Daily current affairs for 17 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: 17 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.
Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) relaxes National Pension System (NPS) annuity surrender rules
Key Updates:
The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) issued a circular on May 14, 2026, relaxing rules for the surrender of annuity policies under the National Pension System (NPS).
Surrender is now permitted in cases of critical illness of the annuitant or their family members, and for annuity policies issued before October 24, 2024, that contain an explicit surrender clause.
Annuity Service Providers (ASPs) are generally prohibited from accepting surrenders or cancellations except during the free-look cancellation period.
The surrender process must align with the original policy contract and guidelines issued by PFRDA and the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).
Approved surrender values are credited to the subscriber's bank account, and the information must be shared with the Central Recordkeeping Agency (CRA) within seven working days.
PPFAS Asset Management has received approval from the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) to act as a sponsor for a pension fund under the National Pension System (NPS). The company will set up a…
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has extended the registration validity for not-for-profit organisations (NPOs) on the Social Stock Exchange (SSE) from two years to three years without raising funds.…
The Atal Pension Yojana (APY), a flagship social security scheme of the central government, exceeded 9 crore total gross enrolments on April 21, 2026. The APY is administered by the Pension Fund Regulatory and…
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is launching the E-PRAAPTI (EPF Aadhaar-Based Access Portal for Tracking Inoperative Accounts) portal to enable members to access inoperative accounts through…
Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) issues notices to e-commerce platforms over Cyclosinone Herbicide sale
Key Updates:
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) issued notices to Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, and JioMart regarding the sale of an allegedly unregistered product called Cyclosinone Herbicide.
The action followed concerns raised by the Crop Care Federation of India (CCFI) through the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
The CCPA found that the herbicide was not listed under the Schedule to the Insecticides Act, 1968.
The regulator noted that product listings lacked mandatory disclosures including chemical composition, valid licence numbers, validity periods, statutory warnings, and Principal Authorisation Certificates.
The CCPA cited Rule 10(E) of the Insecticides (Second Amendment) Rules, 2022, which requires e-commerce platforms to verify seller licences before listing insecticides.
Failure to perform these checks may constitute violations under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) will enforce a total ban on the sale of non-certified internet-connected CCTV cameras from Chinese manufacturers starting 1 April. The Standardisation…
USTR retained India on its Special 301 priority watch list, along with China, Russia, Indonesia, Chile, and Venezuela. Vietnam was designated as a Priority Foreign Country, the first such designation in 13 years, and…
The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and Oman, signed in December 2025, is expected to come into force from June 1, 2026. The FTA will provide duty-free access to 98 per cent of India's exports to Oman, including…
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…
Ministry of Finance (MoF) revises export tax rates on petroleum products
Key Updates:
The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has introduced a new special additional excise duty (SAED) structure for petroleum product exports.
Petrol exports now attract an SAED of ₹3 per litre.
The export duty on diesel has been reduced to ₹16.5 per litre, following previous rates of ₹21.50 on March 26, ₹55.5 on April 11, and ₹23 on April 30.
The export duty on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) now stands at ₹16 per litre, having previously been set at ₹29.5, ₹42, and ₹33.
The MoF has reduced the road and infrastructure cess on both petrol and diesel exports to zero.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoP&NG) mandated oil marketing companies to supply ethanol-blended petrol with up to 20 per cent ethanol content across all states and Union territories from 1 April 2026. The…
The Government of India has raised the import duty on gold and silver to 15% from 6%, comprising a 10% basic customs duty and a 5% Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess. Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged…
Central excise duty on petrol and diesel for domestic consumption reduced by ₹10 per litre each on 26 March 2026. Export duty on diesel set at ₹21.5 per litre and on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) at ₹29.5 per litre.
The Delhi government released the draft Electric Vehicle Policy 2026–2030 to accelerate electric vehicle (EV) adoption through financial incentives and infrastructure mandates. The policy proposes a 100 per cent…
Supreme Court (SC) dismisses Uttar Pradesh government pleas on Value Added Tax (VAT) levy
Key Updates:
The Supreme Court (SC) dismissed pleas filed by the Uttar Pradesh government regarding the levy of local Value Added Tax (VAT) on natural gas transported from Andhra Pradesh.
The SC upheld a 2012 Allahabad High Court judgment that quashed assessment orders against Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), Tata Chemicals, and IFFCO.
The court ruled that the transactions of natural gas supplied from the KG-D6 basin constitute interstate sales governed exclusively by the Central Sales Tax (CST) Act.
The delivery point where title and risk transferred to buyers was identified as Gadimoga, Andhra Pradesh.
The Uttar Pradesh government had claimed the transactions were intra-state sales liable for state VAT at a rate of 21 per cent.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) notified revised royalty rates on May 8 to incentivise domestic exploration and reduce import dependence. Under the revised framework, the effective royalty on onshore…
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed the Uttar Pradesh government to reclassify the Suav from a drain to a river in revenue records and the Official Gazette. The Suav is a significant tributary of the Rapti river…
The Central Government invoked the Essential Commodities Act (EC Act) to ensure uninterrupted supply of domestic cooking gas amid Middle East conflict disrupting oil and gas supply. Priority sectors for 100 per cent of…
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…
Fertilizers and Chemicals Travancore Limited (FACT) begins production of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP).
Key Updates:
Fertilizers and Chemicals Travancore Limited (FACT) has commenced production of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP).
The production of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) has been started by FACT.
FACT, the Fertilizers and Chemicals Travancore Limited, has initiated DAP production.
Di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) production has begun at FACT.
FACT has started manufacturing di-ammonium phosphate (DAP).
India’s first green methanol production plant is being established at the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) in Kandla, Gujarat, to produce fuel for ocean-going ships. The plant will use the invasive shrub Prosopis…
Union home and cooperation minister Amit Shah dedicated the newly commissioned Sulphuric Acid Plant–3 (SAP–III) at the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) unit in Paradeep, Odisha. The new plant has…
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has been awarded a large contract by Bharat Coal Gasification and Chemicals Ltd (BCGCL) to construct a coal-to-ammonium nitrate plant in Odisha. Bharat Coal Gasification and Chemicals Ltd (BCGCL) is…
Bharat Coal Gasification and Chemicals Ltd (BCGCL) and Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL) signed a land leasing pact in Odisha for a 2,000 tonnes per day coal to ammonium nitrate project. The facility will be built on about…
Project Saksham: Skill Development and Employment for Rural Women
Key Updates:
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), in partnership with Vertis Foundation, is expanding 'Project Saksham' to provide vocational training and employment to rural women and underserved youth.
The initiative currently operates through 12 training centres across the country, having trained over 6,000 youth, with more than 4,000 beneficiaries securing employment.
According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), participants earn average monthly incomes between ₹13,000 and ₹16,000.
Women constitute more than 80 per cent of the programme's beneficiaries.
Participants are trained in vocational disciplines including electrical work, plumbing, appliance repair, tailoring, nursing assistance, and multi-skill technician programmes.
The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) hosted the AMRUT Mitra Mahotsav at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, to celebrate the leadership of women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in urban water services. The event was chaired…
Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) runs Mission Shakti Scheme adopting holistic and victim-centric approach for safety, security and empowerment of women. One Stop Centre Scheme operational since 2015…
The Agriculture Insurance Company of India Limited (AIC) launched the Krishi Sakhi initiative on 18 March to empower women farmers and promote inclusive growth. The initiative aligns with the United Nations (UN)…
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the 27th edition of 'Women and Men in India 2025' at the National Deliberative Summit on “Data for Development” in Bhubaneswar. The sex ratio at…
Rajasthan inaugurates first semiconductor cluster in Bhiwadi with ₹1,200 crore investment
Key Updates:
Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma inaugurated Rajasthan's first semiconductor cluster in Bhiwadi.
The Bhiwadi electronics manufacturing cluster attracted an investment of ₹1,200 crore and is expected to generate employment for nearly 2,500 people.
The initiative is part of the state government's vision for "Developed Rajasthan 2047", supported by 35 policies implemented over the last two years to promote industrial growth.
Other projects launched include the Elsina Electronics Complex and a 34 MLD sewage treatment plant (STP) in the Khairthal-Tijara region.
The state government announced plans for a major industrial area near Bandikui in Alwar district and progress on the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) linking Rajasthan to Delhi through Haryana.
