Daily current affairs for 19 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: 19 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.
Indian Gems and Jewellery Sector records 9.07% decline in exports for April 2026
Key Updates:
Gross exports of gems and jewellery decreased by 9.07% to US$ 2,448.53 million (₹20,952.26 crores) in April 2026, while gross imports declined by 9.54% to US$ 2,032.56 million.
Exports of cut and polished diamonds fell by 19.65% to US$ 890.91 million (₹8,338.8 crores), while imports grew by 260.20% to US$ 222.02 million (₹2,072.99 crores) due to increased procurement from Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
Rough diamond imports decreased by 29.36% to US$ 847.67 million (₹7,908.72 crores), and polished lab grown diamond exports declined by 15.53% to US$ 93.28 million (₹872.16 crores).
Plain gold jewellery exports witnessed a decline of 47.06% to US$ 341.08 million (₹3,187.76 crores).
Studded gold jewellery exports grew by 16.02% to US$ 500.46 million (₹4,677.41 crores), silver jewellery exports rose by 444.040% to US$ 268.38 million (₹2,511.17 crores), and platinum jewellery exports increased by 90.29% to US$ 22.10 million (₹206.57 crores).
India's industrial output growth, measured by the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), slowed to 4.1% in March 2026. The National Statistics Office (NSO) revised the industrial growth for February 2026 to 5.1% from the…
The Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCI&S), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has revised the base year of India’s Merchandise Trade Indices from FY 2012–13 to FY 2022–23 (2022–23 = 100).…
India’s foreign exchange reserves dropped $30.5 billion since the West Asia conflict started in late February. Total reserves fell $10.28 billion to $688.05 billion in the week ended 27 March 2026.
India’s foreign exchange reserves fell by USD 11.41 billion to USD 698.34 billion in the week ending 20 March. Gold reserves dropped USD 13.49 billion to USD 117.19 billion during the week.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) discontinues Investment Fluctuation Reserve (IFR) requirement for commercial banks
Key Updates:
The RBI has issued final amendment directions to dispense with the IFR requirement for commercial banks effective from May 18, 2026.
The IFR serves as a financial buffer maintained by banks to absorb valuation losses in investment portfolios resulting from interest rate movements and market volatility.
The balance in the IFR as of May 17 will be transferred to the statutory reserve, general reserve, or profit and loss account, effectively treating the balance as Tier 1 capital.
The amendments cover a broad set of regulated entities including Small Finance Banks (SFBs), Payments Banks (PBs), Local Area Banks (LABs), Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs), Rural Co-operative Banks, and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs).
For remaining regulated entities, the RBI has relaxed compliance by allowing the maintenance of the prescribed IFR level only on balance sheet dates instead of on a continuous basis.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) unanimously voted to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% and retained a neutral stance. RBI maintained FY26 real GDP growth forecast at 7.6% and set FY27…
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) infused ₹48,014 crore into the banking system through a seven-day variable rate repo (VRR) auction. The funds were injected at a cut-off and weighted average rate of 5.26 per cent.
India’s foreign exchange reserves dropped $30.5 billion since the West Asia conflict started in late February. Total reserves fell $10.28 billion to $688.05 billion in the week ended 27 March 2026.
India’s foreign exchange reserves fell by USD 11.41 billion to USD 698.34 billion in the week ending 20 March. Gold reserves dropped USD 13.49 billion to USD 117.19 billion during the week.
Chief Minister of Assam inaugurates India's first AI-powered phygital branch of Slice Small Finance Bank
Key Updates:
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated India’s first AI-powered “phygital” banking branch of Slice Small Finance Bank in Guwahati, Assam.
The branch is located at GS Road and features AI-enabled self-service kiosks, paperless cash deposits and withdrawals, and streamlined digital onboarding.
The facility allows customers to access credit directly through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) interface without a separate application.
The digital banking model is designed to provide working capital to woman entrepreneurs and small store owners via their mobile phones.
The bank aims to extend access to responsible credit, savings, and payment solutions to individuals and small businesses with limited access to modern banking services.
Bank of Baroda (BoB) launched its artificial intelligence-powered conversational platform bob SAMVAD on March 28 in Mumbai. The platform enables real-time two-way communication in 22 languages to reduce language barriers…
Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited (Jio) and Bank of Baroda (BoB) have partnered to launch 'bob World Lite', a mobile banking application for feature phone users. The application is specifically designed for the JioPhone…
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) received the Initiative of the Year Award from London-based Central Banking for creating the .bank.in domain. India became the first country globally to mandate a secure and exclusive Internet…
Razorpay has partnered with the Artificial Intelligence (AI) startup Sarvam AI to introduce voice-led conversational commerce for India's multilingual population. The technology allows users to search for products, place…
Prudential plc to Acquire 75% Stake in Bharti Life Insurance Company Limited for ₹3,500 Crore
Key Updates:
UK-based insurer Prudential plc will acquire a 75 percent stake in Bharti Life Insurance Company Limited for an initial value of ₹3,500 crore (approximately USD 389 million).
The transaction involves Prudential plc acquiring the controlling stake from Bharti Life Ventures Pvt Ltd and funds managed by 360 ONE Asset Management.
This strategic investment provides Prudential plc with majority ownership and operational control of the life insurance business in the Indian market.
Bharti Life Insurance Company Limited operates through various channels including proprietary sales, direct distribution, bancassurance partnerships, brokers, corporate agents, and group business operations.
The deal may lead to future strategic distribution partnerships with Bharti Airtel and 360 ONE Asset Management to expand market reach and customer access.
