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Tuesday, May 26

Daily Current Affairs: 26 May 2026

Analysis for 26 May 2026

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) mandates three-year cooling-off period for co-operative bank directors

Key Updates:

  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced a mandatory three-year cooling-off period for directors of Urban Co-operative Banks (UCB), State Co-operative Banks (StCB), and Central Co-operative Banks (CCB) who complete a continuous tenure of 10 years.
  • The Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025 increased the maximum continuous tenure for directors from eight years to ten years, effective August 1, 2025.
  • The tenure ceiling for directors came into force for UCBs on June 29, 2020, and for StCBs and CCBs on April 1, 2021.
  • During the three-year cooling-off period, former directors shall not be associated with the same bank in any capacity other than as a member or customer.
  • For calculating continuous tenure, interruptions of less than three years are included, and only interruptions of at least three years reset the tenure calculation clock.

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Gunveer Singh, Monisha Chakraborty, Suman Ray, Sudhakar Malli and Ravi Shankar elevated to Executive Director of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) (End of May) ▼
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has elevated five senior officers to the post of executive director.
  • The newly empanelled executive directors are Gunveer Singh, Monisha Chakraborty, Suman Ray, Sudhakar Malli and Ravi Shankar.
  • Gunveer Singh, Monisha Chakraborty, Suman Ray and Sudhakar Malli belong to the Common Seniority Group (CSG) cadre.
  • Ravi Shankar belongs to the Department of Statistics and Information Management (DSIM) cadre.
  • These officers are currently posted in Mumbai across the RBI Central Office and Mumbai Regional Office.
  • The promotions were announced via an internal order issued by the human resource management department of the RBI.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Cancels Licence of Sarvodaya Co-operative Bank Ltd., Mumbai (Mid of May) ▼
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cancelled the licence of Sarvodaya Co-operative Bank Ltd., Mumbai, effective from the close of business on May 12, 2026.
  • The RBI stated that the bank lacks adequate capital and earning prospects, making its continuance prejudicial to the interests of its depositors.
  • The Commissioner for Cooperation and Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Maharashtra, has been requested to issue a winding-up order and appoint a liquidator for the bank.
  • Depositors are entitled to receive insurance claims up to a monetary ceiling of ₹5,00,000 from the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC).
  • Approximately 98.36 per cent of depositors are entitled to full deposit recovery, with the DICGC having already paid ₹26.72 crore as of March 31, 2026.
Rajneesh Karnatak, Debadatta Chand and Ashutosh Choudhury granted tenure extensions as Bank CEOs and Executive Director (End of April) ▼
  • The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the tenure extensions via an official order dated April 22.
  • Rajneesh Karnatak received a three-year extension as Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bank of India (BoI) beyond August 28, 2026.
  • Debadatta Chand received a three-year extension as MD and CEO of Bank of Baroda (BoB) beyond June 30, 2026.
  • Ashutosh Choudhury received a three-year extension as Executive Director at Indian Bank beyond May 2, 2026.
  • The approvals were cleared following proposals from the Department of Financial Services under the Ministry of Finance.
Rajneesh Karnatak, Debadatta Chand and Ashutosh Choudhary extended as Bank Executives (End of April) ▼
  • Rajneesh Karnatak, Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bank of India (BoI), has had his tenure extended for three years effective April 29, 2026.
  • Karnatak was appointed as MD and CEO of BoI in 2023 for a term of three years.
  • Debadatta Chand, MD and CEO of Bank of Baroda (BoB), has had his tenure extended for three years effective July 1, 2026.
  • The extension for Chand was approved by the Appointment Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), which is headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
  • Ashutosh Choudhary has had his term as Executive Director of Indian Bank extended for another three years.
  • The term of Ashwani Kumar, MD and CEO of UCO Bank, ends on June 1, 2026.

Income Tax Department (ITD) Revamps Foreign Tax Information Exchange Framework Effective July 1

Key Updates:

  • The Income Tax Department (ITD) has revamped its framework for exchanging tax information with foreign authorities to curb cross-border tax evasion.
  • The new framework mandates that information must be shared within 15 days from the date of request if the data is available with the ITD.
  • Tax officers are required to submit an interim report within 15 days if full information cannot be provided immediately, detailing progress and expected timelines.
  • India will commence the automatic exchange of information regarding crypto and other digital assets starting from April 1, 2027.
  • The framework aligns India with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF).

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Income Tax Act 2025 and Budget 2026 revise tax slabs and rebate for individuals and HUFs. (End of March) ▼
  • Income Tax Act 2025 sets new regime tax slabs: up to ₹3,00,000 nil, ₹3,00,001–₹6,00,000 5%, ₹6,00,001–₹9,00,000 10%, ₹9,00,001–₹12,00,000 15%, ₹12,00,001–₹15,00,000 20%, above ₹15,00,000 30%.
  • Budget 2026 enhances rebate under Section 87A so taxpayers with income up to ₹7,00,000 have zero tax liability.
  • New regime now allows salaried individuals a standard deduction of ₹50,000.
  • Allowed deductions in new regime include standard deduction, employer’s contribution to NPS, and family pension deduction.
  • Disallowed deductions in new regime cover Section 80C instruments, HRA, LTA, and home-loan interest for self-occupied property.
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) notifies Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2026 with e-OCI and minor child passport restrictions (Start of May) ▼
  • The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) notified the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2026, which came into force on April 30, 2026.
  • Under the new rules, a minor child cannot simultaneously hold a passport of another country while holding an Indian passport.
  • Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) registration must now be submitted fully online through the portal https://ociservices.gov.in.
  • OCI cards can be issued either as a physical card or as an electronic (e-OCI) registration, with records maintained electronically in revised Form 30.
  • OCI applicants must provide consent for sharing biometric data for automatic registration under the Fast Track Immigration Programme.
Vishwas Bill 2.0 to Decriminalise 100+ Provisions and ₹15.48 Lakh Crore Capex Proposed for 2025-26 (End of March) ▼
  • The Government of India will introduce the Vishwas Bill 2.0 to decriminalise more than 100 provisions across various laws to enhance the Ease of Doing Business (EODB).
  • Since 2014, the government has removed over 42,000 compliance requirements and decriminalised more than 3,700 legal provisions, including 180 under the Jan Vishwas Act 2023.
  • The total effective Capital Expenditure (Capex) for the 2025-26 fiscal year is proposed at ₹15.48 lakh crore, which constitutes 4.3 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
  • The Central Government has allocated ₹11.21 lakh crore as core capital expenditure for 2025-26, amounting to 3.1 per cent of the GDP.
  • The Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency (MUDRA) loan limit has been increased from ₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh, with 11 public sector banks extending this to existing customers and seven to new customers.
  • A total of ₹33 lakh crore has been sanctioned under the MUDRA scheme, while the PM SVANidhi scheme has sanctioned ₹14,000 crore across 99 lakh accounts.
  • The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has established 21 new branches in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) clusters during the 2024-25 period.
  • The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has launched a pilot for the PM Internship Scheme to provide 1.25 lakh opportunities in top companies, attracting over 6 lakh registered applicants.
  • Under the Stand-Up India initiative, a total of ₹59,000 crore has been disbursed to 2.62 lakh accounts to support entrepreneurship.
Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman launches PRARAMBH 2026 and Income Tax Website 2.0. (End of March) ▼
  • 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 unveiled the upgraded Income Tax Website 2.0 to enhance taxpayer services.
  • Revenue Secretary Shri Arvind Shrivastava and CBDT Chairman Shri Ravi Agrawal attended the launch event.
  • CBDT rolled out an AI-enabled chatbot named Kar Saathi to assist taxpayers on the new Act, Rules and Forms.
  • Brochures explaining the new Act were released in 10 regional languages besides English and Hindi.

World Bank (WB) reports global carbon pricing covers 29 per cent of emissions

Key Updates:

  • The World Bank (WB) reports that global carbon pricing covers 29 per cent of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with annual revenues from emissions trading systems (ETS) and carbon taxes exceeding $107 billion in 2025.
  • India launched the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) in 2026, covering seven sectors and approximately 490 industries with an estimated coverage of 477 million tCO2e.
  • The CCTS is an emission intensity-based trading system based on the existing Perform Achieve and Trade (PAT) energy efficiency programme.
  • The WB identifies the national ETS of China, the European Union (EU), and the Republic of Korea as the only systems covering larger absolute volumes of GHG emissions than India's.
  • India issued more than 375 million carbon credits between 2010 and 2025, as per a report by Rubix Data Sciences.