The Government of India will retain the pari passu model for the upcoming phase of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0, where government incentives are released in proportion to a company’s own capital expenditure.…
The Union Cabinet approved two semiconductor manufacturing projects under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) in Gujarat with a combined investment of ₹3,936 crore. Crystal Matrix Limited (CML) will establish India's…
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…
The Delhi government is drafting the Delhi Semiconductor Policy to position the capital as a hub for semiconductor design, advanced research and development, and assembly and allied activities. The policy is aligned with…
Jammu and Kashmir Government approves Used Water Management and Infrastructure Projects
Key Updates:
The Jammu and Kashmir government approved Used Water Management Projects for Baramulla (₹37.96 crore) and Rajouri (₹34.43 crore).
The Cabinet approved the augmentation of the Grid Sub Station at Zainakote from 450 MVA to 780 MVA at a cost of ₹67.66 crore.
The 132 KV Pampore-Rawalpora and Rawalpora-Bemina transmission lines will be upgraded at an estimated cost of ₹25.47 crore.
An 800 TPD Integrated Solid Waste Management Project will be established at Achan in Srinagar at a cost of ₹361 crore.
The Cabinet approved the upgradation and completion of the Sub-District Hospital at Hazratbal under the Srinagar Master Plan, 2035.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved a total investment of ₹40,175.33 crore for the construction of two hydropower projects in Arunachal Pradesh. The 1,720 MW Kamala Hydro Electric Project (HEP) will…
The Union Cabinet approved a ₹2,584.60 crore scheme to support small hydro power projects for the period between the financial years 2026–27 and 2030–31. The scheme targets the addition of approximately 1,500 MW of…
Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Roll to purify Odisha's voter list
Key Updates:
The Election Commission (EC) will commence the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll in Odisha from May 30, with the final roll to be published on September 6.
July 1 has been fixed as the qualifying date for the roll revision, and the draft electoral roll will be published on July 5.
A total of 45,255 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will conduct house-to-house visits from May 30 to June 28 for the distribution and collection of forms.
Voters can download and upload enumeration forms online through the official portal voters.eci.gov.in.
During the pre-SIR exercise, 94.61 per cent of the state's electors, totaling approximately 3.16 crore, were mapped, resulting in over 9 lakh deletions.
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…
Lok Sabha extended the tenure of the Joint Committee of Parliament (JPC) examining simultaneous polls Bills till the last week of the Monsoon Session. The JPC is chaired by senior BJP MP PP Chaudhary and has 39 members.
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 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…
Uttar Pradesh Small River Rejuvenation Initiative Enhances Rural Sustainability and Ecological Resilience
Key Updates:
The Government of Uttar Pradesh is implementing the Small River Rejuvenation initiative through the State Mission for Clean Ganga (SMCG) to restore ecological resilience and rural sustainability.
The Namami Gange and Rural Drinking Water Supply Department is preparing a District River Rejuvenation Plan for each district, executed by the District Ganga Committee headed by District Magistrates.
In Pilibhit, a 47 km stretch of the Gomti River was rejuvenated across 16 gram panchayats, involving the widening of the channel and the revival of 23 ponds.
The Neem River in Bulandshahr was revived through a 29 km intervention under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), which was recognised in Mann Ki Baat on June 18, 2023.
Restoration efforts also covered the Sot River in Sambhal, the Karvan and Kali Rivers, and three seasonal streams in Rampur named Revati, Nahal, and Neeli.
The Namami Gange Programme (NGP) was launched in June 2014 by the Government of India to conserve and rejuvenate the Ganga River. The initial allocation was Rs 20,000 crore and later extended to Rs 22,500 crore until…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Ganga Expressway in Uttar Pradesh on 29 April 2026. The Ganga Expressway is a 594-kilometre-long, six-lane access-controlled greenfield corridor.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Uttar Pradesh on April 28-29 to launch development projects worth approximately ₹6,350 crore. In Varanasi, the Prime Minister will dedicate 48 completed projects worth over ₹1,050…
The Telangana government’s Musi River Rejuvenation Project is estimated to cost Rs 1.5 lakh crore. BJP state president N. Ramchander-Rao questioned the funding feasibility given the state’s unpaid pension dues.
Compliance Reduction and Deregulation Initiative: Tripura completes all Phase I and II priority areas
Key Updates:
Tripura is the first state in India to complete all 51 Priority Areas under Phase-I and Phase-II of the national Compliance Reduction and Deregulation initiative led by the Cabinet Secretariat of the Government of India.
Launched in January 2026, the programme focuses on reducing compliance burdens and digitising approvals across Revenue, Urban Development, Industries, Labour, Environment, Tourism, Health, Education, and Digital Governance sectors.
Key administrative reforms include the strengthening of the Single Window Approval Agency (SWAAT), implementation of self-certification-based Change of Land Use, and the removal of dual licensing requirements.
Sectoral reforms include inspection exemptions for up to three years for certain industrial categories, a single nodal mechanism for interstate medical professional registration, and simplified homestay regulations for tourism.
Digital and institutional measures include a centralised e-Gazette system, an auto-appeal mechanism under the Right to Services framework, and partnerships with National Law University Tripura and Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta.
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) issued new guidelines for states to shift the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) base year to 2022-23 to align with national Gross Domestic Product (GDP)…
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the modified UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme with a total outlay of ₹28,840 crore. The scheme will fund development of 100 new airports through a…
Tipra Motha won 24 out of 28 seats in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections. The TTAADC governs nearly 70 per cent of the territory of Tripura and covers 20 tribal-reserved seats in the…
The Union Cabinet approved a nutrient-based subsidy (NBS) scheme worth Rs 41,534 crore for phosphatic and potassic fertilisers for the Kharif 2026 season from 1 April 2026 to 30 September 2026. Retail price of DAP…
Mahey Tokpo-Raldho Canal: Enhancing Water Security in Ladakh
Key Updates:
Lieutenant Governor (LG) Vinai Kumar Saxena inaugurated the Mahey Tokpo-Raldho canal in the Changthang region of Ladakh.
The project aims to boost water security, enhance agricultural productivity, and support the livelihoods of farmers and pastoral communities.
The canal draws water from Yaya Lake to provide reliable irrigation for nearly 100 acres.
The infrastructure project commenced in 2022-23 and was expedited for completion after the LG assumed office on March 13.
A plantation drive of 15,000 trees was initiated in collaboration with local villagers to promote soil conservation, slope stabilisation, and ecological sustainability.
The road from Chungthang to Lachen in North Sikkim reopened after a newly constructed 400-foot bridge was inaugurated last week. North Sikkim District Magistrate Anant Jain stated that only one vehicle is allowed to…
India's first Petroglyph Conservation Park is being established on the banks of the Indus River in Leh, Ladakh. The foundation stone for the park was laid by Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on World Heritage Day.
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…
Tourist permits for Lachen and Gurudongmar Lake in North Sikkim resumed from 9 March 2026. Permits had been suspended after the South Lhonak glacial lake outburst flood in October 2023 damaged roads and bridges across…
Compliance Reduction and Deregulation Initiative: Tripura completes all Phase I and II Priority Areas
Key Updates:
Tripura is the first state in India to complete all 51 Priority Areas under Phase-I and Phase-II of the Compliance Reduction and Deregulation initiative led by the Cabinet Secretariat of the Government of India.
Launched in January 2026, the reform programme covers sectors including Revenue, Urban Development, Industries, Labour, Environment, Tourism, Health, Education, and Digital Governance.
Key administrative reforms include the strengthening of the Single Window Approval Agency (SWAAT), self-certification for Change of Land Use, and the removal of dual licensing requirements.
Digital governance initiatives include the launch of a centralised e-Gazette system, an auto-appeal mechanism under the Right to Services framework, and the SWAGAAT Single Window System.
The state collaborated with the National Law University Tripura (NLU Tripura) for law reviews and the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM Calcutta) for a ground-level impact assessment of Phase-I.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and launched multiple development projects worth ₹47,800 crore in Assam. Under the Assam Mala 3.0 Road Infrastructure Initiative, approximately 900 km of roads will be constructed…
Kerala became the first state in India to frame a comprehensive Urban Policy, approved by the state cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The Nava Kerala Urban Policy envisions Kerala in 2050 as 'a…
Tipra Motha Party won 24 out of 28 seats in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) local body elections. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured four seats in the council, including two unreserved…
Tipra Motha won 24 out of 28 seats in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections. The TTAADC governs nearly 70 per cent of the territory of Tripura and covers 20 tribal-reserved seats in the…
BHASHINI Rajyam – A BHASHINI Sahayogi Program to boost Multilingual Digital Healthcare Services
Key Updates:
The Ministry of Ayush (Ayush) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to enhance multilingual access to digital services.
The partnership is part of the BHASHINI Rajyam – A BHASHINI Sahayogi Program, aiming to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered language technologies across Ayush Grid portals and applications.