The Department of Financial Services (DFS) under the Ministry of Finance launched the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMIP) with a total capacity of USD 1.5 billion. The BMIP is supported by a sovereign guarantee of USD…
The Department of Financial Services (DFS) under the Ministry of Finance launched the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMIP). The BMIP has a total capacity of USD 1.5 billion and a sovereign guarantee of USD 1.4 billion…
The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), functioning under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Prasar Bharati. The partnership aims to strengthen…
NBBL has integrated PLI as a biller under the insurance category to enable premium payments via digital and offline channels. State Bank of India (SBI) is acting as the Biller Operating Unit for this integration.
Finance Ministry approves Emirates NBD Bank's proposal to acquire up to 74% stake in RBL Bank
Key Updates:
The Department of Financial Services (DFS) approved the proposal of Dubai-based Emirates NBD Bank to acquire up to 74 per cent stake in RBL Bank on May 14, 2026.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had previously approved the plan, requiring Emirates NBD to acquire and maintain at least 51 per cent shareholding in RBL Bank.
In October 2025, Emirates NBD, the second-largest bank in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), expressed interest in acquiring a 60 per cent stake in RBL Bank for ₹26,853 crore.
Following the transaction, RBL Bank will be classified as a foreign bank in subsidiary mode, with Emirates NBD as the parent foreign bank.
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) cleared the proposal for Emirates NBD to acquire a majority stake in RBL Bank in January.
Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved Advent International’s proposal to acquire 14.3% equity in Aditya Birla Housing Finance (ABHFL) through a preferential private placement to Indriya Ltd. Aditya Birla Capital…
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted approval to Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd (KMBL) to acquire an aggregate holding of up to 9.99 per cent in AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB). KMBL also received the RBI nod to acquire…
Central Bank of India signed a distribution agreement with Canara Robeco Asset Management Company Ltd (CRAMC) on 27 February 2026. CRAMC is a joint venture between Canara Bank and ORIX Corporation Europe and was…
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved Emirates NBD Bank's proposed acquisition of a 60% stake in RBL Bank. Emirates NBD Bank will acquire the stake for approximately Rs 26,853 crore, marking the largest takeover of an…
Anand Marriage Act: Registration of Sikh Marriages in Sikkim
Key Updates:
The Anand Marriage Act will become effective in Sikkim from June 1, 2026.
The act enables the registration of Sikh marriages solemnised through the 'Anand Karaj' ceremony under a specific legal framework.
Sikh marriages in Sikkim will no longer need to be registered under the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955.
The legislation follows a Supreme Court ruling in the 2025 case of Amanjot Singh Chadha Vs Union of India.
The Supreme Court urged states to establish localised registration systems to remove administrative obstacles.
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.
The Punjab Vidhan Sabha unanimously passed the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill-2026 to impose stringent penalties for acts of sacrilege against the Guru Granth Sahib. The bill proposes…
The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) launched the national campaign Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat on 27th November 2024 to make India child-marriage-free. A 100 Days Special Campaign under the Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat…
Andhra Pradesh Government Announces Financial Incentives for Third and Fourth Children
Key Updates:
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Nara Chandrababu Naidu announced one-time cash grants of ₹30,000 for the birth of a third child and ₹40,000 for a fourth child.
The policy initiative aims to reverse the declining population growth rate and maintain a replacement-level Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 2.1.
The government proposed additional welfare measures for the third child, including monthly nutritional support and free education.
The state currently provides ₹15,000 per school-going child per annum under the Talliki Vandanam welfare scheme.
Infrastructure completion targets were set for the Madduvalasa Stage–II project by January 2027 and the Hiramandalam Lift Irrigation Project by April 2027.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) N. Chandrababu Naidu announced a proposed Population Management Strategy to address the state’s declining fertility rate. The state government is considering a financial incentive of…
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced the State Government’s plan to extend the Bhavantar Yojana to mustard farmers to cover the gap between market price and procurement price. The proposal has been sent to…
The Telangana Assembly passed the Telangana Employees Accountability and Monitoring of Parental Support Bill, 2026, to ensure financial security for senior citizens. The legislation mandates that public representatives…
The Telangana government announced the Indiramma Family Life Insurance Scheme to provide a life insurance cover of ₹5 lakh to every family in the state. The scheme is scheduled to come into force from 2 June 2026 and…
'Metro Monday' launched to promote fuel conservation and public transport
Key Updates:
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched the 'Metro Monday' initiative following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal for fuel conservation amid the West Asia crisis.
The initiative is part of the 'Mera Bharat, Mera Yogdan' campaign designed to promote the use of public transport and reduce pollution levels in Delhi.
The Delhi government implemented two days of work-from-home per week for government employees and issued a similar advisory to private companies and institutions.
The Labour Department is tasked with monitoring the implementation of the work-from-home advisory within the private sector.
Additional measures announced include a one-year freeze on official foreign visits and an appeal for citizens to observe a weekly 'No Vehicle Day'.
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…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the full 82.15 km Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor on 22 February 2026 at Rally Ground, Mohiuddinpur, Meerut. The corridor runs from Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi to Modipuram in…
Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu stated that India now has the third-largest metro network in the world. Over 1,143 kilometres of metro network are operational and around 936 kilometres…
Sanjay Jamuar has been appointed as the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Delhi Metro International Limited (DMIL). DMIL is a newly set-up arm of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) created to undertake metro…
Annapurna Bhandar and Free Bus Travel for Women in West Bengal
Key Updates:
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in West Bengal will implement Annapurna Bhandar, a Direct-Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme for women, from June 1.