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India Submits Revised Climate Targets for 2031-2035 to United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (End of April) ▼
  • 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 its GDP from the 2005 baseline by 2035.
  • The targets are part of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), which are non-binding, voluntary climate action plans under the 2015 Paris Agreement.
  • India aims to achieve about 60 per cent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2035.
  • India promised to create a carbon sink of 3.5 to 4.0 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through forest and tree cover by 2035 compared to the 2005 baseline.
  • This is India's third NDC, with the first two submitted in 2015 (pertaining to 2025) and 2022 (pertaining to 2030).
  • India achieved 40 per cent cumulative electrical power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy sources in 2021.
  • India reduced the emission intensity of its GDP from 2005 levels by 33 per cent in 2019.
United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) projects India's economy to grow at 6.4% in 2026 (End of April) ▼
  • The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) released the Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2026.
  • India's economic growth is projected to be 6.4% in 2026 and 6.6% in 2027.
  • India's growth rate for 2025 was 7.4%, supported by rural consumption, goods and services tax rate cuts, and export frontloading.
  • Inflation in India is projected to be 4.4% in 2026 and 4.3% in 2027.
  • India attracted the largest share of greenfield Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the Asia-Pacific region during the first three quarters with USD 50 billion.
  • Other top greenfield FDI recipients in the Asia-Pacific region include Australia (USD 30 billion), Republic of Korea (USD 25 billion), and Kazakhstan (USD 21 billion).
  • India was the world's largest remittance recipient in 2024 with USD 137 billion.
  • The United States has levied a 1% tax on all remittances since January 2026.
  • According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), India accounts for 8% of global green jobs with 1.3 million positions, compared to 7.3 million (44%) in China and 2.5 million (15%) in the rest of Asia.
  • The report cited India's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for high-efficiency solar modules, batteries, and green hydrogen to foster green industrial development.
Union Power Minister launches Indian Carbon Market Portal at Prakriti 2026 conference in New Delhi. (End of March) ▼
  • The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) organised Prakriti 2026 under the patronage of the Ministry of Power and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
  • The Indian Carbon Market Portal serves as the central platform for implementing and administering the Indian Carbon Market.
  • India’s Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) 2023 has nine notified methodologies and over 40 registered entities submitting projects in biogas, hydrogen, and forestry.
  • The government has notified Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity (GEI) targets for nearly 490 obligated entities across seven energy-intensive sectors.
Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) to Issue First Credits by October 2026 (End of February) ▼
  • The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) announced that India will issue its first carbon credits under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) in October 2026.
  • The scheme consists of two primary components: a mandatory compliance component covering 800 units in nine sectors and a voluntary offset component.
  • The BEE has already issued emission targets for approximately 490 units across seven sectors through notifications in October 2025 and January 2026.
  • The initial phase of the carbon trading operations will exclude the steel and fertiliser sectors, despite them being among the most polluting industries.
  • A dedicated portal for project registration and participation in the scheme is scheduled to be launched on 20 March 2026.
  • The Ministry of Power (MoP) is overseeing the draft scheme, which aligns with global designs such as the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS).
  • The first cycle of targets for the 2025-26 financial year will conclude on 31 March 2026, followed by a seven-month period for verification, assessment, and issuance.
  • Trading of the issued carbon credits is expected to take place between November 2026 and January 2027.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and GIFT City International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) grant payment licences to Skydo

Key Updates:

  • Skydo received in-principle approval to operate as a Payment Service Provider (PSP) at the GIFT City International Financial Services Centre (IFSC).
  • The fintech firm secured regulatory approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to support outward payment flows under the Payment Aggregator-Cross Border (PA-CB) framework.
  • Skydo previously obtained final RBI authorisation to operate as a PA-CB for export collections earlier in the year.
  • The approvals allow the company to facilitate both inward and outward cross-border payments, including multi-currency collections and overseas payouts for Indian businesses.
  • The GIFT City authorisation enables additional capabilities such as e-money accounts and merchant acquisition for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and digital-first businesses.

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Reserve Bank of India (RBI) removes approval requirement for banks' outward remittance tie-ups with fintechs (Mid of May) ▼
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed Authorised Dealer (AD) banks to facilitate outward remittance services through third-party online platforms without seeking prior approval from the central bank.
  • The revised framework applies to cross-border outward remittance of funds for non-trade current account transactions facilitated through websites, online platforms, software applications, and mobile applications.
  • The responsibility for regulatory compliance, Know Your Customer (KYC) checks, and Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) adherence remains solely with the AD banks.
  • The RBI directed that remitter funds must not flow into the account of the third-party entity in India and banks must ringfence customer funds from insolvency risks.
  • Banks and their third-party partners must ensure customer data collection is consent-based and compliant with the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act.

Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) grants distribution licences to jUMPP

Key Updates:

  • The IRDAI has granted regulatory approval to the conversational fintech application jUMPP to commence insurance product distribution.
  • The company secured Corporate Agency and Insurance Self Network Platform (ISNP) licences to enter the insurance distribution segment.
  • Founded in 2025, jUMPP currently provides digital financial services including investing, savings, payments, and borrowing.
  • The platform intends to partner with insurers to offer products across categories such as health, life, motor, business, and home insurance.
  • Sarvjeet Singh Virk serves as the founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of jUMPP, where Artificial Intelligence (AI) will support product recommendations.

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National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) Certifies VIYONA Fintech for Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Immediate Payment Service (IMPS) Infrastructure (End of May) ▼
  • Hyderabad-based fintech company VIYONA Fintech has secured NPCI certification for its technology and certification framework across multiple payment infrastructure layers.
  • The certification includes capabilities for UPI Acquirer, UPI Issuer, IMPS, and Interoperable Banking Mobile Banking (IBMB) integrations.
  • The completion of both UPI Acquirer and UPI Issuer capabilities allows the company to participate in merchant acceptance, Quick Response (QR) acquiring, and customer-side issuance infrastructure.
  • VIYONA Fintech is launching the ViyonaPay initiative to expand digital payment acceptance and banking accessibility across underserved and rural markets.
  • The company is expanding its portfolio with six upcoming offerings across merchant payments, rural acceptance infrastructure, Point of Sale (POS) ecosystems, and merchant enablement platforms.
Bajaj General Insurance Launches MHCP EDGE Plus Health Plan with Coverage up to INR 5 Crores (End of May) ▼
  • Bajaj General Insurance Limited (formerly Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company Limited) has launched 'My Health Care Plan Edge+' (MHCP EDGE+), a comprehensive health indemnity plan.
  • The plan offers sum insured options ranging from INR 5 Lakhs up to INR 5 Crores with unlimited reinstatement within a policy year.
  • Key features include a modular design with add-ons such as Consumables Plus, Super Cumulative Bonus, and Major Illness and Accident Multiplier.
  • The Age Shield rider allows customers to lock their premium at entry age until a claim is made, and Smart Tenure enables pooling of sum insured across the policy tenure.
  • The plan is available for individual and family floater options with lifetime renewability, policy tenures up to five years, and coverage starting from 3 months of age.
Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) retains LIC, GIC Re, New India Assurance as D-SIIs for FY26 (Start of April) ▼
  • Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has retained Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re), and The New India Assurance Company Ltd. as Domestic Systemically Important Insurers (D-SIIs) for FY 2025-26.
  • The list remains unchanged from FY 2024-25 following IRDAI's annual assessment.
  • D-SIIs are insurers whose distress or failure could significantly disrupt the domestic financial system.
  • IRDAI mandates these insurers to strengthen corporate governance standards, enhance risk identification processes, and promote a robust risk management framework.
  • The identified insurers will continue to be subject to enhanced regulatory supervision.
Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai) notifies Ind AS norms for insurers with one-year forbearance (Start of April) ▼
  • Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai) issued final regulations for transition to Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS) effective 1 April 2026.
  • Insurers may request forbearance until 30 April 2026 if unable to comply with Ind AS; forbearance can be granted for one year.
  • Parallel reporting under Ind AS alongside existing Indian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (IGAAP) framework permitted for two years.
  • Multi-stakeholder expert committee proposed with representatives from Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), Institute of Actuaries of India, Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), and National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA).

Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) honours Karnataka Grameena Bank (KGB) for outstanding Atal Pension Yojana (APY) performance

Key Updates:

  • The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) presented a National Award to Karnataka Grameena Bank (KGB) for outstanding performance in enrolment under the Atal Pension Yojana (APY).
  • KGB enrolled 2,49,185 APY accounts against the target of 1,75,500 accounts set by the Department of Financial Services (DFS) and PFRDA.
  • The bank registered an achievement level of 142%, which was the highest among all banks in Karnataka.
  • KGB was formed by amalgamating two Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) of Karnataka and operates a network of 1,750 branches.
  • The bank has a total business of ₹1,10,974 crore and serves nearly two crore customers.

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Union Ministry of Rural Development confers National Award on Karnataka Grameena Bank for Self-help Group (SHG)-Bank Linkage (End of March) ▼
  • The Union Ministry of Rural Development selected Karnataka Grameena Bank for the National Award for Outstanding Performance in SHG-Bank Linkage for the year 2024-25.
  • Union Minister for Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan presented the award to the bank’s General Manager, V.M. Rukmini Devi.
  • The award was presented at the National Conference on Financial Literacy and Capacity Building and the 25th Central Level Coordination Committee (CLCC) Meeting held in Hyderabad.
National Panchayat Awards 2025: Financial Incentives up to ₹5 Crore (Mid of May) ▼
  • 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 Odisha with five awards each.
  • Awards are conferred under two categories: the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar and the Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar.
  • The Deen Dayal Upadhyay awards selected 34 Gram Panchayats from 17 States and Union Territories for performance in poverty-free livelihoods, health, water sufficiency, sanitation, women-friendly governance and social justice.
  • The Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar selected eight Panchayats, including three district Panchayats, two block Panchayats and three Gram Panchayats.
  • Winning Panchayats will receive financial incentives ranging from ₹50 lakh to ₹5 crore under the Incentivization of Panchayats scheme of the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA).
  • The award distribution ceremony will be held in New Delhi on the 3rd of next month.

Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill: Prohibits polygamy and mandates live-in relationship registration

Key Updates:

  • The Assam government introduced the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill to consolidate and simplify laws governing marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships.
  • The legislation was introduced by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Atul Bora on behalf of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
  • The UCC Bill prohibits polygamy and fixes the minimum age for marriage at 21 for men and 18 for women.
  • The Bill mandates the compulsory registration of live-in relationships to ensure the rights of partners and children are formally recognised and protected.
  • The proposed legislation will not apply to scheduled tribes residing in Assam.

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Election Commission of India (ECI) Lifts Model Code of Conduct (MCC) Following 2026 Assembly Elections (Mid of May) ▼
  • The ECI announced the lifting of the MCC across Assam, Keralam, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and the Union Territory (UT) of Puducherry.
  • The MCC ceased to be in operation following the declaration of results for the 2026 General Election to the Legislative Assemblies by the respective Returning Officers.
  • The MCC was also lifted for by-elections held in the Assembly Constituencies of Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Nagaland, and Tripura.
  • The MCC remains in force in the 144-Falta Assembly Constituency in West Bengal, where fresh voting is scheduled for 21 May 2026 and counting for 24 May 2026.
  • The ECI ordered fresh polling for all 285 polling stations in Falta due to severe electoral offences and subversion of the democratic process on 29 April 2026.
Assam Cabinet approves Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Draft Bill covering marriage, divorce, live-in relationships (Mid of May) ▼
  • The Assam Cabinet approved the draft Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill on May 13, 2026.
  • The Bill will be tabled in the Assam Assembly on May 26, 2026.
  • The UCC Bill focuses on civil matters including registration of marriages, divorce procedures, regulation of live-in relationships, and mandatory marriage registration.
  • Tribal communities and their traditional customs and rituals are completely exempted from the scope of the law.
  • The Bill has been designed along the lines of UCC models introduced in Uttarakhand, Gujarat, and Goa.
Uniform Civil Code (UCC) – Uniform Legal Framework for Chhattisgarh (Mid of April) ▼
  • On 16 April 2026, the Chhattisgarh Cabinet approved a high‑level committee to prepare a draft of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) framework.
  • The committee is headed by retired Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai.
  • The committee will consult citizens, legal experts and stakeholders and may invite feedback through a web portal.
  • The draft prepared by the committee will be placed before the state Assembly after Cabinet approval.
  • Article 44 of the Constitution directs states to work towards implementing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) for all citizens.
  • The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Uttarakhand implemented the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in January 2025, becoming the first state to do so.
  • The Gujarat Assembly passed a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill last month.
Bihar Civil Nyayalay (Court) Bill, 2026 replaces colonial-era civil court law (End of February) ▼
  • The Bihar Civil Nyayalay (Court) Bill, 2026 was passed unanimously by the Bihar assembly.
  • The Bill replaces the Bengal, Agra and Assam Civil Courts Act, 1887.
  • The new law seeks to modernise the civil courts framework in Bihar.

Mission Karmayogi 2.0 to Institutionalise Capacity Building Reforms and AI-Enabled Governance

Key Updates:

  • The National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB), popularly known as Mission Karmayogi, was launched in 2020 to transition towards a competency-driven training system.
  • Mission Karmayogi 2.0 aims to institutionalise reforms by embedding learning into roles, governance priorities, and institutional culture across ministries, departments, and states.
  • The Integrated Government Online Training (iGOT) Karmayogi platform serves as the national digital learning portal to ensure standardised quality of capacity building across the country.
  • The Capacity Building Commission (CBC) is developing training for an Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabled governance ecosystem for frontline workers, including panchayat sachivs, urban local body representatives, anganwadi workers, constables, and traffic constables.
  • India launched a global alliance for digital capacity building at the India AI Impact summit, with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Brazil expressing interest in the programme architecture.

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Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launches Mission SAKSHAM for Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) (End of April) ▼
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra launched Mission SAKSHAM (Sahakari Bank Kshamta Nirman), a sector-wide capacity-building and certification framework for Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs).
  • The initiative aims to train approximately 1.40 lakh participants, including board members, senior management, heads of risk, compliance and audit functions, and employees working in IT functions and other critical areas.
  • The mission comprises in-person training programmes and e-learning courses, with content delivery in regional languages to the extent feasible.
  • Mission SAKSHAM was designed in consultation with the Umbrella Organisation of UCBs and national/state cooperative federations.
  • The initiative was first announced during the monetary policy on February 6, 2026.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launches Mission SAKSHAM for Urban Cooperative Banking sector (End of April) ▼
  • Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra launched Mission SAKSHAM for the capacity-building of the Urban Cooperative Banking (UCB) sector.
  • Mission SAKSHAM aims to conduct training programmes for approximately 1.40 lakh participants.
  • The target groups for the training include board members, senior management, heads of risk, compliance and audit functions, and employees working in IT functions and other critical areas.
  • The RBI shall endeavour to deliver the training content in regional languages to the extent feasible.
  • The mission was designed in consultation with the National/State Cooperative Federations and the Umbrella Organisation of UCBs.
  • The initiative is expected to enhance managerial and operational capabilities, improve compliance culture, and strengthen institutional resilience across UCBs.
Mission Karmayogi partners with Coursera for Civil Servant Upskilling (Mid of March) ▼
  • Edtech firm Coursera has partnered with India's Mission Karmayogi to provide upskilling for civil servants and government officials.
  • Coursera will utilise the Integrated Government Online Training (iGOT) platform to deliver a curated collection of courses focused on advanced competencies.
  • The partnership aims to equip officials with targeted, role-based skills to enhance the design and delivery of public administration programmes.
  • Chhavi Bhardwaj serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Karmayogi Bharat.
Administrative Capacity Building Programme for Scientists and Academicians Launched under Mission Karmayogi (Start of April) ▼
  • Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched the first-ever Administrative Capacity Building for Scientists and Academicians programme under the Mission Karmayogi framework.
  • The programme aims to equip academic leaders and scientists with governance skills and decision-making capabilities for leadership roles.
  • The initiative was announced during a Special Session of SADHANA Saptah held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
  • The Capacity Building Commission (CBC) will develop structured modules for administrative functions, including a focused course on answering Parliamentary Questions.
  • The Minister launched the revamped UNNATI portal to strengthen institutional capacity-building ecosystems.
  • A roadmap for the national rollout of the Karmayogi Kartavya Karyakram was introduced during the event.
  • The CBC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) to foster global knowledge partnerships.
  • The CBC-RIS collaboration focuses on artificial intelligence (AI) in governance, digital transformation, and public sector innovation.
  • Short-format orientation modules will be designed for early-career civil servants and Assistant Secretaries to familiarise them with governance systems.