The collaboration aims to expand digital outreach in all 22 scheduled Indian languages, covering knowledge systems like Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Yoga and Naturopathy, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homoeopathy.
The MoU was signed by Dr Subodh Kumar, Director in Ayush, and Amitabh Nag, CEO of DIBD, in the presence of Secretary Rajesh Kotecha and Joint Secretary Kavita Jain.
The initiative will integrate BHASHINI tools with the Yoga Portal, MAISP, and the NAMASTE portal to develop standardised terminologies and future AI models in the healthcare sector.
Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) under the Ayush Ministry signed a memorandum of understanding with Anuvadini AI, a platform developed by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)…
The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda, launched the Swasth Bharat Portal on May 7, 2026, during the 10th National Summit on "Innovation and Inclusivity: Best Practices Shaping India's…
Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD) and Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) signed a strategic MoU under the initiative 'BHASHINI for Seva / Sanchalan – A BHASHINI Sahayogi Program'. The…
The National Health Authority (NHA) conducted a two-day Chintan Shivir in Pune to accelerate healthcare transformation for Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) and Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission…
Karnataka to Implement Grassroots Climate Action Plans for 5,994 Gram Panchayats
Key Updates:
Karnataka is developing individual climate action plans for 5,994 gram panchayats and 340 urban local bodies to institutionalise climate accountability at the grassroots level.
The Environmental Management and Policy Research Institute (EMPRI) is spearheading the initiative to align local actions with India’s net-zero journey.
The state is monitoring 105 climate targets across 15 departments for the 2025–2030 period, which are reviewed monthly by an apex committee headed by the Chief Secretary.
Key focus areas for the village-level plans include water-use efficiency, cultivation of drought-resistant crops and millets, agroforestry, and a target to plant five crore saplings.
A research report by the Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC) and SDM Institute for Management Development highlighted that Karnataka has crossed the 50 per cent mark in renewable energy generation.
India has submitted its revised climate targets for 2031-2035 to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). India commits to attaining at least 47 per cent reduction in the emission intensity of…
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) announced the National Panchayat Awards 2025, selecting 42 Panchayats for honours. Karnataka secured the highest number of awards with six Panchayats, followed by Andhra Pradesh and…
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj released the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0 Report for FY 2023–24 on National Panchayati Raj Day, celebrated on 24th April 2026. PAI 2.0 recorded a national participation of 97.30…
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) launched the National Climate Stack Innovation Challenge in collaboration with The Gates Foundation and Dalberg Advisors. The initiative aims to build a…
Sugar Export Policy: Prohibition of Raw, White and Refined Sugar Exports till September 30
Key Updates:
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has prohibited the export of raw, white, and refined sugar until September 30 to stabilise domestic prices.
The export policy for sugar was amended from restricted to prohibited.
India exported $1.9 billion of these sugar varieties in FY25, with the top destinations being Sudan, Libya, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
Exemptions to the prohibition include exports to the European Union (EU) and United States of America (USA) under Codex Maximum Residue Limit (CXL) and Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) quota.
Additional exemptions apply to the Advance Authorization Scheme, Government-to-Government exports, and consignments already in the physical export pipeline.
The Government of India banned the export of raw and white sugar with immediate effect until 30 September 2026, or until further orders. The ban was implemented to rein in local sugar prices.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has extended the duty-free import window for yellow peas and black gram until 31 March 2027. For yellow peas, the…
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved a Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of ₹365 per quintal for sugarcane for the 2026–27 sugar season. The FRP is fixed for a basic sugar recovery rate of 10.25 per…
The US Department of Commerce (DOC) has announced a preliminary anti-dumping duty of 123.04% on solar cells and modules from India. The DOC identified critical circumstances for imports from companies including Mundra…
United States and China hold two-day summit in Beijing on 15 May 2026
Key Updates:
United States (US) President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping conducted a two-day summit in Beijing, with the final meeting held at the Zhongnanhai complex.
President Trump stated that China agreed to purchase 200 jets from the US aviation manufacturer Boeing, marking China's first purchase of US jets in nearly a decade.
The US and China agreed that Iran must never possess a nuclear weapon and that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open to support the free flow of energy.
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway through which 20 per cent of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies were shipped before the war.
The US remains committed to supporting the defence of Taiwan under the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, which enables the supply of weapons and military cooperation.
Vice President JD Vance led the U.S. delegation for 21-hour talks with Iranian officials in Islamabad, Pakistan. The two-week U.S.-Iran ceasefire remains intact but expires in eight days.
Three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between institutions from Pakistan and China during a ceremony held in Changsha. The ceremony was attended by Asif Ali Zardari.
India and China conducted their first Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) bilateral consultations on 16-17 April following the resolution of the eastern Ladakh military standoff in 2024. Both delegations met with the…
India hosts Kimberley Process Intersessional Conference in Mumbai
Key Updates:
The Kimberley Process (KP) Intersessional Conference was held in Mumbai under India's presidency.
The four-day global meeting focused on transparency, governance, and operational reforms in the natural diamond trade.
The conference was conducted under the overarching theme of “Credibility, Compliance & Consumer Confidence” (3C).
The KP Certification Scheme was established under United Nations (UN) General Assembly Resolution 55/56 of 2000.
The KP is a global initiative aimed at preventing conflict diamonds from entering legitimate trade and promoting responsible sourcing throughout the natural-diamond supply chain.
India and Kenya held the 10th session of the Joint Trade Committee (JTC) in Nairobi on April 27-28, 2026. The meeting was co-chaired by Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal and Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Trade Regina…
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…
India and South Korea signed 16 Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) on 20 April 2026, focusing on e-mobility, green energy, and advanced manufacturing. The two nations aim to double bilateral trade from $27 billion to $54…
India hosted the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Young Professionals Exchange Programme in Maharashtra from 9 to 15 March 2026. The programme brought together 30…
India launches ₹15,803 crore Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) infrastructure project in Andhra Pradesh
Key Updates:
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu laid the foundation stone for the ₹15,803-crore Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) infrastructure project in the Sri Sathya Sai district of Andhra Pradesh.
The AMCA programme is being developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to build India's indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft.
The project is spread across nearly 650 acres in Puttaparthi and will include an aircraft integration and advanced flight-testing centre, with an expected generation of around 7,500 jobs.
A dedicated drone city project was also initiated in Kurnool, where eight drone companies are expected to establish operations.
The initiative is aligned with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision to strengthen domestic defence capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
The Indian Navy has received delivery of Mahendragiri, a Project-17A Nilgiri-class frigate from Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL). The Nilgiri-class frigates are an improvement over the Project-17 Shivalik-class and are…
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)…
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.
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…
India and United Arab Emirates deepen energy partnership on 16 May 2026
Key Updates:
Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited (ISPRL) and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) signed a Strategic Collaboration Agreement to store up to 30 million barrels of crude oil in India's Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) and ADNOC entered into a separate arrangement for long-term Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) supplies.
India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) agreed to establish strategic gas reserves in India and pursue a comprehensive energy partnership covering crude oil, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), and LPG.
The UAE announced investments totaling USD 5 billion into India across the banking, infrastructure, and finance sectors.
New agreements were reached in advanced computing, shipbuilding, defence, and maritime cooperation, with both nations emphasizing unimpeded navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
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…
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…
India and United Arab Emirates sign seven key agreements on May 15, 2026
Key Updates:
India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed seven key agreements during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit.
A strategic collaboration agreement was signed between Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) to strengthen energy security and strategic petroleum reserves.
A strategic agreement was signed for the supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to boost long-term energy security.
A framework agreement on a Strategic Defence Partnership was signed to expand cooperation in defence manufacturing, innovation, military training, maritime security, cyber defence, and secure communications.
A ship repair and maritime infrastructure cluster project is proposed at Vadinar in Gujarat to advance the Make In India scheme.
An arrangement on skill development in ship repair was established to position India as a hub for skilled shipbuilding and ship repair professionals.
The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) and UAE's G-42 will set up eight Exaflop Super Computer Clusters.
The UAE committed $5 billion in investments across Indian infrastructure and financial institutions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a five-nation tour visiting the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy.
The visit to Norway is the first official visit by an Indian prime minister to the Nordic nation in 43 years.