Eligible women under Annapurna Bhandar are expected to receive ₹3,000 per month directly into their bank accounts.
Women in West Bengal will be able to travel free in state-run buses from June 1, with the transport department considering a pink ticket or zero-fare ticketing model.
The state will implement Ayushman Bharat, a central health insurance programme providing up to ₹5 lakh annual coverage per family with national portability.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the full implementation of Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, PM Jan Arogya Yojana, and PM Krishak Bima Yojana in the state.
The West Bengal government approved the rollout of the Annapurna Yojana to provide monthly financial assistance of ₹3,000 to women in the state. The scheme increases the financial aid compared to the Lakshmir Bhandar…
President Droupadi Murmu launched four women-centric welfare schemes of the Delhi government at the Sashakt Nari, Samriddh Delhi programme. The event was held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi.
Bank of Baroda (BoB) has introduced the bob Women Sapphire Savings Account, a premium savings product designed specifically for women. The account mandates a Monthly Average Balance (MAB) of ₹1 lakh and includes a…
Bank of Baroda (BoB) is the first bank in India to offer an Overdraft Facility on Credit Line via UPI for verified women Self-Help Group (SHG) members holding Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) accounts. The facility…
National AI Doctors Mission launched to promote AI literacy among healthcare professionals
Key Updates:
The National AI Doctors Mission was launched during the HealthAIcon 2026 summit held on May 17 in New Delhi.
The initiative aims to promote Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy and future-ready skills among healthcare professionals.
The objectives of the mission include building awareness, creating structured learning pathways, and ensuring the responsible and ethical clinical use of AI in healthcare.
HealthAIcon 2026 was hosted by Medical Dialogues in association with the National Medical Forum.
Dr Abhijat Sheth, Chairperson of the National Medical Commission (NMC) and President of the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (MBEMS), addressed the summit.
Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh (CUUP) inaugurated the Centre of Excellence in Smart Healthcare at its Unnao campus. The centre is powered by 168 GB GPU memory using NVIDIA Blackwell Architecture.
IndiaAI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to advance healthcare outcomes through the responsible and scalable application of artificial intelligence (AI). The…
The Indian Institute of Technology-Guwahati (IIT-G) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Coventry University Group (CUG), UK, to strengthen global research in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and healthcare.…
Union Health Minister JP Nadda launched the Strategy for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare for India (SAHI) and the Benchmarking Open Data Platform for Health AI (BODH) at Bharat Mandapam during the India AI Impact…
West Bengal Government raises upper age limit for state government recruitment
Key Updates:
The Government of West Bengal has revised the upper age limits for recruitment to state government posts across Group A, B, C, and D categories.
The revised upper age limits are 41 years for Group A posts, 44 years for Group B posts, and 45 years for Group C and Group D posts.
The changes were incorporated through an amendment to the West Bengal Services (Raising of Age-limit) Rules, 1981, under Article 309 of the Constitution of India.
The revised age limits are deemed effective from May 11, 2026.
For recruitments conducted through bodies other than the Public Service Commission (PSC), West Bengal, the upper age limit is uniformly set at 45 years.
The West Bengal government approved the rollout of the Annapurna Yojana to provide monthly financial assistance of ₹3,000 to women in the state. The scheme increases the financial aid compared to the Lakshmir Bhandar…
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced the Banglar Yuva Sathi Scheme 2026 during the state interim budget to support unemployed youth. The scheme provides a monthly allowance of ₹1,500 to educated but…
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…
The Assam government has approved a 3 per cent reservation for tea tribes and Adivasi people in Grade I and Grade II government jobs. The reservation policy will extend to recruitment for the Assam Civil Service (ACS)…
Next Gen Chhattisgarh Dial-112 and Mobile Forensic Vans Launched to Cover 33 Districts
Key Updates:
Union Home Minister Amit Shah flagged off 400 next-generation Dial-112 vehicles and 32 mobile forensic science laboratory vans on May 18, 2026, in Raipur, Chhattisgarh (CG).
The upgraded Next Gen CG Dial-112 service, themed Ekke Number, Sabbo Bar, has been expanded from 16 districts to cover all 33 districts of the state.
The integrated platform consolidates police, fire services, ambulance support, women and child helplines, disaster response, and highway emergency assistance under a single command structure.
The 400 newly inducted vehicles are equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS), wireless radio systems, cameras, mobile Network Video Recorder (NVR) units, and solar backup systems.
Each mobile forensic van, costing approximately ₹65 lakh, is equipped with evidence collection kits, fingerprint detection systems, and narcotics testing kits to speed up investigations.
Project Chetak of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) celebrated its 47th Raising Day at Bikaner in Rajasthan on 4 April 2026. Project Chetak was raised on this day in 1980 and has since developed and maintained…
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…
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) Nitin Gadkari launched India’s first Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) barrier-less tolling system on 1 May 2026. The system is implemented at the Chorayasi toll plaza on…
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.
Mission Sikkim Organics Launched with ₹360 Crore Outlay
Key Updates:
Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) Jyotiraditya M. Scindia launched Mission Sikkim Organics with a total programme outlay of ₹360 crore during the 51st Statehood Day of Sikkim.
The mission aims to benefit over 66,000 farmer families by transforming the state into a globally integrated premium organic economy with a focus on value chains for large cardamom and ginger.
MDoNER will contribute ₹85 crore towards core infrastructure and aggregation systems in partnership with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan and Union Minister Scindia inaugurated 21 development projects worth ₹223 crore, including road connectivity works under the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS).