Education to Employment and Enterprise Standing Committee: Target 10% Global Services Market Share by 2047

Key Updates:

  • National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) convened the first meeting of the High-Powered Education to Employment and Enterprise Standing Committee on May 22.
  • The committee, announced in the Union Budget 2026-27, is tasked with helping India achieve a 10 per cent share in the global services market by 2047.
  • The panel includes representatives from the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Electronics and IT, Ministry of Higher Education, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Ministry of School Education, and Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
  • State governments participating in the committee are Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh.
  • Industry associations involved in the panel are National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM), Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), and Federation of Indian Micro and Small & Medium Enterprises (FISME).
  • The committee aims to align education, skilling, employment, and entrepreneurship ecosystems with the "Viksit Bharat" roadmap to enhance economic resilience and export competitiveness.

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Dr R Balasubramaniam and Dr Joram Aniya Appointed Full-Time Members of National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) (Start of May) ▼
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the appointment of Dr R Balasubramaniam and Dr Joram Aniya as full-time members of National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog).
  • Dr Joram Aniya's inclusion marks a historic moment as she brings an eminent intellectual voice from Arunachal Pradesh to national policymaking.
  • She is the first woman from the Nyishi community to earn a PhD and the first in Hindi language in the state.
  • She has over 18 years of experience in teaching, research, and public policy and serves as an Associate Professor and member of the Arunachal Pradesh Private Educational Regulatory Commission.
  • The appointments take effect from the date of assumption of charge and until further orders, on terms applicable to full-time members.
School Education System in India Policy Report: 13 Recommendations and 125 Performance Indicators (Start of May) ▼
  • National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) released a policy report titled School Education System in India: Temporal Analysis and Policy Roadmap for Quality Enhancement.
  • The report presents a decade-long analysis of the Indian school education system across parameters including access, enrolment, infrastructure, equity, inclusion, and learning outcomes.
  • It provides a roadmap consisting of 13 recommendations, comprising eight systemic and five academic reforms focused on composite schools and evidence-based rationalisation.
  • The policy document outlines 33 implementation pathways structured across short, medium, and long-term horizons with identified actors at Central, State, and local levels.
  • It includes over 125 measurable Performance Success Indicators to track progress and features case studies of good practices from Central, State, and District levels.
NCERT granted deemed-to-be university status (Start of April) ▼
  • The National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has been declared a deemed-to-be university by the Ministry of Education on the advice of the University Grants Commission (UGC).
  • The deemed status covers NCERT and its six constituent units: Regional Institutes of Education in Ajmer, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Mysuru and Shillong, and the Pandit Sunderlal Sharma Central Institute of Vocational Education in Bhopal.
  • NCERT is now empowered to award its own degrees and must launch research, doctoral and innovative academic programmes.
  • All academic programmes must conform to UGC norms and cannot be commercial or profit-making.
  • NCERT must participate in National Institutional Ranking Framework rankings and create Academic Bank of Credits identities for its students.
Ashok Lahiri to be Vice-Chairman of National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) (End of April) ▼
  • Former Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) Ashok Lahiri will be the next Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog.
  • He will replace Suman Bery in the apex public policy think tank of the Government of India.
  • Ashok Lahiri is a member of the 15th Finance Commission and a current member of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly.
  • He previously served as the CEA in December 2002 during the tenure of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
  • Gobardhan Das, the Director of the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Bhopal, will become a member of NITI Aayog.
  • The Prime Minister of India serves as the Chairman of NITI Aayog.

India Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurates private defence complex in Shirdi and flags off Suryastra rocket system on 24 May 2026

Key Updates:

  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a private sector defence manufacturing complex developed by NIBE Limited in Shirdi, Maharashtra.
  • The Minister flagged off Suryastra, which is India’s first 300-km Universal Rocket Launching System.
  • The facility will focus on advanced artillery systems, missile and space technologies, energetic materials, and autonomous defence platforms.
  • The event featured the unveiling of indigenous Trinitrotoluene (TNT) Plant Technology, Research Department Explosive (RDX) Plant Technology, and a Renewable Bio-Energy Compressed Biogas Plant.
  • NIBE Group and BlackSky exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in satellite assembly.

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India successfully tests Agni-1 Ballistic Missile on May 22, 2026 (End of May) ▼
  • India successfully test-launched the Short Range Ballistic Missile ‘Agni-1’ from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha, on May 22, 2026.
  • The test of the Agni-1 missile was conducted under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command.
  • The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a flight-trial of an advanced Agni missile featuring the Multiple Independently Targeted Re-Entry Vehicle (MIRV) system from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha.
  • The MIRV-capable missile tested multiple payloads targeted at different locations spatially distributed over the Indian Ocean Region.
  • The missile was developed by DRDO laboratories with support from industries across the country and the trial was witnessed by DRDO scientists and Indian Army personnel.
Skyroot Aerospace Becomes India's First Space-Tech Unicorn (Start of May) ▼
  • Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace has achieved a valuation of $1.1 billion, making it the first space-technology startup in India to reach unicorn status.
  • The company raised nearly $60 million in a funding round co-led by Sherpalo Ventures and GIC, with participation from BlackRock and the Shanghvi Family Office.
  • Skyroot Aerospace is preparing for the upcoming launch of Vikram-1, which aims to be the first privately developed Indian rocket to place satellites into orbit.
  • Founded by former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientists Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka, the firm previously launched India's first private suborbital rocket, Vikram-S, in 2022.
  • The Vikram-1 rocket utilises 3D-printed components and is designed to carry payloads of up to 350 kg into Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
NIBE Limited tests Suryastra rockets with 300 km range off Odisha on May 18 and 19, 2026 (End of May) ▼
  • NIBE Limited (NIBE) successfully conducted firing demonstrations of EXTRA (150 km range) and Predator Hawk (300 km range) "Suryastra" rockets.
  • The trials were carried out on May 18 and 19, 2026, at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha.
  • The rockets achieved a circular error probable (CEP) of 1.5 m and 2 m respectively, validating long-range precision strike capabilities.
  • The Indian Army issued a purchase order in January for the supply of Suryastra rockets and the universal rocket launcher under emergency procurement.
  • Suryastra is India's first indigenous, universal multi-calibre rocket launcher system featuring a modular launcher and shoot-and-scoot capabilities on an all-terrain tactical truck chassis.
OmSpace Rocket and Exploration (OSRE) Test-Fires Sounding Rocket in Gujarat (Mid of March) ▼
  • OmSpace Rocket and Exploration (OSRE) successfully launched a 4.2-metre sounding rocket from Bavaliyari near Dholera, becoming the first entity to launch a rocket from Gujarat.
  • The single-stage sub-orbital rocket reached a target altitude of 3 kilometres before executing a safe landing using a dual-parachute recovery system.
  • The mission validated several indigenous technologies, including a 3D-printed torch igniter, a sugar-based solid propellant motor, and a carbon fibre and advanced composites-based airframe.
  • The rocket components were entirely researched, developed, and manufactured in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
  • The launch was conducted with permissions from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and the Airport Authority of India (AAI).
  • The data from this flight will be used to develop Infinity One, an orbital-class reusable launch vehicle currently under development by OSRE.
  • The event was attended by the Gujarat State Science and Technology Minister, Arjun Modhwadia.

India and United States Review Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership in New Delhi on 24 May 2026

Key Updates:

  • External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and United States (US) Secretary of State Marco Rubio held delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi.
  • The two sides reviewed the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, covering sectors such as trade, energy, defence, security, and nuclear cooperation.
  • Discussions included collaboration on critical minerals, Artificial Intelligence (AI), counter-terrorism, counter-narcotics, and people-to-people ties.
  • The EAM emphasised that the United States has emerged as a significant and reliable source of energy for India as part of the nation's energy de-risking strategy.
  • The meeting involved senior officials including Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, and US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor.

