON India Pvt Ltd on 26 March 2026 in New Delhi. The collaboration will organise innovation challenges under the Bharat Startup Grand…
PM E-DRIVE Scheme: ₹123 Crore for EV Chargers in Karnataka
Key Updates:
The Union Government approved Karnataka's proposal for the installation of 1,243 electric vehicle (EV) chargers with an outlay of ₹123 crore under the PM E-DRIVE initiative.
The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) is developing the 'Unified Bharat e-Charge' platform to enable EV users to discover charging stations, access multiple charging networks, and make payments through a single interface.
The PM E-DRIVE scheme has a total outlay of ₹10,900 crore, with ₹2,000 crore specifically earmarked for EV public charging infrastructure.
Proposals worth ₹503 crore for 4,874 EV chargers have been cleared for Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) including Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), and states including Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
Other key initiatives include the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Scheme for battery manufacturing (₹18,100 crore), the PLI Auto Scheme for cleaner vehicles (₹25,938 crore), and the Rare Earth Permanent Magnet (REPM) Scheme for rare earth magnet manufacturing (₹7,280 crore).
The Ministry of Heavy Industries issued revised guidelines for the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme with a total outlay of ₹10,900 crore. Electric two-wheelers registered…
Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) introduced the trust-based Eligible Manufacturer Importer (EMI) scheme effective 1 April 2026. Online applications for the EMI scheme open from 1 March 2026 and the…
Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan emerged as the strongest performers in the market enablers dimension of the Indian States’ Electricity Transition (SET) report. The report was released by the Institute for…
Mizoram Ginger Mission: ₹189.79-crore Outlay for Global Exports
Key Updates:
The Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) launched the Mizoram Ginger Mission with a total outlay of ₹189.79 crore.
The mission aims to transform the state's GI-certified pharma-grade ginger into a premium global product through value addition, processing, and export-led market integration.
The initiative is supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).
The programme targets nearly 20,000 farming households and is based on four pillars: convergence, value addition, branding, and market integration.
The project will establish one integrated processing hub, three spoke centres, and more than 30 strategic interventions to reduce post-harvest losses.
The initiative is linked to the Brand North East vision, which includes products such as Sikkim’s organic produce, Arunachal Pradesh kiwi, Tripura’s Queen Pineapple, Nagaland coffee, and Meghalaya’s Lakadong turmeric.
The Andhra Pradesh government is set to launch the Mushroom Mission with an estimated investment of ₹13,000 crore, supported by the Centre. The initiative is a five-year project aimed at positioning Andhra Pradesh as the…
The Indian Air Force (IAF) signed an agreement with European defence major MBDA to establish a domestic Maintenance, Repair and Mid-Life Overhaul (MRO) facility for MICA air-to-air missiles. The MRO facility will be set…
The Mizoram Assembly will deliberate an official resolution on Monday to include the Mizo language in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution. School Education Minister Vanlalthlana will move the resolution after the…
Assam exported 1.2 metric tonnes of GI-tagged Karbi Anglong Ginger to London for the first time. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma flagged the shipment as taking 'Brand Assam to the world'.
IndiaAI Mission signs MoU with Karya to build inclusive AI ecosystem
Key Updates:
The IndiaAI Mission, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with nonprofit organisation Karya.
The partnership aims to strengthen India’s inclusive artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem through collaboration in data, technology, and capacity building.
The collaboration focuses on developing, curating, and sharing high-quality language and multimodal datasets to build inclusive and representative AI systems.
Both organisations will work on strengthening AIKosh data infrastructure, model evaluation frameworks, and standards for dataset quality, validation, and interoperability.
The partnership will support capacity building through training programmes, workshops, technical consultations, and knowledge-sharing initiatives across government bodies and partner institutions.