Specific projects include the Namthang Bazar water supply, a Bamboo Industrial Park, the Rimbi Khola–Yuksam road, academic blocks at Burtuk and Kamrang colleges, and the remodeling of Burtuk Heliport.
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.
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar and Suriname Foreign Minister Melvin Bouva co-chaired the 9th Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) in Paramaribo during a three-nation tour including Jamaica and Trinidad and…
Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps launched Sikkim’s first border village community radio station named Radio ‘Sikkim Sundari’. The station aims to boost communication and information access in remote high-altitude border…
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…
India and Norway elevate ties to Green Strategic Partnership, sign pacts on space, health, and digital development on May 18, 2026
Key Updates:
India and Norway elevated bilateral ties to a 'Green Strategic Partnership' after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in Oslo on May 18, 2026, focusing on clean energy, climate resilience, Blue Economy, and Green Shipping.
An MoU was signed between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Norwegian Space Agency to enhance cooperation in the space sector.
The two nations concluded a Triangular Development Cooperation Agreement to use India's Digital Public Infrastructure projects for human development in countries of the Global South.
Prime Minister Modi was conferred the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit by King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway.
This was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Norway in over 40 years; the last such visit was by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1983.
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…
Union Minister for Defence Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, General Phan Van Giang, in New Delhi on 6 May 2026. The two nations signed 13…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the launch of the India-Canada Defence Dialogue after talks in New Delhi. Both countries set a bilateral trade target of $50 billion…
Rockefeller Foundation Secures $350 Million Grant to Support 731 Million People
Key Updates:
The Rockefeller Foundation has secured a $350 million grant to reach approximately 731 million vulnerable individuals worldwide.
The funding is intended to counter a projected historic decline in global aid disbursements slated for 2025.
The grant comprises a combination of philanthropic donations and multilateral contributions.
The initiatives will focus on health (vaccination drives), climate resilience (drought-resistant crops), and inclusive economic development (seed capital for women and youth-led micro-enterprises).
The World Bank and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) forecast that total development assistance could fall by up to 15% by the end of the decade.
The World Bank launched the "Water Forward" programme to improve secure water access for one billion people within the next four years. The programme aims to expand reliable water services and strengthen systems against…
The World Bank (WB) has released USD 340 million for the Amaravati Capital Phase-I development in Andhra Pradesh as of April 2026. The WB and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have committed a total of USD 1,600 million…
The World Bank (WB) signed a $300 million loan agreement with Uttar Pradesh for the UP Clean Air Management Program. The program targets transport, agriculture, and industry to adopt cleaner technologies.
Nita Ambani, Founder and Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, received the KISS Humanitarian Award 2025 at Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) campus in Bhubaneswar. The award was presented by Nobel Laureate Mohan…
India and Netherlands sign Kalpasar pact and PM Modi visits Afsluitdijk project on May 18, 2026
Key Updates:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Afsluitdijk, a 32-kilometre-long dam and causeway in the Netherlands used for flood control and land reclamation.
India and the Netherlands signed a Letter of Intent for technical cooperation on the Kalpasar project in Gujarat.
The agreement was signed between the Ministry of Jal Shakti of India and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management of the Netherlands.
The Kalpasar project aims to create a freshwater reservoir across the Gulf of Khambhat, integrating irrigation, transportation infrastructure, and tidal power generation.
The visit reaffirmed the India-Netherlands Strategic Partnership on Water, focusing on sustainable infrastructure, climate resilience, and innovative water management solutions.
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…
World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development (WED) 2026 is recognised by UNESCO and delivered by the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO). Adani Group has been named the official partner for WED…
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…
India and Austria concluded 15 arrangements covering defence, technology, innovation and trade. A Joint Working Group on counter‑terrorism was agreed to be set up between the two countries.
Sweden confers Royal Order of Polar Star on Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Key Updates:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the Royal Order of Polar Star by Sweden.
The Royal Order of Polar Star is the highest honour awarded to a Head of Government by the Scandinavian nation.
This award marks the 31st international honour received by Prime Minister Modi.
The Royal Order of the Polar Star was instituted in 1748 to recognise personal endeavours for Sweden or Swedish interests.
Prime Minister Modi was received by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson at the Gothenburg Airport during a two-day visit.
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…
India and Sweden Upgrade Bilateral Ties to Strategic Partnership on 17 May 2026
Key Updates:
India and Sweden agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
Prime Minister Modi was awarded the 'Royal Order of the Polar Star, Degree Commander Grand Cross' in recognition of his contribution to the India-Sweden relationship.
Bilateral trade between India and Sweden reached USD 7.75 billion in 2025.
The two leaders discussed cooperation in trade and investment, technology and innovation, green transition, space, emerging technologies, defence and security, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), research, and people-to-people ties.
Prime Minister Modi met Robert Maersk Uggla, Chairman of Maersk, to discuss investments in port infrastructure, logistics, green shipping, and skilled mobility.
India and Vietnam agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The two nations established a bilateral trade target of 25 billion USD to be achieved by 2030.
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…
State Bank of India (SBI) and Japan-based MUFG Bank Ltd. (MUFG) have signed a strategic partnership agreement to advance bilateral financial collaboration. The alliance aims to strengthen the India-Japan economic…
India and Sweden have jointly developed a dedicated programme called the Sweden–India Technology and Artificial Intelligence Corridor (SITAC). The partnership was formalised through a Statement of Intent to connect the…
India and Jamaica sign three MoUs to expand bilateral cooperation during EAM S. Jaishankar’s visit from May 2 to 4, 2026
Key Updates:
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar conducted the first-ever visit by an Indian foreign minister to Jamaica during a three-nation tour, signing three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in health, broadcasting, and solarisation.