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India hosts Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi on May 26, 2026 (End of May) ▼
  • India hosted the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi on May 26, bringing together top diplomats from Australia, Japan and the United States.
  • The meeting was held at the invitation of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
  • Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited New Delhi to participate in the ministerial dialogue.
  • The ministers discussed advancing Quad cooperation across priority areas, reviewed progress on ongoing Quad initiatives, and reflected on recent developments in the Indo-Pacific region.
  • The foreign ministers were also expected to hold bilateral meetings with the External Affairs Minister and call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
India and Iran hold talks in New Delhi on 15 May 2026 to discuss West Asia tensions and bilateral issues (Mid of May) ▼
  • 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'.
India and Italy elevate ties to Special Strategic Partnership on 20 May 2026 (End of May) ▼
  • India and Italy upgraded bilateral ties to a Special Strategic Partnership and set a target to increase bilateral trade to €20 billion by 2029.
  • Both nations reaffirmed support for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and planned a ministerial meeting in 2026.
  • The leaders launched INNOVIT India, an innovation hub for collaboration in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum computing, healthcare, logistics, and fintech.
  • A Defence Industrial Roadmap was adopted for the co-development and co-production of helicopters, naval systems, and electronic warfare.
  • The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Italian Space Agency will expand cooperation in Earth observation, heliophysics, and space exploration.
  • Agreements were signed on critical minerals, agriculture, maritime transport, and ports, with investment pledges in automotive, semiconductors, clean technology, pharmaceuticals, digital technologies, infrastructure, and critical minerals.
  • The joint declaration condemned the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack and discussed mechanisms to facilitate the movement of Indian nurses to Italy.
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio to visit India from May 23-26 (End of May) ▼
  • US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will undertake a four-day visit to India from May 23-26 to further cooperation in trade, defence, and energy.
  • The visit will include travel to the cities of Kolkata, Agra, Jaipur, and New Delhi.
  • Secretary Rubio will hold meetings with senior Indian officials to discuss security, trade, energy, and defence cooperation.
  • In July 2025, Rubio hosted counterparts of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) to establish the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative to secure and diversify supply chains.
  • India recently hosted foreign ministers of BRICS nations, including Sergei Lavrov of Russia and Abbas Araghchi of Iran.

Indian Army launches Kautilya and Q-FORCE Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms on 25 May 2026

Key Updates:

  • The Indian Army launched two digital platforms, Kautilya and Q-FORCE, to improve real-time decision making and battlefield support.
  • Kautilya focuses on structured data generation, AI-enabled analytics, and Natural Language Processing (NLP) powered interfaces.
  • Q-FORCE is designed to streamline logistics, inventory, and sustainment management across varied operational terrains.
  • The Indian Army designated 2026 as the year of networking and data centricity, while 2027 will focus on the full integration of operations with AI.
  • Lt Gen Rajiv Kumar Sahni stated that the Indian armed forces achieved nearly 94% accuracy in identifying and striking targets during Operation Sindoor.

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India to host 3rd edition of Kalam & Kavach on May 14 (Mid of May) ▼
  • 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.
India and Vietnam sign AI and quantum technology pact on May 19, 2026 (Mid of May) ▼
  • India and Vietnam signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum technology in Hanoi.
  • The MoU was exchanged between India’s Military College of Telecommunication Engineering and Vietnam’s Tele Communications University.
  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced the setting up of an AI laboratory at the Tele Communications University in Nha Trang.
  • A language laboratory was virtually inaugurated at Vietnam’s Air Force Officers’ College, established with Indian assistance.
  • The two nations discussed expanding cooperation in maritime security, defence industry, military training, regional stability, cybersecurity, United Nations (UN) peacekeeping, and high-level exchanges.
Indian Navy Commanders’ Conference 2026 to focus on AI, unmanned systems, jointness amid West Asia tensions (Mid of April) ▼
  • Indian Navy’s bianxial Commanders’ Conference 2026 will be held in New Delhi from 14 to 16 April.
  • Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan will address senior naval leadership on jointness and interoperability.
  • Conference will review implementation of Indian Navy’s artificial intelligence roadmap and data-driven technologies.
  • Deliberations will emphasise lessons from US-I conflict, including AI-enabled targeting and uncrewed systems.
  • Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence recently commended Navy’s push on indigenisation and innovation initiatives.
India-based Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace to manufacture Kaal Bhairava combat aircraft in Portugal (Mid of May) ▼
  • Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace (FWDA), an Indian artificial intelligence warfare company, announced the establishment of its first international manufacturing node in Portugal for the Kaal Bhairava autonomous combat aircraft.
  • The facility is being set up in partnership with SKETCHPIXEL LDA, a European technology firm known for developing advanced fighter jet simulation systems for aircraft including the F-16.
  • The Portugal facility serves as the first international node under Operation 777, a strategic initiative aimed at establishing manufacturing and deployment partnerships across seven continents and 77 countries.
  • Kaal Bhairava is a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) autonomous combat aircraft featuring a range of 3,000 km, endurance exceeding 30 hours, and AI-driven target recognition.
  • Under the agreement, FWDA will retain intellectual property rights over the aircraft core autonomous systems and airframe design while SKETCHPIXEL LDA provides simulation technologies and AI integration.

Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) to host India's first National AI and Digital Water Summit on May 27, 2026

Key Updates:

  • The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) will host India’s first and largest National AI and Digital Water Summit in Bengaluru on May 27, 2026.
  • The summit aims to discuss the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies in urban water management with experts and policymakers.
  • Discussions will focus on AI-driven water governance, smart utility systems, digital twins, Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled monitoring, predictive analytics, wastewater reuse, and sustainable financing models for urban infrastructure.
  • The BWSSB will present the “Five Panchasutras” framework focusing on AI, data-driven governance, smart infrastructure, sustainable investment, and climate-resilient water security systems.
  • The BWSSB will showcase its ongoing digital initiatives and projects being implemented across Bengaluru.

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Jal Shakti Ministry launches NETRA AI platform and RBSD for Dam Safety (Mid of March) ▼
  • Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Paatil inaugurated the new office of the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) at R.K. Puram, New Delhi.
  • The Minister launched NETRA (NDSA Engine for Tracking and Review using AI), an artificial intelligence-enabled platform developed in collaboration with the Weapons and Electronics Systems Engineering Establishment (WESEE) of the Indian Navy.
  • NETRA is integrated with DHARMA, the national repository of dam safety data covering more than 6,600 specified dams and thousands of inspection reports.
  • The Rashtriya Bandh Suraksha Darpan (RBSD) visualisation platform, developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), was launched to present Dam Break Analysis (DBA) results through digital mapping.
  • A new NDSA website was launched featuring a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based Specified Dams section to provide map-based information on dams across the country.
  • Rooftop solar power plants with capacities of less than 25 kilowatts were remotely inaugurated across seven buildings of the Central Water Commission (CWC).
Ministry of Jal Shakti to host 9th India International Water Week (IIWW) in September 2026 (End of April) ▼
  • The Ministry of Jal Shakti will host the 9th India International Water Week (IIWW) from September 22-26, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
  • The theme for the IIWW is Climate Resilient Water Management.
  • Conceptualised in 2012, the IIWW is held biennially to advance innovation, global partnerships, and knowledge-sharing in water governance.
  • The event will comprise 49 sessions with participation from 11 country delegations, six Union Ministries, and 16 States and Union Territories.
  • The IIWW will feature thematic forums including the Global Water Leaders Forum, Business Forum, Country Forum, Youth Forum, and Startup Forum.
  • The event will run alongside the Second International Water Sanitation and Hygiene Conference 2026.
Jal Jeevan Mission: Uttar Pradesh introduces 10-year warranty model for rural water schemes (End of April) ▼
  • Uttar Pradesh introduced a mandatory 10-year operations and maintenance (O&M) ‘warranty’ for rural drinking water projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).
  • Under the new framework, construction agencies are responsible for operating and maintaining water supply infrastructure for a decade.
  • The state rolled out the ‘Jal Arpan’ initiative to transform villagers into active stakeholders with ownership and leadership in managing local water supply systems.
  • Over 33,000 solar-powered water schemes have been installed in Uttar Pradesh, reducing maintenance expenses by approximately 52%.
  • Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs), also known as ‘Paani Samitis’ and led by Gram Pradhans, are involved in the planning, design, and daily operations of the infrastructure.
  • The Namami Gange and Rural Water Supply Department is implementing the strategy to ensure long-term sustainability of the projects.
  • Water quality monitoring is conducted through district-level, state-level, and mobile NABL-accredited laboratories.
  • A Citizen Charter and an online grievance redressal system, accessible via a toll-free helpline or online portal, have been introduced to ensure service accountability.
Madhya Pradesh partners with Google Cloud India for AI-powered governance and Smart Simhastha 2028 (End of May) ▼
  • The Madhya Pradesh government and Google Cloud India plan to establish an AI Center of Excellence in Indore to train and connect more than 10,000 developers.
  • For Simhastha 2028, Google Cloud India proposed AI-based systems including real-time crowd management, predictive traffic systems, and digital twin monitoring.
  • A multilingual AI-enabled application called 'Sahayak' was proposed to provide live crowd information, route guidance, and emergency alerts for pilgrims.
  • In agriculture, a Gemini-powered AI network was proposed to provide farmers with localized guidance, market insights, and digital support services.
  • For healthcare, the proposed 'Ojas AI' framework may support remote clinical assistance, high-risk pregnancy identification, and real-time health monitoring.