PM Narendra Modi concluded a historic two-day visit to Israel, marking the first visit by an Indian leader in nine years. India and Israel agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to a Special Strategic…
India and Israel elevated their relationship to a special strategic partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel. Both sides agreed to soon finalise a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
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)…
India is hosting a BRICS senior officials meeting under its BRICS presidency that will see Iran and the UAE face to face for the first time since the West Asian conflict. The meeting agenda covers broader West Asian and…
BRICS reaffirms support for independent State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as capital amid internal disagreements
Key Updates:
The BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Foreign Ministers' meeting on May 15, 2026 in New Delhi reaffirmed support for an independent and viable State of Palestine within pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The meeting failed to produce a joint statement due to disagreements among members, leading to the release of a 'Chair's Statement and Outcome Document'.
Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) clashed over the paragraph on the Gaza Strip and the status of the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi asserted that the Strait of Hormuz falls within the territorial waters of Iran and Oman, not international waters.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov assured continued energy supplies to India and discussed cooperation on the North-South Transport Corridor, payment settlement in national currencies, and nuclear energy.
India joined more than 100 countries and international organisations in endorsing a joint statement at the United Nations (UN) condemning Israel's efforts to consolidate control over the West Bank. The joint statement…
Dr. Neena Malhotra, Secretary South of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), chaired the meeting of BRICS Deputy Foreign Ministers and Special Envoys for the Middle East and North Africa (BRICS MENA) in New Delhi. The…
India participated as an observer in the first meeting of the Board of Peace convened by United States (US) President Donald Trump. The meeting was held at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace on 19 February 2026…
India and 50 other countries abstained from a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) draft resolution calling for an immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Titled Support for Lasting…
United States and Nigeria eliminate ISIS second in command Abu-Bilal al-Minuki in joint operation
Key Updates:
United States (US) and Nigerian forces conducted a joint operation to eliminate Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, the second in command of the Islamic State (IS) globally.
Abu-Bilal al-Minuki was a Sahel-based senior leader and a member of the General Directorate of Provinces, the administrative body of IS that provides operational guidance and funding.
The US State Department had designated al-Minuki as a global terrorist and placed him under sanctions in 2023 for his ties to the IS group.
The Nigerian government and US authorities previously collaborated on airstrikes in northwestern Sokoto State targeting Islamic State in the Sahel (ISSP) fighters.
Washington has deployed hundreds of troops to Nigeria to provide support and training to local forces battling regional offshoots of the IS organisation and Boko Haram.
Fresh clashes between government forces and opposition groups intensified in Akobo, South Sudan. South Sudan became independent from Sudan in 2011, making it the youngest country in the world.
India condemned the recent attacks on United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeepers and paid homage to the fallen Blue Helmets. Two UNIFIL peacekeepers were killed on Monday near Bani Hayyan in south…
At least 12 people were killed and 24 wounded in Israeli air strikes targeting Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa Valley. Senior Hezbollah leader Hussein Yaghi, the son of former lawmaker Mohamed Yaghi, was killed in the strikes…
India and United Arab Emirates sign Strategic Defence Partnership and USD 5 billion investment pacts on 15 May 2026
Key Updates:
Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited (ISPRL) and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) signed a Strategic Collaboration Agreement to increase United Arab Emirates (UAE) participation in India's strategic petroleum reserves to 30 million barrels.
The UAE pledged USD 5 billion in investments, including USD 1 billion for infrastructure through the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) and National Infrastructure & Investment Fund (NIIF).
Emirates New Development Bank (ENBD) will invest USD 3 billion in RBL Bank, and the International Holding Company (IHC) will invest USD 1 billion in Sammaan Capital.
A Framework for the Strategic Defence Partnership was signed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in defence industrial collaboration, innovation, maritime security, and cyber defence.
The two nations agreed to establish a ship repair cluster in Vadinar, Gujarat, and signed an arrangement between Indian Oil Limited (IOCL) and ADNOC for long-term Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) supplies.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced its withdrawal from the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and OPEC+ effective May 1, 2026. The UAE is the world's seventh-largest oil producer.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil from its members’ strategic reserves to counter soaring global energy prices. This emergency collective action is significantly…
Australia bans National Socialist Network under new hate group law on 15 May 2026
Key Updates:
Australia banned the National Socialist Network, also known as White Australia, as the second organisation under a new law criminalising hate groups.
The law was enacted in January following an antisemitic attack on a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney in December, where 15 people were killed.
Under the ban effective from 15 May 2026, supporting, funding, training, recruiting, joining, or directing the group is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
The Islamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir was the first organisation banned under the hate speech law in March.
The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) determines if an organisation meets the threshold to be a hate group, subject to approval by a government Minister.
The Justice Ministry of Russia added the United States (US)-based Stanford University to its list of undesirable organisations on 12 April 2026. Stanford University is the 19th Western university to be added to the list…
Turkish MPs passed a bill restricting social media access for children under 15. The legislation mandates that social media platforms install age-verification systems and provide parental control tools.
Indonesia on Saturday began implementing a government regulation that bans children younger than 16 from access to digital platforms that could expose them to pornography, cyberbullying, online scams and addiction.…
The National People's Congress (NPC) of China approved the Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress law during its annual parliamentary session in Beijing. The legislation mandates that all children must be taught Mandarin…
India and United Arab Emirates (UAE) to sign MoUs on LPG supplies and Strategic Petroleum Reserves
Key Updates:
India and the UAE are expected to sign two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to boost Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) supplies and energy security.
Bilateral merchandise trade between India and UAE reached US$101.25 billion in FY 2025-26.
Both nations have committed to doubling bilateral trade to US$200 billion by 2032.
UAE is India's 7th-largest investor, with cumulative Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows of US$25.19 billion.
A Local Currency Settlement (LCS) system is in place to settle bilateral trade and remittances in Indian Rupee (INR) and UAE Dirham (AED).
Jordan confirmed its membership in three India-led global initiatives: International Solar Alliance (ISA), Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA). The formal membership…
The Central Government invoked the Essential Commodities Act (EC Act) to ensure uninterrupted supply of domestic cooking gas amid Middle East conflict disrupting oil and gas supply. Priority sectors for 100 per cent of…
India and Iran hold talks in New Delhi on 15 May 2026 to discuss West Asia tensions and bilateral issues
Key Updates:
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi in New Delhi on 15 May 2026.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting being hosted under India’s 2026 chairship.
Jaishankar and Araghchi discussed the evolving situation in West Asia, regional security concerns, and bilateral issues of mutual interest.
Jaishankar addressed the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Thursday, underlining concerns over the fragile security environment in West Asia, risks to maritime traffic, and disruptions to energy infrastructure.
Araghchi urged the international community to condemn violations of international law by the United States and Israel, alleging Iran had been subjected to 'brutal and unlawful aggression'.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held bilateral talks with his Italian counterpart Guido Crosetto in New Delhi and exchanged a Bilateral Military Cooperation Plan (MCP) for 2026-27. The meeting was held at the Manekshaw…
The BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting is scheduled for 14th and 15th May 2026 in New Delhi. The meeting is held under India's 2026 chairship and is chaired by External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar.
Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, former Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander, was appointed to succeed Ali Larijani as head of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC). The appointment was announced on Tuesday…
Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov arrived in New Delhi on Thursday for high-level consultations covering defence, energy, trade, and other critical areas of bilateral cooperation. India’s Ministry of…
India hosts BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting in New Delhi in May 2026
Key Updates:
India assumed the BRICS Chairmanship on January 1, 2026, and hosted the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting in New Delhi.
India's trade with BRICS nations surged to $416 billion.
India advocated for the reform of the United Nations (UN), specifically calling for an expanded Security Council.
Dr. Bhaskar Jyoti Sonowal from Assam was elected president of the BRICS Entrepreneurs Alliance (BEA) Global Forum for the 2026-27 term.
India is scheduled to host the BEA Global Summit in November 2026.
The BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting is scheduled for 14th and 15th May 2026 in New Delhi. The meeting is held under India's 2026 chairship and is chaired by External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar.
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…
The meeting of agriculture ministers of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) will be held in Indore from June 12 to 13 under India's presidency. A three-day meeting of officials under the BRICS…
The inaugural convening of the BRICS Academic Forum was hosted by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in partnership with the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) on April 17 and 18, 2026, in…
India lays foundation stone for ₹16,000-crore Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project on 15 May 2026
Key Updates:
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu laid the foundation stone for the ₹16,000-crore Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) infrastructure project in Sri Sathya Sai district, Andhra Pradesh.
The AMCA is an indigenous 5th-generation, twin-engine stealth multirole fighter programme designed for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Navy.
Led by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), the aircraft features supercruise, internal weapons bays, and advanced AI, with the first prototype expected by 2028 and squadron induction targeted for 2035.
The AMCA is designed to compete with stealth fighter jets such as the United States F-35, Chinese J-20, and Russian Su-57.