India handed over 10 BHISHM emergency medical units and announced the provision of 30 dialysis units, 40 fishing boats with engines, 200 GPS devices, and JMD 2 million for the celebration of India Arrival Day.
The number of Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) training slots for Jamaica, specifically for defence training, was increased from six to 34 to enhance capacity building.
Both nations acknowledged the completion of the Improving Rural Livelihoods project by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and discussed an Artisan Empowerment Hub under the India–Caribbean Community (CARICOM) framework.
Jamaica reaffirmed its support for India’s candidature for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for 2028–29 and the finalisation of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT).
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar and Suriname Foreign Minister Melvin Bouva co-chaired the 9th Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) in Paramaribo during a three-nation tour including Jamaica and Trinidad and…
Minister of External Affairs (MEA) S. Jaishankar met Jamaican Prime Minister (PM) Andrew Holness in Kingston to explore ways to deepen political, economic, and people-to-people cooperation. India handed over 10 Bharat…
India has deployed the Aarogya Maitri portable healthcare infrastructure in Jamaica for humanitarian emergency response. The deployment was coordinated under the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)…
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar visited Trinidad and Tobago on 8-9 May to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister (PM) Kamla Persad-Bissessar. A total of 8 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed in…
India: Actor Ishaan Khatter conferred honorary membership of 45 Cavalry of the Indian Armoured Corps
Key Updates:
Actor Ishaan Khatter was conferred with an honorary membership of the 45 Cavalry of the Indian Armoured Corps.
The honour was awarded for his portrayal of a 45 Cavalry officer in the film Pippa and his respect for the regiment's ethos.
The film Pippa is based on the book The Burning Chaffees written by Brigadier Balram Singh Mehta.
The title Pippa is a tribute to the PT-76 (Palavushi Tanka), which is an amphibious war tank.
Ishaan Khatter is the only Indian male actor to be featured on the Gold House Gold 100 list this year.
N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Group, was awarded the honorary knighthood of Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE) by the British government. The honour was conferred at a ceremony…
France conferred the Commandeur de la Légion d’Honneur on former Indian ambassador to France Jawed Ashraf for strengthening bilateral relations. Ashraf served as Indian envoy to France during 2020-2024 and joined the…
Spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev launched the Bhavya Bharat Bhushan Award to recognise individuals for their contributions to the growth and well-being of the nation. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the…
Tata Electronics and ASML sign MoU for Semiconductor Manufacturing in India
Key Updates:
Tata Electronics Ltd and ASML signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on May 16, 2026, to advance the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem in India.
ASML will support the establishment and ramp-up of Tata Electronics' upcoming 300 mm (12-inch) semiconductor fabrication facility in Dholera, Gujarat.
The Dholera facility involves a planned total investment of $11 billion to manufacture semiconductors for automotive, mobile devices, and artificial intelligence (AI) applications.
The collaboration focuses on the deployment of ASML's lithography tools, local talent development, supply chain resilience, and research infrastructure.
Tata Electronics has partnered with Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC) to access a technology portfolio comprising 28nm, 40nm, 55nm, 90nm, and 110nm.
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…
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…
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 Gujarat government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Taiwan-based Allegiance International Co Ltd to develop an Indo-Taiwan Industrial Park in the Sanand-Dholera region. The project aims to attract over…
Central Water Commission (CWC) reports water storage in 166 reservoirs falls below 40 per cent
Key Updates:
The Central Water Commission (CWC) monitors the live storage of 166 reservoirs in India with a total live storage capacity of 183.565 billion cubic meters (BCM).
According to the CWC bulletin dated April 30, 2026, the available live storage in these reservoirs is 71.082 BCM, which is 38.72 per cent of their total capacity.
Reservoir levels have decreased compared to last year in eight states: Assam, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, and West Bengal.
The Barak basin in the northeastern region is the most vulnerable river basin, recording a deficit of approximately 24 per cent from normal storage levels.
Nine major reservoirs have fallen below 50 per cent of normal levels, including Khandong in Assam, Chandan Dam in Jharkhand, Tattahalla in Karnataka, Periyar in Kerala, and Vaigai in Tamil Nadu.
International Conference on Dam Safety (ICDS 2026) held at J.N. Tata Auditorium, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru on 13-14 February 2026. Organised by Department of Water Resources, River Development and…
Bhopal installs first 'Algae Tree' under Smart City initiative to combat pollution
Key Updates:
Bhopal became the first city in India to install an 'Algae Tree' at Swami Vivekananda Park under the Smart City initiative.
The microalgae-based unit claims to absorb as much carbon dioxide as 25 full-grown trees and release oxygen.
Developed by Mushroom World Group, the project took nearly two years and involved over 50 researchers, engineers and specialists.
A single unit can absorb nearly 1.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year, equivalent to the absorption capacity of around 25 mature trees.
Solar panels installed on top of the structure allow it to partially operate using renewable energy.
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…
Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) celebrated its 25th Foundation Day at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi on 1 March 2026. Shri Manohar Lal, Cabinet Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, attended as Chief Guest…
Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) celebrated its 25th Foundation Day at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar presided as Chief Guest.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi breaks record for most sixes by an Indian in IPL
Key Updates:
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi of Rajasthan Royals (RR) broke the record for the most sixes hit by an Indian batter in a single Indian Premier League (IPL) season during the 2026 edition.
The 15-year-old reached a total of 43 sixes, surpassing the previous record of 42 sixes set by Abhishek Sharma during the 2024 season.