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and NUS-ISS of the National University of Singapore (NUS-ISS) signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance digital leadership and responsible AI governance…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the MANAV vision for Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 held in New Delhi on 19 February 2026. The MANAV vision stands for Moral and ethical systems…
88 countries and international organisations, including the United States, China, France, Australia and the UK, signed the New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact on Friday. The declaration was the key outcome document of the…
Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw unveiled the New Delhi Frontier AI Impact Commitments, a voluntary framework adopted by global frontier AI companies and Indian innovators. The framework aims to promote inclusive and…
IEPFA and Prasar Bharati MoU for investor awareness campaign
Key Updates:
The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), functioning under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Prasar Bharati.
The partnership aims to strengthen investor awareness initiatives through informative scroll messages on Doordarshan’s national and regional channels.
The campaign will disseminate information on investor protection, safe investing practices, and reclaiming unclaimed dividends and shares transferred to the IEPFA.
The initiative encourages investors to utilise the Search Facility and submit claims through Form IEPF-5.
The agreement was signed by Lt. Col. Aditya Sinha, General Manager of IEPFA, and Sanjay Prasad, Deputy Director General of Prasar Bharati (Sales).
Indian Institute of Management-Kozhikode (IIM-K) and Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) signed an MoU to design, deliver, and certify customised training programmes and workshops for IOB’s senior leadership and executives. The…
The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), operating under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), has constituted a high-level Advisory Group on Ease of Doing Business (EoDB). The panel is chaired by Gyaneshwar…
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…
India-based Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace to manufacture Kaal Bhairava combat aircraft in Portugal
Key Updates:
Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace (FWDA), an Indian artificial intelligence warfare company, announced the establishment of its first international manufacturing node in Portugal for the Kaal Bhairava autonomous combat aircraft.
The facility is being set up in partnership with SKETCHPIXEL LDA, a European technology firm known for developing advanced fighter jet simulation systems for aircraft including the F-16.
The Portugal facility serves as the first international node under Operation 777, a strategic initiative aimed at establishing manufacturing and deployment partnerships across seven continents and 77 countries.
Kaal Bhairava is a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) autonomous combat aircraft featuring a range of 3,000 km, endurance exceeding 30 hours, and AI-driven target recognition.
Under the agreement, FWDA will retain intellectual property rights over the aircraft core autonomous systems and airframe design while SKETCHPIXEL LDA provides simulation technologies and AI integration.
The Indian Army received the UAV-Launched Precision Guided Munition (ULPGM) and AGNIKAA VTOL-1 First-Person View (FPV) Kamikaze Drone under emergency procurement (EP-6). Both combat systems were designed and developed by…
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has started work on Vayu Baan, the first indigenous air-launched effects (ALE) programme in India. The project is being led by the Directorate of Aerospace Design (DAD), Gandhinagar, which has…
India’s first private sector helicopter Final Assembly Line (FAL) was inaugurated at Vemagal in the Kolar district of Karnataka. The facility is a partnership between Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) and the European…
The Defence Ministry approved the Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft (RPSA) programme, formerly called Ghatak, valued at Rs 39,000 crore. DRDO will adopt a development-cum-production partner model and invite industry bids…
India assumes chairmanship of Common Criteria Development Board from April 2026 to April 2028
Key Updates:
India has been nominated as the Chair of the Common Criteria Development Board (CCDB) for the period from April 2026 to April 2028.
The leadership position was confirmed during the first quarter meeting of the Common Criteria Recognition Arrangement (CCRA) held in Tokyo, Japan, from April 14 to 16, 2026.
The CCRA enables mutual recognition of IT security certificates, while the CCDB manages the international work programme for the Common Criteria (CC) and the Common Methodology for Information Technology Security Evaluation (CEM).
India has been a Certificate Authorising Nation of the CCRA since September 16, 2013, participating through the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the STQC Directorate.
The CCRA currently comprises 20 certificate-authorising nations and 18 certificate-consuming nations that collectively maintain the Common Criteria Portal.