The project includes an aircraft integration and advanced flight-testing centre, a flight testing centre, naval systems facility, defence energetics units, ammunition plants, and drone city infrastructure projects, with eight drone companies starting a drone city in Kurnool.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for development projects worth approximately ₹5,650 crore in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, on March 11. The Union Cabinet approved the declaration…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Assam and launched development projects worth over Rs 5,450 crore aimed at improving connectivity, digital infrastructure, higher education, and urban mobility in the North-East. He…
India to host 3rd edition of Kalam & Kavach on May 14
Key Updates:
Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth will inaugurate the third edition of Kalam & Kavach on May 14 at the Manekshaw Centre.
The conference is themed ‘Taking JAI Forward With I²’ and focuses on strengthening defence preparedness through Jointness, Aatmanirbharta and Innovation (JAI).
Expected participants include Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, and officials from the Ministry of Defence, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), HQ IDS, and the National Security Advisory Board.
Thematic sessions will cover AI-enabled warfare, autonomous systems, hypersonic technologies, quantum-enabled C4ISR capabilities, low-earth orbit threats, and Tri-service integration.
The event aims to support the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 by highlighting MSME participation, iDEX-driven innovation ecosystems, defence industrial corridors, and indigenous production capabilities.
PM Modi inaugurated the Majlis Park–Maujpur Babarpur section of the Pink Line and the Deepali Chowk–Majlis Park stretch of the Magenta Line. The Pink Line now totals 71.56 km, forming India's first fully operational ring…
Edward Lutyens statue in Rashtrapati Bhavan central courtyard to be replaced by statue of C Rajagopalachari, India’s only Indian-born governor-general (1948-50). Granth Kutir library inaugurated on 23 January 2026 with…
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched Nivesh Mitra 3.0, an upgraded single-window investment portal, in Lucknow. The portal consolidates over 530 services from 43 departments into fewer than 200…
Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated the first CM Shri School at Sarojini Nagar on 17 February 2026. Foundation stones for 75 CM Shri School projects across Delhi…
India requests United States to extend Russian oil waiver amid Middle East conflict
Key Updates:
India has requested the United States (US) to extend the waiver on Russian oil imports due to the ongoing 11-week war in the Persian Gulf.
The current US authorisation allowing the import of Russian crude oil is scheduled to expire on 16 May.
Indian imports of Russian oil reached a record daily inflow of 2.3 million barrels in May according to data from Kpler.
Officials in New Delhi highlighted that energy supply remains a priority for 1.4 billion Indians currently facing a cooking gas shortage.
Predictive data suggests that full-month oil flows for May may average approximately 1.9 million barrels per day.
India has declined an offer from Russia to purchase Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) sourced from sanctioned projects, specifically Portovaya LNG and Arctic LNG 2. The decision was discussed during a meeting on 30 April…
India remained the second-largest buyer of Russian energy products in January 2026 with purchases worth €2.2 billion ($2.59 billion). Crude oil accounted for 78 percent of India’s Russian energy imports, amounting to €2…
India and Russia signed the Indo-Russian Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS) in February 2025. The RELOS pact came into force on January 12 and was ratified by Russia in December 2025.
Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) Pune Launches India’s First Dedicated Climate-Tech Incubation Hub
Key Updates:
The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), has launched a dedicated Incubation Center for Startups in Weather and Climate.
The incubation facility is a core pillar of the National Enterprise for Atmospheric Technology (NEAT), a flagship vertical under the MoES 'Mission Mausam' programme.
The centre was inaugurated by Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary of MoES, during the 'Weather and Climate Innovation Meet for Startups and Entrepreneurs (WISE-2026)'.
The initiative aims to create scalable solutions for sectors including agriculture, renewable energy, aviation, urban planning, healthcare, disaster management, water resources, food security, and logistics and transportation.
The MoES defined four strategic pillars for the weather intelligence ecosystem: Advanced Observations, AI-Driven Modeling, User-Specific Applications, and Dissemination and Last-Mile Delivery.
The government has provided open-access scientific resources including remote sensing datasets, atmospheric reanalysis data, weather observations, climate modeling resources, and forecast archives.
Institutions participating in WISE-2026 included the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), India Meteorological Department (IMD), National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), IISER Pune, IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Gandhinagar, ICRISAT, and IITM.
Key emerging applications identified include precision agriculture advisories, AI-based disease forecasting systems, renewable energy forecasting, urban flood prediction models, heatwave risk analytics, climate insurance products, smart disaster warning systems, and water stress prediction platforms.
The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-Madras) Global Research Foundation established its first centre in the United States at Menlo Park, California, on April 24. The centre will be developed with a total…
The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) and Honeywell have partnered to establish the IIT Bombay–Honeywell Centre of Excellence for Future Skills and Innovation at the Powai campus in Mumbai. The…
The Government of Tripura launched T-NEST, the state’s flagship incubation and innovation hub, at the International Trade Centre in Agartala. The hub was inaugurated by Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh, Tripura…
The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, established an Urban Testbed and Aerosol Observatory in Chennai under the Mission Mausam initiative of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). Inaugurated on May…
Rajasthan's first semiconductor chip packaging facility inaugurated in Bhiwadi
Key Updates:
Union Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw virtually inaugurated the state's first semiconductor plant and a new Electronics Manufacturing Cluster (EMC) at Bhiwadi, Rajasthan.
The Semiconductor ATMP/OSAT facility of Sahasra Semiconductors Pvt. Ltd. is India's first Small and Medium Enterprise-led unit to begin commercial production of semiconductor chips, set up with an investment of over ₹150 crore under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) SPECS scheme.
Spread across 57,000 square feet, the facility includes Class 10K and 100K cleanrooms and has an annual packaging capacity of 60 million semiconductor units, with plans to scale up to 400–600 million units annually over the next two to three years.
More than 60 per cent of its production is already being exported to markets including the United States, Germany, France, Eastern Europe, China and Nepal.
The Electronics Manufacturing Cluster (EMC) developed by ELCINA over 50.3 acres with a project cost of ₹46.09 crore (₹20.24 crore central support) has attracted planned investments of over ₹1,200 crore from 20 companies; operating companies include Aisan Fiem Industries, E-Pack Durable, Sahasra Electronics and Electronics Sector Skill Council of India.
The Union Cabinet approved two semiconductor manufacturing projects under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) in Gujarat with a combined investment of ₹3,936 crore. Crystal Matrix Limited (CML) will establish India's…
The Delhi government is drafting the Delhi Semiconductor Policy to position the capital as a hub for semiconductor design, advanced research and development, and assembly and allied activities. The policy is aligned with…
The foundation stone for India's first advanced 3D semiconductor packaging unit was laid at Info Valley in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The project is developed by 3D Glass Solutions with an investment of nearly ₹2,000 crore.
Gujarat Semiconnect conference in Gandhinagar saw investment proposals worth over ₹1,600 crore to strengthen the state’s semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem covering manufacturing units, chemicals, equipment, R&D…
India's First Satellite-Tagged Ganges Softshell Turtle Released in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR)
Key Updates:
India's first satellite-tagged endangered Ganges softshell turtle (Nilssonia gangetica) was released at the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) in Assam.
The release of the turtle was announced on the occasion of Endangered Species Day.
The Ganges softshell turtle is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act and is classified as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
Assam is home to 21 species of turtles, and five of the eight softshell turtle species reported in India are found in KNPTR.
The satellite-tagging initiative, involving the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), aims to study seasonal movement patterns, home range, and critical habitats in the Brahmaputra river basin.
Police rescued 16 Indian Softshell Turtles during a routine check in Jharcha, Greater Noida. Indian Softshell Turtles are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
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.
Wildlife Management Authority and Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary officials collected 19,858 Olive Ridley turtle eggs from 174 nests on Hope Island in the Kakinada Bay. The eggs are being conserved under the in-situ…
The endangered Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle (Batagur kachuga) was released into the Ganga on 26 April after a 30-year absence. Twenty captive-bred turtles were freed in the Haiderpur Wetland Complex, Uttar Pradesh, by the…
Beyond EPICA Project Recovers Earth's Oldest Continuous Ice-Core Record in Antarctica
Key Updates:
The Beyond EPICA project aims to retrieve continuous Antarctic ice cores dating back as early as 1.5 million years ago.
The drilling operation is conducted by the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) at Little Dome C in East Antarctica.
Since starting in 2021, the project has successfully obtained a continuous ice-core record spanning more than 1.2 million years.
The mission focuses on studying the Mid-Pleistocene Transition by analysing concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane trapped in ancient air bubbles.
This initiative follows the EPICA Dome C ice core project, which previously established a climatic record dating back approximately 800,000 years.