India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal visits Canada with 150-member business delegation; Ottawa engagement on May 25 and Toronto programme from May 26-27

Key Updates:

  • Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is leading a delegation of nearly 150 Indian business leaders to Canada, with engagements in Ottawa on May 25 and a two-day programme in Toronto from May 26 to 27, 2026, and is scheduled to meet Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu.
  • A key focus of the visit is advancing negotiations for the India-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), with the second round concluded on May 8 and a target to conclude by end of 2026.
  • Both sides aim to expand bilateral trade to CAD 70 billion (approximately Rs 4.65 lakh crore) by 2030, from $8.5 billion in FY25.
  • Canada has $100 billion investment in India and 600 Canadian companies operate in the country; the visit also seeks to engage Maple Eight, Canada's largest public pension funds, for potential investments in India.
  • The Indian delegation will engage with Canadian counterparts across priority sectors including technology and artificial intelligence, clean energy and critical minerals, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, aerospace and defence, and food processing and agri-tech.

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India and Czech Republic strengthen bilateral economic cooperation during official visit on April 22-23, 2026 (End of April) ▼
  • Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada conducted an official visit to the Czech Republic from April 22-23, 2026.
  • The 13th session of the India-Czech Republic Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation (JCEC) was co-chaired in Prague on April 23, 2026.
  • The JCEC protocol was signed to advance collaboration in emerging sectors.
  • The India-Czech Business Forum was inaugurated to strengthen business-to-business ties and promote investment opportunities.
  • High-level bilateral meetings were held with Deputy Prime Minister Karel Havlíček and Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Jan Sechter.
  • The visit focused on innovation-driven partnerships in artificial intelligence, robotics, laser science, automotive, and advanced engineering.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to visit India from 27 February to 2 March 2026 (Start of March) ▼
  • Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will undertake his first official visit to India from 27 February to 2 March 2026 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
  • On 27 February, Carney will arrive in Mumbai and participate in business engagements with Indian and Canadian CEOs, industry and financial experts, innovators, educators, and Canadian Pension Funds based in India.
  • Carney will arrive in New Delhi on 1 March, followed by delegation-level talks with Modi at Hyderabad House on 2 March.
  • The two leaders will review progress under the India–Canada Strategic Partnership and cooperation in trade and investment, energy, critical minerals, agriculture, education, research, innovation, and people-to-people ties.
  • Modi and Carney will also attend the India–Canada CEOs Forum on 2 March.
  • Relations had soured in 2024 when Canada expelled six Indian officials after then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged credible evidence linking India to the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia.
Priyanka Mittal Appointed Co-Chair of Saudi-India Business Council (SIBC) (Start of May) ▼
  • Priyanka Mittal, Director of KRBL Limited, has been appointed as Co-Chair of the Indian side of the Saudi-India Business Council (SIBC) by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
  • Dr. Siddeek Ahmed, Chairman of Eram Holdings, has been nominated as Chair of the Indian side of the SIBC.
  • The SIBC is a bilateral platform jointly established by FICCI and the Federation of Saudi Chambers (FSC).
  • The SIBC aims to strengthen economic cooperation, enhance trade relations, and facilitate investment opportunities between India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
  • KRBL Limited is the parent company of India Gate, which is recognised as the World's No.1 basmati rice brand.
ASSOCHAM and ICCC sign MoU to strengthen India-Canada business collaboration (Mid of March) ▼
  • The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) and the Indo Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) signed an MoU on Monday during the India-Canada Business Roundtable held in New Delhi.
  • The MoU provides a framework for collaboration to strengthen trade, investment, and economic cooperation between members of both organisations.
  • Both organisations will facilitate exchange of information on trade policies, economic laws, and investment opportunities in India and Canada.
  • Joint initiatives under the MoU include trade missions, business delegations, exhibitions, seminars, conferences, and workshops.
  • Notable attendees included Anil K Agarwal (Past President & Chairman, ASSOCHAM International Council), Kam Rathee (Chair of the Advisory Board, ICCC), Prashant Srivastava (President, ICCC), Kunwar Shekhar Vijendra (Chairman, ASSOCHAM National Council on Education), Ed Jager (Trade Commissioner, High Commission of Canada to India), and Nina Tangri (Associate Minister of Small Business, Government of Ontario).

India to release Request for Proposal for Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft manufacturing

Key Updates:

  • The government will release a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) by next month to three private sector-driven industrial groups for the manufacturing of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
  • The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved approximately ₹15,000 crore in March 2024 for the prototype development phase of the AMCA, which is designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA).
  • The three shortlisted consortia are: Larsen & Toubro working with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Dynamatic Technologies; Bharat Forge teaming up with BEML and Data Patterns; and Tata Advanced Systems Limited.
  • The AMCA Mk1 will be powered by American GE F-414 engines, while the Mk2 variant will use a 110-130 kilonewton class engine being negotiated with Safran of France and Rolls-Royce of Britain.
  • The government intends to establish a parallel production line via a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) model to reduce reliance on Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
  • The government is prepared to transfer critical ballistic missile technology, previously the exclusive domain of Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), to private firms.

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ALMM framework extended to solar ingots and wafers from 1 June 2028 (Mid of March) ▼
  • The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) extended the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) to cover solar ingots and wafers effective 1 June 2028.
  • Only projects using wafers from ALMM-listed manufacturers will be allowed after 1 June 2028, including net-metering and open-access projects.
  • ALMM List-III for wafers will be notified once at least three independent domestic manufacturers with a combined capacity of 15 GW are available.
  • Bids submitted under Section 63 of the Electricity Act after seven days from publication of List-III must specify use of ALMM-compliant wafers.
  • Manufacturers seeking inclusion in the wafer list must have equivalent ingot manufacturing capacity.
  • From the effective date, ALMM List-I for modules will include only those modules made using ALMM-listed cells and wafers.
  • Domestic module capacity under ALMM has increased from about 8.2 GW in 2021 to around 172 GW currently, while solar cell capacity has reached about 27 GW.
India lays foundation stone for ₹16,000-crore Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project on 15 May 2026 (Mid of May) ▼
  • 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.
India launches ₹15,803 crore Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) infrastructure project in Andhra Pradesh (Mid of May) ▼
  • 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.
Indian Air Force and MBDA ink agreement to localise MICA missile sustainment on 06 May 2026 (Start of May) ▼
  • The Indian Air Force (IAF) signed an agreement with European defence major MBDA to establish a domestic Maintenance, Repair and Mid-Life Overhaul (MRO) facility for MICA air-to-air missiles.
  • The MRO facility will be set up, operated, and maintained by the IAF, with MBDA supplying industrial machinery, tools, data packages, training, and technical support.
  • The MICA is a short-to-medium range air-to-air missile used on Rafale fighter aircraft for both beyond-visual-range and close-combat engagements, with a strike range of 60-80 km.
  • The MICA missile system includes both active radar-guided and infrared-guided variants to engage multiple aerial threats in diverse combat environments.
  • MBDA also supplies the Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) for the Rafale, which features a ramjet propulsion system and a strike range exceeding 150 km.

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio meets NSA Ajit Doval on 24 May 2026

Key Updates:

  • US Secretary of State and National Security Advisor (NSA) Marco Rubio met NSA Ajit Doval in New Delhi on 24 May 2026 to discuss defence, security, and strategic technology cooperation.
  • The meeting highlighted the TRUST (Transforming the Relationship Utilising Strategic Technology) initiative, which is an upgraded version of the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) announced on 13 February 2025.
  • The TRUST initiative expands cooperation in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, critical minerals, biotechnology, energy, space, and supply chain resilience.
  • The AI Infrastructure Roadmap is a key focus of TRUST, aimed at boosting investment and development of US-origin AI systems in India, and is jointly overseen by the NSAs of both countries.
  • The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) Foreign Ministers' Meeting, comprising India, the United States, Australia, and Japan, is scheduled for 26 May 2026 in New Delhi under the chairmanship of External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar.