CA P. V. Narayana Rao has been appointed as a Co-opted Member of the Sustainability Reporting Standards Board (SRSB) of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) for the term 2026-27. He qualified as a…
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla addressed the inaugural session of the First CPA India Region Zone VII Conference in Goa. The conference brought together legislators from Maharashtra, Goa, and Gujarat under the Commonwealth…
India was elected by acclamation to the Commission on Science and Technology for Development for the term 2027-2030. India was elected by acclamation to the Committee on Non-Governmental Organisations for the term…
India was elected by acclamation to the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) subsidiary bodies: Commission on Science and Technology for Development 2027-2030, Committee on Non-Governmental Organisations 2027-2030…
India's first privately built military aircraft C-295 set for rollout in Gujarat on 14 May 2026
Key Updates:
Tata-Airbus has advanced the first Made-in-India C-295 military transport aircraft at Vadodara, Gujarat.
The C-295 is the first military aircraft in India to be built privately.
The aircraft is part of a ₹21,935-crore programme to replace the ageing Avro fleet of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The project aims to expand domestic aerospace production and increase the participation of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
The programme supports the Make in India initiative to enhance strategic self-reliance in military aviation.
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…
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…
India’s first private sector helicopter Final Assembly Line (FAL) was inaugurated at Vemagal in the Kolar district of Karnataka. The facility is a partnership between Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) and the European…
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…
United States, China, Russia, and India invest in hypersonic and ballistic missile technologies
Key Updates:
Ballistic missiles follow a predetermined trajectory and are primarily controlled by gravity after reaching high altitudes.
Hypersonic missiles travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5 and possess the capability to manoeuvre during flight.
Ballistic missiles are typically launched from land or sea platforms and travel in a high arc.
Hypersonic missiles fly at lower altitudes compared to ballistic missiles, increasing their ability to evade detection.
The United States, China, Russia, and India are heavily investing in hypersonic missile technology to enhance military capabilities and strategic positioning.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) achieved a 1,200-second runtime of its actively cooled scramjet full-scale combustor. The test was conducted at the Scramjet Connect Pipe Test (SCPT) facility of…
Russia successfully tested the RS-28 Sarmat, a heavy Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) designed to replace the Soviet-era R-36M2 Voyevoda. The RS-28 Sarmat, dubbed 'Satan II' by the North Atlantic Treaty…
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the second flight test of its long-range hypersonic anti-ship missile (LR-AShM) off the Odisha coast. The missile has a strike range…
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…
India plans ₹40,000 crore Middle East-India Deep-water Pipeline (MEIDP) from Oman
Key Updates:
India is planning the Middle East-India Deep-water Pipeline (MEIDP) to connect Oman directly to the Gujarat coast.
The MEIDP will stretch 2,000 km under the Arabian Sea at depths of up to 3,450 metres and deliver approximately 31 million standard cubic metres per day (mmscmd) of natural gas.
The project has an estimated cost of ₹40,000 crore ($4.7-4.8 billion) and is expected to take five to seven years to build.
The Ministry of Petroleum will direct Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL), Engineers India Limited, and Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) to prepare a detailed feasibility report based on a study by the South Asia Gas Enterprise (SAGE).
The pipeline route will allow India to access gas from Oman, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkmenistan, and Qatar.
Indian-flagged tanker Jag Laadki carrying 80,886 metric tonnes of crude oil arrived at Mundra Port in Gujarat on 18 March 2026. The crude oil was sourced from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and loaded at Fujairah Port.
The Government of India notified the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution (Through Laying, Building, Operation and Expansion of Pipelines and Other Facilities) Order, 2026 under the Essential Commodities Act…
The India-flagged Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) tanker Jag Vikram crossed the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first such transit by an Indian vessel since the announcement of a two-week ceasefire between the United States…
The India-flagged LPG carrier Green Asha berthed at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) on Tuesday. The vessel carried 15,400 tonnes of LPG and transited through the Strait of Hormuz.