Researchers have detected dark oxygen in the deep sea at depths of approximately 4,000 metres, where sunlight does not penetrate. The discovery was made in the Clarion Clipperton Zone of the Pacific Ocean during research…
MIT researchers detected chemical fossils (steranes) in rocks over 541 million years old, confirming soft-bodied sea sponges as the earliest animals. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of…
The Institute of Biology Bucharest team extracted a 25-metre ice core from Scarisoara Ice Cave in Romania’s Apuseni mountains. Psychrobacter SC65A.3, dormant for 5000 years, carries over 100 resistance-related genes and…
Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) initiates massive seismic survey in Bay of Bengal for hydrocarbon exploration
Key Updates:
The Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) floated bids on 14 May for a large-scale seismic survey project across multiple basins in the Bay of Bengal.
The survey regions include Bengal-Purnea, Mahanadi, Krishna-Godavari, Cauvery, and the Andaman offshore regions along the east coast of India.
The project involves 2D Broadband Marine Seismic and Gravity-Magnetic Data Acquisition, Processing and Interpretation using specialised survey vessels towing streamers.
The survey coverage includes 45,000 Line Kilometres (LKM) for Bengal-Purnea and Mahanadi, 43,000 LKM for the Andaman Basin, 43,000 LKM for Krishna-Godavari, and 30,000 LKM for Cauvery.
The geological assessment indicates that the Bengal Basin holds sedimentary layers exceeding 10 kilometres in thickness, while the Andaman region shares similarities with gas fields in Myanmar and Indonesia.
Union minister for new and renewable energy Pralhad Joshi and United Kingdom (UK) deputy prime minister David Lammy launched the task force on Wednesday. The task force is constituted under the India-UK Vision 2035 and…
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…
Indian Navy took delivery of fourth Survey Vessel (Large) INS Sanshodhak on 30 March from Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. Contract for four survey vessels was signed in October 2018 and project…
CSIR-NGRI identifies 200km-long underground palaeo-channel between Prayagraj and Kanpur
Key Updates:
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Geophysical Research Institute (CSIR-NGRI) identified a palaeo-channel approximately 200 km long stretching from Prayagraj to Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh.
The underground channel is 4 to 5 kilometres wide and buried 10 to 15 metres below the surface in the Ganga-Yamuna Doab.
The discovery was made using heliborne transient electromagnetic technology (H-TEM) and confirmatory drilling.
A tripartite agreement between the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), and CSIR-NGRI led to the detailed survey from Kaushambi to Kanpur.
The palaeo-channel can act as a massive natural aquifer, with six sites identified between Prayagraj and Kanpur for managed aquifer recharge.
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…
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that the Bhima Mandali caves in the Rairakhol sub-division of Sambalpur, Odisha, will be developed into a premier global heritage destination. The caves are situated…
The Government of West Bengal signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with German federal enterprise GIZ and the State Mission for Clean Ganga (SMCG) on 23 February to develop basin-based masterplans for Ichhamati and…
Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Chief Minister (CM) Omar Abdullah announced the revival of the Tulbul Navigation Project (TNP) and a project to lift water from the Chenab river near Akhnoor for Jammu city. The TNP, also known as…
India's First Satellite-Tagged Ganges Softshell Turtle Released in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR)
Key Updates:
India's first satellite-tagged endangered Ganges softshell turtle was released at the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) in Assam to mark Endangered Species Day.
The Ganges softshell turtle (Nilssonia gangetica) is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act and is classified as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
The species is characterised by distinct arrowhead-shaped markings on the top of its head.
Assam is home to 21 species of turtles, and five of the eight softshell turtle species reported in India are found in KNPTR.
The satellite-tagging initiative by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) aims to study seasonal movement patterns, home range, and critical nesting and breeding sites in the Brahmaputra river basin.
Police rescued 16 Indian Softshell Turtles during a routine check in Jharcha, Greater Noida. Indian Softshell Turtles are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
The endangered Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle (Batagur kachuga) was released into the Ganga on 26 April after a 30-year absence. Twenty captive-bred turtles were freed in the Haiderpur Wetland Complex, Uttar Pradesh, by the…
Wildlife Management Authority and Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary officials collected 19,858 Olive Ridley turtle eggs from 174 nests on Hope Island in the Kakinada Bay. The eggs are being conserved under the in-situ…
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…
Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) Confirms Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda
Key Updates:
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) confirmed an Ebola outbreak in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), recording 65 deaths and 246 suspected cases.
Cases in the DRC were primarily reported in the Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones, with four deaths among laboratory-confirmed cases.
Uganda's Health Ministry reported one imported death in Kampala involving a Congolese national.
The Africa CDC is convening a meeting with the DRC, Uganda, South Sudan, and global partners to reinforce cross-border surveillance and response efforts.
First detected in 1976, the Ebola virus is endemic to the tropical forests of the DRC and is transmitted through direct contact with blood and other bodily fluids.
Cassava Brown Streak Disease causes root necrosis and can lead to total crop loss in infected cassava plants. About 33.7 per cent of Africa — roughly 10.2 million sq km — is at risk of CBSD spread.
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 Organization (WHO) has categorised the BA.3.2 COVID-19 variant as a variant under monitoring. The variant is nicknamed Cicada because it remained undetected for a long period before resurfacing…
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.…
Anthropic and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (Gates Foundation) Launch $200 Million AI Partnership
Key Updates:
Anthropic and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (Gates Foundation) have pledged $200 million over four years to support artificial intelligence (AI) public goods in health and education.
Anthropic will contribute technical staff and usage credits for its Claude AI, while the Gates Foundation will provide grant funding, programme design, and expertise.
The initiative focuses on improving AI capabilities in African languages and developing knowledge graphs for teachers in India and sub-Saharan Africa.
The partnership will equip research centres to use Claude to predict drug candidates for treating preeclampsia and Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
The Gates Foundation and OpenAI previously announced a $50 million pact in January to support 1,000 African clinics and communities with AI by 2028.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the Guinness World Records title for 'Most pledges received for an AI responsibility campaign in 24 hours' with 250,946 valid pledges during February 16-17. The announcement was…
The AI Impact Startup Book was launched on the third day of the India AI Impact Summit 2026. The compendium maps 100 high-impact AI-driven solutions across sectors, technologies and geographies.
Google will build new subsea cable routes between India, the United States, Singapore, South Africa and Australia under the America-India Connect initiative. The project establishes an international subsea gateway in…
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi inaugurated the India AI Impact Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi as a key component of the India AI Impact Summit. The Expo spans over 70,000 square metres across 10 arenas and…
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) launches hydrogen-powered shuttle bus service in Central Vista
Key Updates:
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG), launched a hydrogen-powered shuttle bus service in Central Vista on 15 May 2026.
Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) provided two hydrogen-fuelled buses featuring a 35-passenger seating capacity, Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking, and Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) systems.
The shuttle route includes stops at Kartavya Bhawan, Vigyan Bhawan, Nirman Bhawan, Akbar Road, Baroda House, National Stadium, National Gallery of Modern Art, India Gate, and Seva Teerth Metro Station.
The service operates every 30 minutes on working days from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM, with stage-wise fares of 10 and 15.
Passengers can pay using the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), Unified Payments Interface (UPI), or cash for the zero-emission service that releases only water vapour.
India completed a successful trial run of its first hydrogen-powered trainset. The oscillation trial was conducted by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO).
India Electric Vehicle Battery Demand Projected to Reach 200 GWh by 2032
Key Updates:
The Indian Energy Alliance (IESA) projected that India's electric vehicle (EV) battery demand will grow tenfold from 20 GWh in 2025 to 200 GWh by 2032.
The IESA, in association with Customized Energy Solutions (CES), will release the India EV and EV Component Market Outlook 2025-2034 report at the 12th India Energy Storage Week (IESW) in the national capital.
Total EV sales in India crossed 2.5 million units in 2025, comprising 1.5 million two-wheelers and 0.7 million three-wheelers.
Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) battery chemistry holds a 70 per cent market share in the electric two-wheeler segment, while Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) chemistry is gaining ground in other segments.
BLDC motors account for 71 per cent of the two-wheeler market, while PMSM motors have emerged as the preferred technology in electric passenger vehicles with over 90 per cent market share.
The National Statistics Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, released the 33rd edition of 'Energy Statistics India 2026' on 30 March 2026. The publication integrates data on reserve…
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…
India added 52,537 MW (52.5 GW) of power generation capacity from all sources in April 2025–January 2026, raising total installed capacity to 520.6 GW as of January 2026. Over 75% of the new capacity came from renewable…
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…
US Study Detects 'Forever Chemicals' (PFAS) in 98.8% of Human Blood Samples
Key Updates:
A US study found perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as forever chemicals, in 98.8% of tested human blood samples.