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India and Australia hold 10th Defence Policy Talks in New Delhi on May 8 (Mid of May) ▼
  • The 10th Australia-India Defence Policy Talks were held in New Delhi on May 8, led by Joint Secretary Amitabh Prasad for India and First Assistant Secretary Bernard Philip for Australia.
  • The Ministry of Defence (MoD) noted the establishment of the annual Australia-India Defence Ministers' Dialogue in 2025.
  • India will make its inaugural participation in Exercise Talisman Sabre and Exercise Puk Puk in 2025.
  • Both nations reaffirmed maritime collaboration through multilateral engagements including Exercise Milan and Exercise Kakadu.
  • Defence industrial cooperation initiatives include the first Australia-India Defence Industry Roundtable in Sydney in 2025 and a strategic roundtable held during the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi.
India and Israel launch first round of FTA talks in New Delhi (End of February) ▼
  • India and Israel began the first round of negotiations for a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in New Delhi from 23 to 26 February 2026.
  • The talks follow the signing of the Terms of Reference (ToR) in November 2025 to formalise bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
  • Technical teams are discussing trade in goods and services, rules of origin, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, technical barriers to trade, customs procedures, trade facilitation and intellectual property rights.
  • Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal stated the negotiations coincide with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel on 25–26 February 2026.
  • India’s Chief Negotiator is Ajay Bhadoo, Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce; Israel’s Chief Negotiator is Yifat Alon Perel, Senior Director (Trade Policy and Agreements).
  • Bilateral merchandise trade between India and Israel was USD 3.62 billion in FY 2024–25, traditionally dominated by diamonds, petroleum products and chemicals.
  • The two countries had earlier held eight rounds of talks for a similar agreement, with the last round in October 2021, before negotiations stalled.
India and Vietnam Review Defence Ties and Sign 13 Agreements in New Delhi on 6 May 2026 (Start of May) ▼
  • 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 agreements to provide for deeper two-way engagement and reviewed the growing strategic trust under the India-Vietnam Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
  • Discussions focused on expanding cooperation in key areas including maritime security, defence industry collaboration, and joint research, co-development, and co-production.
  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reiterated India’s commitment to working with Vietnam under the Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth for All in the Region (MAHASAGAR) vision.
  • Vietnam President To Lam was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan on his maiden visit to India during the high-level exchanges.

China Launches Shenzhou 23 Mission to Tiangong Space Station

Key Updates:

  • China successfully launched the Shenzhou 23 spacecraft from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center (JSLC) in northwestern China on 24 May 2026.
  • The mission crew comprises commander Zhu Yangzhu, Zhang Zhiyuan, and Lai Ka-ying, who is the first astronaut from Hong Kong and the fourth Chinese woman to travel to space.
  • One crew member is scheduled to remain at the Tiangong space station for one year to study human adaptability and performance limits in long-duration spaceflight.
  • The crew will conduct dozens of science projects and complete an in-orbit rotation with the Shenzhou 21 crew, who have been at the station for over 200 days.
  • The mission is part of the Chinese space programme to achieve a crewed lunar landing by 2030, while the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) targets a lunar landing in 2028.

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China National Space Administration (CNSA) Confirms Chang’e-7 Lunar Mission for 2026 (End of May) ▼
  • The China National Space Administration (CNSA) has confirmed the launch of the Chang’e-7 mission in the second half of 2026.
  • The mission targets the lunar South Pole to search for water ice in permanently shadowed regions.
  • The hardware for the mission includes an orbiter, a lander, a rover, and a specialised flying probe designed to explore deep lunar craters.
  • Chang’e-7 is a strategic component of the multi-phase Lunar Exploration Program (CLEP).
  • The mission serves as a foundational step for the construction of the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), a permanent base planned in collaboration with Russia and other international partners.
International Day of Human Space Flight observed on April 12 (Mid of April) ▼
  • The International Day of Human Space Flight is observed annually on April 12 to commemorate the beginning of the space era for mankind.
  • Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet cosmonaut, became the first human in space on April 12, 1961, completing a 108-minute mission aboard the Vostok 1 spacecraft.
  • The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) officially declared April 12 as the International Day of Human Space Flight in 2011 to mark the 50th anniversary of the first flight.
  • Valentina Tereshkova, a Soviet cosmonaut, became the first woman in space on June 16, 1963, aboard the Vostok 6 spacecraft.
  • Gherman Titov holds the record for the youngest professional astronaut, having travelled to space at the age of 25 aboard Vostok 2.
  • Oliver Daemen from the Netherlands became the youngest space tourist at age 18 during a Blue Origin flight on July 20, 2021.
  • China has completed its Tiangong space station, which includes the Tianhe core module and two laboratory modules named Wentian and Mengtian.
  • The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Artemis II mission is a crewed flyby carrying Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen around the Moon.
  • NASA astronauts use an emergency propulsion unit called Simplified Aid For EVA Rescue (SAFER) to return to the station if they become untethered during spacewalks.
  • According to 2024 pay schedules, NASA astronauts earn an annual salary of $152,258, while European Space Agency (ESA) astronauts earn between €5,500 and €7,900 monthly.
China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) Selects Pakistani Astronauts for Tiangong Space Station (End of April) ▼
  • The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) selected Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud as the first foreign reserve astronauts for space mission training.
  • One of the selected candidates will participate in a space mission as a payload specialist on board the Tiangong space station.
  • The Tiangong space station currently orbits approximately 400 km above the Earth and has been in orbit for nearly five years.
  • The agreement for the mission was signed between the CMSA and Pakistan's Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) in February last year.
  • The Tiangong space station was developed by China after its reported exclusion from the International Space Station (ISS).
China Confirms On-Site Technical Support to Pakistan During Operation Sindoor (Mid of May) ▼
  • China confirmed providing on-site technical support to Pakistan during a four-day conflict with India known as Operation Sindoor.
  • Technical support was provided by Zhang Heng, an engineer from the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) Chengdu Aircraft Design and Research Institute.
  • The Pakistan air force operates a fleet of J-10CE jets produced by an AVIC subsidiary.
  • Deputy Chief of Army Staff Lt General Rahul R Singh asserted that China used satellites to monitor Indian military deployment during the conflict.
  • Reports indicate that China plans to sell the J-35 stealth bomber to Pakistan.

India to Mandate 1% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Blending from January 2027

Key Updates:

  • India plans to mandate a 1% blending of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) starting January 1, 2027.
  • The government has outlined phase-wise indicative blending targets of 1% by 2027, 2% by 2028, and 5% by 2030.
  • SAF is a renewable fuel derived from alternative feedstocks including used cooking oil, crops, biogenic residues, and waste materials.
  • Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) will begin SAF production at its Panipat refinery by September, and Bharat Petroleum (BPCL) is commissioning a 60,000 tonnes per annum co-processing unit at its Mumbai refinery by the end of 2026.
  • Under the United Nations (UN) framework, the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), India and other participating countries must offset international flight emissions exceeding 85% of 2019 levels from January 2027.