The milestone was achieved during a match against Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, where RR recorded a Powerplay score of 75/1.
Sooryavanshi joined Shahrukh Khan of Punjab Kings (PBKS), Sunil Narine of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Devdutt Padikkal of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as players to hit their first ball for a six three times in a single season.
The list of Indian players with the most sixes in a single season includes Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (43), Abhishek Sharma (42), Shreyas Iyer (39), Virat Kohli (38), and Suryakumar Yadav (38).
Virat Kohli became the first player to reach the 9,000-run milestone in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The record was achieved during a match against Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Urvil Patel jointly hold the record for the fastest half century in Indian Premier League (IPL) history, both achieving the feat in 13 balls. Yashasvi Jaiswal scored the 13-ball fifty for Rajasthan…
Sahibzada Farhan (PAK) scored 383 runs in 7 matches at a strike rate of 160.25. Tim Seifert (NZ) amassed 326 runs in 9 matches at a strike rate of 166.32.
Virat Kohli became the first batter to score 800 boundaries in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The milestone was achieved during a match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT) in Bengaluru.
India finish Asian Weightlifting Championships 2026 with 10 medals
Key Updates:
India finished the Asian Weightlifting Championships 2026 with a tally of 10 medals, including one silver and nine bronze medals.
The championships were held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, marking only the second time India hosted the event after 1982.
Lovepreet Singh produced the best Indian performance on the final day, finishing fifth in men's 110kg+ with a personal-best total of 386kg (174kg snatch, 212kg clean and jerk).
Gyaneshwari Yadav secured India's only silver medal in the women's 53kg snatch event and also won an overall bronze.
Other Indian medal winners included Komal Kohar (bronze in women's 48kg overall and clean and jerk), Ajith Narayana (bronze in men's 71kg overall and clean and jerk), Harjinder Kaur (bronze in women's 69kg snatch), and Sanjana (bronze in women's 77kg overall, snatch, and clean and jerk).
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…
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.
India secured four gold medals at the Commonwealth Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships and the Universal Cup (Senior) held in Apia, Samoa. Sunil Singh won gold in the 65kg men's category with a total lift of…
Shi Yuqi won the men’s singles title at the Badminton Asia Championships 2026 by defeating Ayush Shetty in the final. The final score was 21-8, 21-10 in favour of Shi Yuqi.
Nimapara Patha Utsav 2026 inaugurated in Puri to showcase Odia identity
Key Updates:
Odisha Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Pravati Parida inaugurated the Nimapara Patha Utsav 2026 in Puri.
The event featured traditional Odia folk arts such as Pala, Dasakathia, tribal dances, horse dances, and Sankirtan to represent regional identity.
The mascot Utkarsha Ghoda, along with the official jersey, cap, and medal for the Utkarsha Nimapara 2.0 initiative, was unveiled during the festival.
The programme includes upcoming marathons in Nimapara and Gop, as well as various sports, music, and dance competitions.
A university-level Debate on Development was announced to encourage youth participation in the developmental efforts of the Nimapara constituency.
The Art of Living, founded in 1981 by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, celebrated its 45th anniversary and the 70th birthday of its founder at the Art of Living International Centre in Bengaluru. The PM MITRA Park at…
Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman launched the National Monetisation Pipeline 2.0 (NMP 2.0), projecting proceeds of ₹16.72 lakh crore over five years starting April 2025. Developed by…
Tripura Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy announced NAVCHETNA to set up Innovation and Technology Laboratories in institutions. NAVCHETNA will focus on Artificial Intelligence, robotics, Internet of Things, coding and…
Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, launched PRARAMBH 2026, the Income Tax Department’s nationwide awareness campaign on the Income Tax Act, 2025, in New Delhi on 20 March 2026. She…
President Draupadi Murmu approves increase in Supreme Court judge strength from 34 to 38
Key Updates:
President Draupadi Murmu approved the Union Cabinet's decision to increase the strength of the Supreme Court of India (SC) from 34 to 38 judges, including the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
The increase was effected by promulgating The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had approved the proposal on May 5, 2026.
The amendment modifies The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956.
Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal announced the approval via a post on X.
Justice (retired) Anupinder Singh Grewal has been appointed President of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet cleared his appointment on April 29.
The Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant announced the formation of the Judicial Infrastructure Advisory Committee to modernise courts across India. The high-powered panel is led by Supreme Court Justice Aravind Kumar…
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…
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…
World AIDS Vaccine Day observed on May 18
Key Updates:
World AIDS Vaccine Day is observed annually on 18 May.
More than 40 million people worldwide are living with HIV, with approximately 1.3 million people newly acquiring the virus each year.
The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has established global public health benchmarks known as the 95-95-95 targets.
Lenacapavir is a long-acting capsid inhibitor that has demonstrated efficacy as a twice-yearly pre-exposure prophylaxis in clinical trials.
The World Health Organization (WHO) monitors HIV statistics globally and by region.
The University of Oxford and Serum Institute of India (SII) have signed a licence agreement to develop and manufacture a multi-stage malaria vaccine candidate called R78C. The R78C vaccine candidate is based on two…
World Immunization Week is observed every year from April 24 to April 30. The theme for World Immunization Week 2026 is "For Every Generation, Vaccines Work".
The Union Health Ministry will launch a special HPV vaccination campaign for 14-year-old girls later this month. During the first 90 days girls aged 14 years as per their date of birth can receive the single-dose MSD…
National Vaccination Day is observed every year on 16 March in India. The theme for 2026 is 'Immunisation for All is Humanly Possible'.