The research, conducted by NMS Labs in Pennsylvania, analysed 10,566 blood samples and identified over 70 different combinations of PFAS.
The PFAS group comprises over 15,000 chemicals used in food packaging, furniture, and clothing that persist in the environment without breaking down easily.
PFHxS, a chemical used in glue, furniture, and textiles, was detected in 97.9% of the samples and is linked to liver and immune system concerns.
The study, published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, tested for 13 common PFAS and noted that most individuals carry five or more of these chemicals.
World Hemophilia Day is observed globally every year on April 17 to raise awareness about inherited bleeding disorders. The theme for World Hemophilia Day 2026 is Diagnosis: First Step to Care.
Analysis of blood plasma samples from over 500 individuals showed structural differences in three proteins are strongly linked to Alzheimer's status. The three proteins identified are C1QA involved in immune signalling…
The European Union (EU) Parliament approved updated water pollution standards on 26 March 2026. The updated lists add Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), pharmaceuticals such as painkillers, industrial…
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila. Individuals contract the disease by inhaling contaminated water droplets from sources such as cooling towers, Heating…
India tops U-15 girls medal standings at Asian Boxing U15 Championships 2026
Key Updates:
India concluded the Asian Boxing U15 Championships 2026 in Tashkent with a total of 27 medals, comprising 9 gold, 6 silver, and 12 bronze.
The Indian U-15 girls team topped their medal standings by securing 7 gold, 2 silver, and 5 bronze medals.
Gold medallists in the girls category include Anzee (37kg), Soniya (40kg), Tanvi (43kg), Hanshika Attri (46kg), Sunaina (58kg), Bhumika (61kg), and Angel (70kg).
In the U-15 boys category, Yash Kumar (33kg) and Mohd Yasser (58kg) clinched gold medals with 3:2 victories over Sayat Rakhymberdi and Abdulloh Karimjonov respectively.
Silver medals were earned by Akshita (33kg), Tannvi (64kg), Sastha Vasanth Ashok Kumar (37kg), Samir Bohra (43kg), Sudarsan Vasudeva Chandak (52kg), and Ronak Parag Lokhande (67kg).
The Asian Boxing Championships 2026 was held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. India concluded the tournament with a total of 16 medals, including five gold, three silver, and eight bronze medals.
The 7th National Sub-Junior Under-17 Boxing Championship commenced in Nagpur on 4 April 2026. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari formally inaugurated the week-long championship.
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.
India concluded the World Boxing Futures Cup in Bangkok with a total of five medals, including one gold, three silver, and one bronze. Chandrika Pujari won the gold medal in the women’s 51 kg category by defeating…
Sikkim celebrates 51st Statehood Day on 16 May 2026
Key Updates:
Sikkim officially became the 22nd state of India in 1975.
The 51st Statehood Day on 16 May 2026 marks the culmination of the year-long 50th Statehood or Golden Jubilee celebrations.
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi highlighted the impact of central schemes in the state, including the Jal Jeevan Mission and PM Awas Yojana.
The Union Government continues to promote tourism in Sikkim through schemes such as Swadesh Darshan and Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD).
Chief Minister (CM) Prem Singh Tamang noted the state's global recognition for organic farming, biodiversity conservation, and the presence of Mt. Kanchenjunga.
Maharashtra Day is observed on May 1 to mark the formation of the state in 1960. The state was formed under the Bombay Reorganisation Act, 1960, which divided the Bombay State into Maharashtra and Gujarat along…
The Trishakti Corps of the Indian Army launched Sikkim Sundari, the first border village community radio station in the state of Sikkim. The radio station is designed to improve communication and access to information in…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth more than ₹4,000 crore in Gangtok as part of Sikkim's 50th Year of Statehood celebrations. Transport infrastructure…
Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram celebrate their Statehood Day on February 20 every year. The article marks 12 years of transformative change in both states since 2015-16.
Netherlands returns Chola-era copper plates to India on May 17, 2026
Key Updates:
The Netherlands returned the Chola-era copper plates, also known as the Leiden Plates or Anaimangalam copper plates, to India during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit.
The artifacts consist of two sets: 21 copper plates (origin 1687) bearing the seal of King Rajendra Chola I and three copper plates (origin 1688) bearing the seal of King Kulottunga Chola I.
The plates were taken from Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu, by the Dutch East Indies Company (VOC) between 1687 and 1700 and were donated to Leiden University in 1862.
The restitution followed a 2023 request by the Ministry of Culture and a 2025-end advisory report from the Colonial Collections Committee of the Netherlands.
The copper plates, which record agreements regarding a Buddhist shrine and monasteries in Nagapattinam, will be handed over to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in New Delhi.
The Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands for South India and the World Spice Organisation (WSO) organised a seminar on “Sustainable Spice Value Chains”. India exports over 250 varieties of spices and…
The University of Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology (Ashmolean Museum) returned a stolen 16th-century bronze idol of Saint Tirumangai Alvar to the Indian High Commission in London. The idol was originally…
NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) and Dhruva Space Private Limited (DHRUVA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the design, manufacture, testing, and supply of solar panels. The partnership aims to…
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) estimate India will generate about 600 kilo-tonnes of solar waste by 2030. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and…
First-ever Captagon seizure under Operation Ragepill on May 16, 2026
Key Updates:
India achieved its first-ever seizure of Captagon, a banned synthetic stimulant known as the Jihadi Drug, under Operation Ragepill.
The value of the Captagon seizure is ₹182 crore.
The operation was conducted by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).
A foreign national was arrested in connection with the consignment, which was intended for the Middle East.
The government has prepared a roadmap to make India drug-free by 2047.
An eight-year-old GPS-collared female sloth bear covered approximately 50 km in 24 hours before entering Rashtrakavi Kuvempu Airport at Sogane village in Shivamogga, Karnataka. The bear had been translocated to Bhadra…
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has received 'Prajna', an indigenously developed AI-enabled satellite imaging system. Prajna was developed by the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR) of the Defence…
Security forces demolished 203 Naxal memorials and monuments in Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh under Operation Demolishment. Chhattisgarh recorded 149 demolitions from 2023 to 2026, with 130 razed in 2026 alone.
INS Malwan, the second of eight anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft (ASW SWC), was delivered on 31 March 2026. Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi, the vessel has over 80% indigenous content.
Sabarimala temple entry reference case hearing concluded by Supreme Court on May 14
Key Updates:
The Supreme Court (SC) concluded a 16-day marathon hearing on the Sabarimala temple entry reference case on May 14.
The case was heard by a nine-judge Constitution bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices B V Nagarathna, M M Sundresh, Ahsanuddin Amanullah, Aravind Kumar, Augustine George Masih, Prasanna B Varale, R Mahadevan, and Joymalya Bagchi.
The Solicitor General of India, Tushar Mehta, argued that Article 25(1), which guarantees freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practise, and propagate religion, does not itself provide for gender equality.
The bench discussed the scope of Article 26, which recognizes the right of religious denominations to regulate their own affairs.
The court examined the limits of the State's power to introduce reforms in religious practices under Article 25(2)(b).
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that the women's category of Olympic sports will be limited to biological females from the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Eligibility will be determined by a…
UN Women (UNW) stated women globally hold 64% of the legal rights afforded to men. UN Women (UNW) released the statement ahead of International Women’s Day on 8 March 2026.
World Bank Group released the Women, Business and the Law 2026 report. The report finds women’s economic-opportunity laws are only half-enforced globally.
The Supreme Court (SC) has proposed the creation of a permanent vice-president post reserved for women in the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) from 2027 onwards. For the 2026-27 SCBA elections, the post of secretary…
Madhya Pradesh High Court Declares Bhojshala Complex a Temple in July 2024
Key Updates:
The Madhya Pradesh High Court (MPHC) declared the Bhojshala complex in Dhar district as a temple and a centre of Sanskrit learning associated with King Bhoj of the Paramara dynasty.
The court quashed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) circular dated 7 April 2003, which previously allowed the offering of namaz at the disputed site.
A 98-day scientific survey conducted by the ASI recovered 1,710 relics, including 39 broken idols, Nagakarnika inscriptions, and symbols associated with Sanatan Dharma.
The Bhojshala complex is dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati) by Hindus, while the Muslim side identifies the location as the Kamal Maula mosque.
The MPHC directed the state government to provide alternate land for the mosque and to consider the repatriation of the Vagdevi idol currently located in a London museum.