Global Nations Develop 6th and 7th Generation Fighter Aircraft
Key Updates:
India is developing the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) stealth fighter and expanding indigenous drone warfare capabilities.
Major 6th-generation projects include the F-47 and Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) in the United States, Tempest (United Kingdom, Italy, Japan), and Future Combat Air System (FCAS) (France, Germany, Spain).
Key features of 6th-generation fighters include advanced stealth, Artificial Intelligence (AI) assisted combat systems, drone wingman integration, and directed-energy weapons.
Theoretical 7th-generation fighters, expected after 2040, may feature fully autonomous AI, quantum radar, and hypersonic speeds beyond Mach 6.
Other global developments include China's focus on stealth and autonomous drone warfare, and Russia's investment in hypersonic missile integration.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has invited bids to arm the Indian Air Force (IAF) MiG-29 fighter aircraft with European Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (ASRAAM). The ASRAAM is a next-generation close combat…
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…
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…
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…
Union Environment Minister inaugurates Lion Species Spotlight Programme at Gir National Park
Key Updates:
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav inaugurated the Lion Species Spotlight Programme at Gir National Park in Gujarat as a pre-summit event for the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit 2026.
India is scheduled to host the first-ever IBCA Summit in New Delhi on June 1 and 2, 2026, under the theme Save Big Cats, Save Humanity, Save Ecosystem.
The IBCA serves as a global coalition for the conservation of seven iconic big cat species: lion, tiger, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and puma.
The Asiatic lion population in the Greater Gir Landscape has reached an estimated 891 individuals in 2025, representing a 32 per cent increase compared to 2020.
Asiatic lions receive the highest legal protection under Appendix-I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
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…
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…
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”.
The Indian Army's Fire and Fury Corps and the Ladakh administration signed an MoU under the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection (GSLEP) programme. The MoU was signed on World Wildlife Day in the presence of Lt…
Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) discovers two new spider species in northeast India
Key Updates:
The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) discovered two new spider species in northeast India.
ZSI carried out a comprehensive taxonomic revision of Indian whip scorpions.
The taxonomic revision of Indian whip scorpions is the first of its kind in over a century.
The research findings were published in the international journal Zootaxa.
The study highlights northeast India as a hotspot for rare and lesser-known species.
Two new species of jumping spiders belonging to the genus Mogrus have been discovered in India. The newly identified species are named Mogrus shushka and Mogrus pune.
The thread-legged assassin bug Myiophanes kempi was rediscovered in limestone caves in the Andaman Islands by scientists in 2019. The species was first described by British entomologist William Edward China in 1924 from…
Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) scientists discovered nine new species during faunal surveys at Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary in the southern Western Ghats. The surveys conducted between 2018 and 2022 documented 977…
Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and Prof. Ramkrishna More College have identified a new cockroach species named Neoloboptera peninsularis in the Deccan plateau. The species was recorded from…
Indian passport ranks 78th in Henley Passport Index (May 2026)
Key Updates:
India’s passport has secured the 78th position in the latest Henley Passport Index released in May 2026, marking a drop of three positions from its 75th rank in February 2026.
Indian passport holders currently have access to 56 destinations, including visa-free entry to Bhutan, Nepal, Fiji, and Malaysia, and visa-on-arrival facilities in Maldives, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Cambodia.
Singapore holds the world’s most powerful passport with visa-free access to 192 destinations, followed closely by Japan and South Korea as of May 2026.
The Henley Passport Index is published by the consultancy firm Henley & Partners and uses data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to assess 199 passports worldwide.
India recorded its best passport ranking of 71 in 2006 and its lowest ranking of 90 in 2021, while passports from Pakistan, Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan remain among the weakest globally.
India has secured the 75th position in the latest Henley Passport Index (HPI), improving from the 85th rank recorded last year. Indian passport holders can now access 56 countries without a prior visa, through either…
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates India's GDP at $3.92 trillion for 2025, ranking it sixth globally. The IMF estimates the United Kingdom's GDP at $4 trillion and Japan's GDP at $4.44 trillion for 2025.
Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) launched a new Aadhaar app and offline verification framework in late January. The app allows selective data sharing, such as confirming age without revealing full date of…
National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) extended UPI One World wallet service to international delegates attending India AI Impact Summit 2026 held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from 16-20 February. The wallet…
Book 'Apnapan' to be released on May 26
Key Updates:
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced the release of his new book titled Apnapan.
The book chronicles the 35-year-long association and experiences of Shivraj Singh Chouhan with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Apnapan is scheduled to be formally launched on May 26 at the NASC Complex in Pusa, New Delhi.
The launch will occur in the presence of former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu and former Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda.
The association between the author and the Prime Minister began during the 1991 Ekta Yatra.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Gujarat on May 10 and 11 to attend the Somnath Amrit Mahotsav. The Prime Minister will inaugurate the Sardar Dham in Vadodara, Gujarat, on the evening of May 11.
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…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Karmayogi Sadhana Week 2026 on 2 April 2026. The initiative promotes the mantra 'Nagrik Devo Bhav' for citizen-centric governance.
Sahdev Yadav Elected President of South Asian Weightlifting Federation (SAWF)
Key Updates:
Sahdev Yadav was elected unanimously as the president of the South Asian Weightlifting Federation (SAWF) during a meeting held in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on May 12.
Yadav currently serves as the president of the Indian Weightlifting Federation.
Yadav holds additional positions as the treasurer of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), vice-president of the Commonwealth Weightlifting Federation, and assistant to the president of the Asian Weightlifting Federation.
Sabina Yadav, the joint secretary of the Indian Weightlifting Federation and member of the Innovation Committee of the International Weightlifting Federation, was appointed as the chief executive officer of the SAWF.
The newly elected office-bearers of the SAWF include general secretary Ram Krishna Sreshtha, vice-presidents Ibrahim Hameed and Sanka Ratnayake, and executive board member Shahria Sultana.
India secured four gold medals at the Commonwealth Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships and the Universal Cup (Senior) held in Apia, Samoa. Sunil Singh won gold in the 65kg men's category with a total lift of…
India concluded its campaign at the Asian Wrestling Championships in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, with a total of 17 medals. The final medal tally for India consisted of two gold, seven silver, and eight bronze medals.
Narayana Ramachandran, former president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and World Squash Federation (WSF), passed away at the age of 77 in Chennai. He served as the WSF President between 2008 and 2016 and was the…
Meenakshi Goyat added a third silver to India’s tally in the women’s 53kg category at the Senior Asian Wrestling Championships. Meenakshi lost 0-10 against China’s Jin Zhang in the 53-kg final, an Olympic Games weight…
Akash Ambani Appointed Managing Director of Jio Platforms
Key Updates:
Akash Ambani has been appointed as the managing director of Jio Platforms.
The appointment is for a period of 5 years with effect from April 9, 2026.
Jio Platforms is expected to file draft papers for its Initial Public Offering (IPO) by the end of May or in June.
Ambani has been on the board of Reliance Jio Infocomm (RJIL) since October 2014.
Ambani was elevated to the position of Chairman of RJIL in June 2022.
Rajneesh Karnatak, Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bank of India (BoI), has had his tenure extended for three years effective April 29, 2026. Karnatak was appointed as MD and CEO of BoI in…
Jio Financial Services Limited and Allianz Group (Allianz) have signed a binding agreement to form a 50:50 primary insurance joint venture (JV). The JV will operate in the general and health insurance segments of the…
Dan Bailey has been appointed as President of Jio Platforms to spearhead its global business initiatives. Bailey will be based in London and will join the company’s Executive Committee.
Santhosh Viswanathan previously served as Vice-President and Managing Director of Intel India. He will now oversee business operations, brand, and customer engagements across the Asia Pacific and Japan region.