International Museum Day observed on 18 May 2026 with the theme Museums Uniting a Divided World
Key Updates:
International Museum Day (IMD) is observed globally on 18 May every year to raise awareness about museums as a means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures, and development of mutual understanding.
The theme for the year 2026 is Museums Uniting a Divided World, which will also guide the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the International Council of Museums (ICOM).
The event was first observed in 1977 in Moscow following a resolution adopted by the ICOM General Assembly to integrate creative objectives and museum efforts.
Since its inception in 1977, the day has seen participation from more than 37,000 museums across approximately 158 countries and territories.
The Indian Museum in Kolkata, established in 1814, is the oldest museum in Asia and one of the largest, while the term museum is derived from the Greek word mouseion.
African World Heritage Day is observed annually on May 5. The day was proclaimed by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in November 2015.
The International Day for Monuments and Sites, also referred to as World Heritage Day, is observed on April 18. The observance was first proposed by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) during a…
International Design Day is observed annually on 27 April to reflect on the role design plays in shaping society. The theme for International Design Day 2026 is "The Spaces In Between".
Global Recycling Day 2026 was marked by SOMANY Ceramics expanding its waste tile reuse initiative. The initiative repurposed 8,100 sq. ft. of waste tile, diverting 12 tons from landfills and cutting an estimated 4.8 tons…
First look of India's proposed bullet train unveiled on 18 May 2026
Key Updates:
The proposed bullet train corridor connects Ahmedabad and Mumbai.
The total length of the corridor is 508 km.
Once fully operational, the corridor will reduce travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to around two hours.
The first phase of the project is scheduled to launch on August 15, 2027.
A picture of the proposed bullet train was displayed at Gate Number 4 of the Ministry of Railways.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the Ahmedabad (Sarkhej)-Dholera semi high-speed double-line railway project. The estimated cost of the project is Rs…
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…
Indian Railways sanctioned two projects worth ₹647.58 crore on 24 March 2026 to improve connectivity and reduce congestion. The rail-over-rail flyover at Kosamba, Gujarat, spans 9.20 km and costs ₹344.38 crore to connect…
The Union Cabinet approved infrastructure and policy proposals worth Rs 12,236 crore, covering railways, aviation, urban transport, power sector reforms and agriculture. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)…
Operation Smiling Buddha conducted on May 18, 1974
Key Updates:
India detonated a nuclear device codenamed Smiling Buddha at the Pokhran test range in the Thar desert of Rajasthan on May 18, 1974.
The nuclear programme and test involved key figures including Homi Jehangir Bhabha, Raja Ramanna (chief architect), Homi Sethna, P. K. Iyengar, R Chidambaram, PR Roy, and Pranab Dastidar.
The operation was carried out by scientists from the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) with assistance from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Army.
Officially termed a Peaceful Nuclear Explosion (PNE), the device was an implosion-type plutonium bomb using material from the CIRUS reactor at Trombay.
India became the first country outside the five permanent members of the United Nations (UN) Security Council to conduct a confirmed nuclear test, which subsequently led to the formation of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
The Global Buddhist Peace Meet commenced on 25 March 2026 at Buddhavanam in Telangana. The conference was organised by Buddhavanam, a unit of the Telangana Tourism Development Corporation, in association with the Vietnam…
National Technology Day is observed annually on May 11 to commemorate India's successful nuclear tests at Pokhran in 1998, collectively known as Operation Shakti, which made India the sixth member of the global nuclear…
Former Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane (Retd) released a non-fiction book titled The Curious and the Classified: Unearthing Military Myths and Mysteries. The book is published by Rupa Publications and explores…
India observed the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor, a military countermeasure initiated following the Pahalgam terror attack on 22 April 2025. The operation involved decisive military action by the Indian Armed…
International Day of Light observed on May 16
Key Updates:
International Day of Light is observed on May 16 to recognise the role of light and light-based technologies across science, medicine, education, communications, arts, and sustainable development.
The day is administered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) through its International Basic Science Programme and is formally backed by the United Nations (UN).
The occasion marks the anniversary of the first successful laser operation conducted by Theodore Maiman in 1960.
The term laser is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.
Hiroshi Amano, Shuji Nakamura, and Isamu Akasaki were awarded the 2014 Nobel Prize in Physics for developing the blue LED.
The International Day of Living Together in Peace is observed every year on May 16. The theme for the 2026 observance is Building Trust through Dialogue, Inclusion, and Solidarity.
World Quantum Day is an annual event observed on April 14 to promote awareness and understanding of quantum science. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) hosted a STEM Open House for local high school…
National Technology Day is observed every year on May 11 to commemorate the successful Pokhran-II nuclear tests of May 11, 1998. The 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, developed by…
Earth Hour 2026 was observed on 28 March 2026 from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM. India marked 20 years of Earth Hour participation in 2026.
National Dengue Day observed on May 16 with the theme Community Participation for Dengue Control: Check, Clean and Cover
Key Updates:
National Dengue Day is observed annually on May 16 in India to raise awareness and strengthen preventive pre-monsoon measures against the disease.
The day is officially declared and observed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).
The theme for National Dengue Day 2026 is Community Participation for Dengue Control: Check, Clean and Cover.
The month of May is designated for pre-monsoon awareness activities, while the MoHFW observes July as Anti-Dengue Month.
Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda emphasized control strategies such as eliminating stagnant water and maintaining water storage tanks to prevent mosquito breeding.
World Water Day 2026 is observed on Sunday, March 22, 2026. The official theme for 2026 is 'Water and Gender' with the campaign slogan 'Where water flows, equality grows'.