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…
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that the Bhima Mandali caves in the Rairakhol sub-division of Sambalpur, Odisha, will be developed into a premier global heritage destination. The caves are situated…
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has commenced a large-scale scientific excavation at the Balirajgarh site in the Madhubani district of Bihar. The site is believed to have served as a major administrative hub of…
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.
Etor Gidi and Kongkura:yo Festival 2.0 observed on May 15, 2026
Key Updates:
The Adi community celebrated Etor Gidi, a traditional agro-based festival, on May 15, 2026.
Etor Gidi marks the start of the farming season and involves rituals for a bountiful harvest.
The Delong dance is performed during the Etor Gidi celebrations.
The festivities for Etor Gidi were centered around the Musup community hall in Arunachal Pradesh.
The Kongkura:yo Festival 2.0 concluded in Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh, with the theme My Roots, My Identity.
Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) will host Tribal Art Fest, Tribal Music Fest, Bharat Tribes Fest, and Tribal Business Conclave between 2 and 24 March 2026. Nearly 1,000 participants from all States are expected to join…
Bharat Tribes Fest 2026, organised by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in association with Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED), concluded on Sunday at Sunder Nursery in New Delhi. The…
The Sarhul festival, a significant nature festival for the tribal community, was celebrated in Ranchi, Jharkhand, on March 21, 2026. Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA)…
Bharat Tribes Fest 2026 will be held from 18 to 30 March 2026 at Sunder Nursery in Delhi. Public entry starts on 19 March 2026; 18 March is reserved for special invitees.
National Endangered Species Day observed on the third Friday of May
Key Updates:
National Endangered Species Day is observed every year on the third Friday of May, having been initiated in 2006 by conservation voices in the United States.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the Great Indian Bustard as Critically Endangered, the Royal Bengal tiger, Ganges river dolphin (India's national aquatic animal), and Asian elephant as Endangered, and the snow leopard as Vulnerable.
The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 provides a legal framework to restrict hunting and regulate wildlife trade, while the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 (PCA) extends safeguards to domesticated and captive animals.
The Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022 aligns Indian law with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and streamlines enforcement by reducing the number of schedules from six to four.
India's flagship conservation initiatives include Project Tiger (launched in 1973), Project Elephant (launched in 1992), and a cheetah reintroduction programme at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh.
The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 originally classified species into six schedules: Schedule I (Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, snow leopard, lion, Great Indian Bustard), Schedule II (Indian cobra, Himalayan black bear, certain deer species), Schedule III (blackbuck, chital, hyena, sambhar), Schedule IV (peacock, hare, falcon, kingfisher), Schedule V (crows, rats, mice, fruit bats), and Schedule VI (pitcher plant, blue vanda, red vanda, kuth, slipper orchids).
World Migratory Bird Day is observed twice annually in May and October to align with migration patterns in both hemispheres. The theme for World Migratory Bird Day 2026 is the power of Community Science.
World Pangolin Day 2026 was marked by release of a Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) report. The CITES report recorded 2,222 seizures of pangolins and their parts in…
World Earth Day is observed annually on 22 April to promote environmental protection, conservation, and sustainability. The theme for World Earth Day 2026 is 'our power, our planet', which emphasises human agency and…
Rathindra Bose elected Speaker of West Bengal assembly
Key Updates:
Rathindra Bose was elected unopposed as the Speaker of the West Bengal assembly.
He is a first-time Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Cooch Behar Dakshin constituency representing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Bose is the first legislator from North Bengal in post-Independence history to hold the Speaker's chair in the West Bengal assembly.
He was elected to the newly constituted 18th West Bengal assembly.
The BJP holds a majority of 207 MLAs in the 294-member House.
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…
West Bengal recorded a combined voter turnout of 92.47% across two phases in the 2026 Assembly elections, the highest since Independence. The Election Commission (EC) reported a turnout of 93.19% in Phase 1 and 91.66% in…
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.
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.
Ali Falih Kadhim al-Zaidi assumed office as Prime Minister of Iraq.
Key Updates:
Ali Falih Kadhim al-Zaidi assumed office as Prime Minister of Iraq on May 16, 2026.
He is a businessman and emerged as a consensus choice from the Coordination Framework alliance after weeks of discussions.
The Iraqi Parliament voted to approve the official government programme and a significant portion of the Prime Minister's cabinet lineup.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Al-Zaidi via a social media post on May 16, 2026.
PM Modi stated that India deeply values its longstanding and friendly ties with Iraq and remains committed to strengthening bilateral relations.
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi was conferred with the Speaker of the Knesset Medal, which is the highest honour awarded by the Israeli parliament. PM Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister to receive this…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to freedom fighter Shyamji Krishna Varma on his death anniversary today. Shyamji Krishna Varma awakened a new consciousness in the freedom movement with his revolutionary ideas.
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi is scheduled to arrive in Israel on 25 February 2025 for a two-day official visit. PM Modi is expected to address the Knesset (Israeli parliament) and hold meetings with Israeli PM…
India and Israel elevated their relationship to a special strategic partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel. Both sides agreed to soon finalise a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Rathindra Bose Elected Speaker of West Bengal Assembly
Key Updates:
Rathindra Bose was elected as the Speaker of the 18th West Bengal Assembly.
He is a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and was elected unanimously.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari called for a constructive opposition and emphasized the need for transparency in legislative functioning.
The government will arrange for the live telecast of Assembly proceedings, including budget discussions and mentions.
The Assembly session is scheduled to formally begin with the Governor's address on June 8.
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…
N Rangasamy, leader of the All India NR Congress (AINRC), took oath as the Chief Minister of Puducherry for a fifth term on May 13. Lieutenant Governor K Kailashnathan administered the oath of office and secrecy to…
Samrat Choudhary took oath as Bihar’s 24th Chief Minister on Wednesday at Lok Bhawan. Governor Syed Ata Hasnain administered the oath of office and secrecy.
Balbir Punj, aged 76, passed away on April 18, 2026. He served as a former Member of Parliament (MP) in the Rajya Sabha and as a former vice president of the BJP.
Periasamy Kumaran assumed charge as India's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (UK)
Key Updates:
Periasamy Kumaran formally assumed the role of India's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (UK) on May 14, 2026.
He presented his credentials to Scott Furssedonn-Wood, the Vice-Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps.
He previously served as Secretary East in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi.
He had also served as the High Commissioner to Singapore prior to his tenure in New Delhi.
He succeeds Vikram Doraiswami, who is currently serving as India's Ambassador to China.
Dinesh Trivedi, a leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is likely to be appointed as India's next High Commissioner to Bangladesh. Trivedi previously served as the Railway Minister and Minister of State for Health…
The Supreme Court (SC) Collegium approved the elevation of 10 advocates as judges of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on May 4. The elevated advocates are Pravindra Singh Chauhan, Harmeet Singh Deol, Rajesh Gaur…
Vikram Doraiswami presented a copy of his credentials to Assistant Foreign Minister Hong Lei of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China. Doraiswami is a 1992-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS)…
Chanchal Kumar, a 1992-batch Bihar cadre IAS officer, was appointed Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on 31 March 2026. Sanjay Jaju moved from Information and Broadcasting Secretary to Secretary…
Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023
Key Updates:
The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023 was passed by Parliament in December 2023 and received the President's assent on December 29, 2023.
The Act establishes a selection committee for appointing the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners comprising the Prime Minister, a Union Cabinet Minister, and the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha.
The Supreme Court observed that the selection committee's composition makes the role of the Leader of the Opposition ornamental, as the Cabinet Minister is likely to side with the Prime Minister.
The Act excludes the Chief Justice of India (CJI) from the selection panel, unlike the panel for selecting the CBI director which includes the CJI.
The Supreme Court asked the Attorney General to keep records ready pertaining to the recent appointment of Election Commissioners, including the selection of Sukhbir Singh Sandhu.
Retired High Court judge Justice Ramachandra D Huddar has been appointed as the chairperson of the Admissions Overseeing Committee for professional courses in Karnataka. A notification confirming the appointment was…
The Supreme Court (SC) has proposed the creation of a permanent vice-president post reserved for women in the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) from 2027 onwards. For the 2026-27 SCBA elections, the post of secretary…
The Supreme Court (SC) Collegium approved the elevation of 10 advocates as judges of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on May 4. The elevated advocates are Pravindra Singh Chauhan, Harmeet Singh Deol, Rajesh Gaur…
The Union Cabinet approved a proposal to increase the sanctioned strength of judges in the Supreme Court of India from 33 to 37, excluding the Chief Justice of India (CJI). The decision facilitates the introduction of…