World Health Day is observed every year on April 7. World Health Day 2026 theme is 'Together for health. Stand with science'.
Narendra Modi received Royal Order of the Polar Star
Key Updates:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the Royal Order of the Polar Star, Degree Commander Grand Cross, by Sweden.
The award is the highest honour granted to a Head of Government by the Scandinavian nation and is the 31st international honour received by Narendra Modi.
The honour was conferred by Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden in recognition of his visionary leadership and exceptional contribution to the India-Sweden relationship.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the honour marks a reaffirmation of friendship between the two countries.
Bilateral trade between India and Sweden reached USD 7.75 billion in 2025.
The two nations focused on boosting bilateral ties in areas of green transition, artificial intelligence (AI), emerging technologies, startups, resilient supply chains, defence, space, climate action, and people-to-people ties.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a week-long visit to Europe from around May 18, with a possible stop at the Vatican for a meeting with the Pope. Modi will first visit Norway to participate in the third…
Finland President Alexander Stubb arrived in New Delhi for a state visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and trade. The President was received at the airport by the Minister of State for External Affairs K V…
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…
Narendra Modi Conferred Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit
Key Updates:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit by King Harald V in Oslo.
The award is Norway's highest honour for foreign Heads of Government and is the 32nd international honour received by the Indian Prime Minister.
The Royal Norwegian Order of Merit was established by King Olav V in 1985 and features the Cross of St. Olav with the monogram of King Olav V.
Sweden conferred the Royal Order of the Polar Star, Commander Grand Cross, the nation's highest honour for foreign heads of government, upon the Indian Prime Minister.
India and Norway agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a Green Strategic Partnership to strengthen cooperation in clean energy, blue economy, green transition, renewable energy, trade and investment, artificial intelligence, science and technology, education, space, and Arctic cooperation.
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 will undertake a week-long visit to Europe from around May 18, with a possible stop at the Vatican for a meeting with the Pope. Modi will first visit Norway to participate in the third…
Sibash Kabiraj Appointed Commissioner of Police, Gurgaon
Key Updates:
Sibash Kabiraj, a 1999-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, has been appointed as the Commissioner of Police, Gurgaon.
Kabiraj replaces Vikas Arora, a 1998-batch IPS officer, who has been posted as Additional Director General of Police (ADGP)/Administration at the police headquarters in Panchkula.
Charu Bali, a 1995-batch IPS officer, has been posted as ADGP, Bhondsi Police Complex, Gurgaon.
Dr Matta Ravi Kiran has been appointed as ADGP, State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (SV & ACB) (H).
Naazneen Bhasin has been given dual charge as Inspector General of Police (IGP)/Haryana Police Academy (HAP), Madhuban, Karnal, and IGP/Regional Training Centre (RTC), Bhondsi.
Aditi Singh, a 2021-batch IPS officer, has been appointed as Superintendent of Police (SP), SV & ACB (H), GGM, replacing Poonam, Haryana Police Service (HPS).
R.K. Raghavan served as Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). His autobiography 'A road well travelled' was launched in Chennai on Sunday.
The Bihar Government has abolished the separate Vigilance Investigation Cadre and absorbed its personnel into the Bihar Police under the control of the Home Department. The reform was implemented under the provisions of…
Odisha Police received the President’s Police Colour, the highest honour for a police force, on 1 April 2026. The award was announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and coincided with Odisha’s 90th police…
The Centre will introduce the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026 in the Rajya Sabha on 23 March 2026. The Bill replaces fragmented rules of CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP and SSB with a single unified…
Empowerment of Women Committee Constituted for 2026-27; D Purandeswari Appointed Chairperson
Key Updates:
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla constituted the Empowerment of Women Committee for the year 2026-27 with effect from April 21, 2026.
Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Member of Parliament (MP) D Purandeswari has been appointed as the Chairperson of the committee.
The committee consists of 30 members, with 20 nominated by the Speaker from the Lok Sabha and 10 nominated by the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Members from the Lok Sabha include Hema Malini, Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Mahima Kumari Mewar, and Smita Uday Wagh, while Rajya Sabha members include Sagarika Ghose, Swati Maliwal, Sudha Murty, and PT Usha.
The Committee on Empowerment of Women was first constituted on April 29, 1997, during the 11th Lok Sabha to focus on women's welfare, empowerment, and development.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla reconstituted four parliamentary committees for the 2026-27 financial year. The committees were officially reconstituted on May 1, 2026, and will serve till April 30, 2027.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Jayant Chaudhary, launched the UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development. The…
A no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla was defeated on Wednesday during the Budget Session of Parliament. The motion was introduced by Congress MP Mohammad Jawed and backed by more than 50 MPs…
The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026 proposes to increase the total strength of the Lok Sabha from the current 545 to 850 members. The Delimitation Bill, 2026 provides for a Delimitation…
Supreme Court notice to Delhi Government on DERC appointments on May 18, 2026
Key Updates:
The Supreme Court (SC) issued a notice to the Delhi government and the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) on May 18, 2026.
The notice follows a plea by the Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Energy Watchdog seeking the constitution of a selection committee for regular appointments of the DERC chairperson and members.
The Bench was headed by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant.
The petition states that the current composition of the DERC consists of only two pro tem members and lacks a chairperson and a person of law as a member.
The plea argues that the current status violates the Electricity Act, which requires State Electricity Regulatory Commissions to be autonomous and independent from governmental interference.
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…
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 Supreme Court of India (SC) clarified that states with a specific law for appointing Directors General of Police (DGPs) must follow that legislation. States without such a law must adhere to the guidelines laid down…
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…