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Fuel Blends up to E30 Standards to Reduce Crude Oil Imports (End of May) ▼
  • The government notified new standards for higher ethanol-petrol blends, specifically E22, E25, E27, and E30, to enable blending beyond the current 20% level.
  • The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) published the specifications on May 15 for fuel blends created by mixing anhydrous ethanol with motor gasoline for petrol-powered vehicles.
  • The petroleum ministry has tasked the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) to conduct a detailed study on the impact of E25 blending on vehicles currently compliant with E10 and E20.
  • Fully E20-compliant vehicles are expected to enter the market only after April 2025.
  • The All India Distillers’ Association (AIDA) stated that the move will advance the ethanol blending programme and reduce dependence on crude oil imports.
Ethanol-blending programme: Standards notified for blends up to 30% (End of May) ▼
  • The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) notified specifications for E22, E25, E27, and E30 fuel blends.
  • The standards cover the admixture of anhydrous ethanol and motor gasoline for usage in positive ignition engine-powered vehicles.
  • The government has advanced the deadline for 20 per cent ethanol blending in petrol from 2030 to 2025-26.
  • The Union government is evaluating the feasibility of higher blends such as E85.
  • The initiative aims to reduce crude oil imports, support domestic agriculture through increased feedstock demand, and aid emission reduction in the transport sector.
Ethanol Blending Programme Mandates 20% Ethanol-Blended Petrol with Minimum RON 95 from April 2026 (End of February) ▼
  • The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) has mandated the sale of petrol with up to 20 per cent ethanol and a minimum Research Octane Number (RON) of 95 across all states and Union Territories from April 1, 2026.
  • The mandate requires oil companies to sell ethanol-blended motor spirit as per the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specifications.
  • The central government may allow exceptions to this mandate for specific regions, limited timeframes, or special situations.
  • Ethanol for the programme is produced domestically from renewable sources such as sugarcane, maize, and agricultural grain surplus.
  • The policy aims to reduce national oil imports, lower carbon emissions, and support farmers by boosting demand for agricultural produce.
  • A minimum RON of 95 is required to prevent engine knocking, which is the uneven burning of fuel that causes power loss and potential engine damage.
  • Ethanol naturally possesses a high octane value of approximately 108 RON, which increases the knock resistance of the fuel blend.
  • The target for 20 per cent ethanol blending was advanced to 2025-26 from the original 2030 deadline after India achieved 10 per cent blending in June 2022.
  • India has saved more than ₹1.40 lakh crore in foreign exchange through petrol substitution since the 2014-15 period.
Ethanol-Blended Petrol (E20) Mandate rolls out nationwide with 95 RON default grade (Start of April) ▼
  • 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 notification issued on 17 February 2026 under the Essential Commodities Act requires the fuel to meet Bureau of Indian Standards specifications with a minimum Research Octane Number of 95.
  • E20 petrol consists of 20 per cent ethanol and 80 per cent petrol, replacing the earlier E10 blend.
  • Ethanol feedstock includes sugarcane, maize and other agricultural inputs.
  • Vehicles manufactured after April 2023 are designed to run on E20 fuel, while older vehicles may require monitoring of fuel system components.
  • Fuel efficiency may decline by around 3 to 7 per cent due to ethanol’s lower energy content compared with petrol.

Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) Selects 10 Convergence Research Centres of Excellence (CoEs)

Key Updates:

  • The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has selected ten Convergence Research Centres of Excellence (CoEs) to promote multidisciplinary research integrating scientific knowledge with social sciences and humanities.
  • The initiative is led by the Ministry of Science & Technology to address complex societal challenges through integrated and transdisciplinary research.
  • The selected institutes are Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Gandhinagar, National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) Bengaluru, IIT Madras, National Institute of Technology (NIT) Agartala, IHD Delhi, IIT Dharwad, Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu, IIT Kanpur, Chanakya University, and PSGR Krishnammal College for Women.
  • The CoEs cover thematic areas including archaeology, traditional knowledge systems, digital humanities, rural development, health, and computational economics.
  • The program received 945 proposals and involves a network of 20 collaborating institutes, including state and central universities, IITs, NITs, private universities, colleges, and recognised research and development (R&D) institutions.
  • The program is inspired by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

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Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) Partner to Strengthen Research and Development (R&D) Ecosystem (Start of May) ▼
  • The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) to bolster the national research and development ecosystem.
  • The collaboration aims to bridge gaps between industry, academia, and research institutions while promoting the translation and commercialisation of research and supporting policy dialogue.
  • Ajay Kumar Sood, the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Indian government, emphasised the need for technology diffusion to generate new ideas, products, and processes across various sectors.
  • The partnership identifies high-tech priority areas for scaling, specifically focusing on solar energy and green batteries to drive technological advancement.
  • The initiative leverages the government-enabled Research Development and Innovation (RDI) fund to support industries and startups in conducting deep tech research and technology development.
NITI Aayog releases reports on "Ease of Doing Research & Development in India" (Mid of April) ▼
  • The reports titled “Ease of Doing Research & Development in India” and “Survey Report on Ease of Doing R&D in India” were released on 9 April 2026 in New Delhi.
  • The release was officiated by Shri Suman Bery, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog, and Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Science & Technology (MoST).
  • The exercise leading to the reports spanned approximately nine months and involved outreach to over 400 institutional leaders and insights from more than 850 distinguished scientists and researchers across the country.
  • The event featured senior officials including Dr. V. K. Saraswat, Member, NITI Aayog; Prof. Vivek Kumar Singh, Senior Adviser, NITI Aayog; Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, Former President, Indian National Science Academy (INSA); Prof. Vinod Kumar Singh, President, National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI); Dr. Shekhar C. Mande, President, INSA; and Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.
  • The reports propose actionable recommendations to improve funding mechanisms, institutional governance, regulatory frameworks, and research translation in India’s R&D ecosystem.
Science City of Andhra Pradesh (SCAP) inks MoU with CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) (Start of April) ▼
  • The Science City of Andhra Pradesh (SCAP) signed an MoU with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) on 30 March 2026.
  • The collaboration aims to strengthen science popularisation and promote joint research in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policy.
  • SCAP CEO Venkateswarlu Kesineni and CSIR-NIScPR director Dr Geetha Vani Rayasam signed the agreement.
HCLTech and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur sign MoU to advance deep tech innovation for Global Capability Centres. (Start of March) ▼
  • HCL Technologies (HCLTech) and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur signed an MoU to convert research into real-world pilots and scalable solutions for Global Capability Centres (GCCs).
  • The collaboration focuses on advanced engineering and deep tech including AI, robotics and next-generation technologies.
  • The partnership enables GCCs to accelerate complex research, access niche skills without building internal labs and reduce time-to-market.
  • IIT Kanpur brings translational R&D expertise in AI, intelligent systems, robotics, cybersecurity and other next-generation technologies.
  • The MoU bridges academic research and enterprises to co-develop innovative technologies with measurable impact.

Birla Institute of Technology Mesra (BIT Mesra) and North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) sign MoU for geospatial research

Key Updates:

  • Birla Institute of Technology Mesra (BIT Mesra) and the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC), under the Department of Space, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Ranchi to cooperate in geospatial technologies, GeoAI research, remote sensing, and higher education.
  • The agreement covers GeoAI, Remote Sensing, Geographic Information System (GIS), Space Technology, and interdisciplinary geospatial applications for Master's and PhD programmes.
  • NESAC will provide geospatial databases, satellite imagery, meteorological datasets, and technical expertise in Earth observation and GIS applications to support joint research.
  • BIT Mesra will contribute through joint national and international research initiatives, outreach activities, training programmes, and capacity-building in engineering and remote sensing domains.
  • The MoU is valid for five years and includes provisions for internships, research exchanges, development of specialised elective courses in GeoAI, and joint supervision of research scholars.

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India and South Africa strengthen scientific collaboration with banner handover at South African Astronomical Observatory on May 8, 2026 (Mid of May) ▼
  • On May 8, 2026, High Commissioner of India to South Africa Prabhat Kumar formally handed over a banner of the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) to the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) at the Royal Observatory in Cape Town.
  • The IUCAA banner will be displayed at the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT), symbolising the growing partnership between India and South Africa in astronomy and scientific research.
  • SAAO Managing Director Rosalind Skelton highlighted SALT's achievements over its 20-year history and noted the development of a new camera detector and controller in partnership with Indian collaborators.
  • India holds the 2026 BRICS chairship, under which a series of astronomy-related engagements are being organised, with the SAAO actively participating in the BRICS astronomy working group meeting and SALT workshop in India later this year.
  • South Africa's Tebogo Makoma from the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation stated that the partnership is predicated on an agreement signed between the two countries in 1995 and that South Africa participates in 13 BRICS working groups.
CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR) and Research and Information System for the Developing Countries (RIS) sign MoU (Mid of May) ▼
  • Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Research and Information System for the Developing Countries (RIS) on 6 May 2026.
  • The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in science, technology, innovation policy, and diplomacy through joint research, policy analysis, capacity building, and knowledge sharing.
  • RIS initiatives include ITEC courses, iGOT Karmayogi training, Forum for Indian Science Diplomacy publications, and global partnerships through DAKSHIN and IBSA Fellowships.
  • CSIR-NIScPR focuses on science communication, policy research, affordable HIV drug innovations, traditional knowledge validation, rural innovations, and the management of 15 open-access journals.
  • Three documents were released: “India-Republic of Korea S&T Cooperation: Co-Creating the Future”, “Proceeding of Workshop on Strengthening India's Semiconductor Ecosystem: Policies, Challenges and Opportunities”, and a policy bulletin titled “The key drivers of particulate pollution from road transportation in Indian states”.
Forest Survey of India (FSI) and Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) sign MoU to strengthen geospatial tools for wildlife and forest conservation. (End of March) ▼
  • Forest Survey of India (FSI) and Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Saturday.
  • The MoU aims to strengthen the use of geospatial technologies, remote sensing, and AI/ML-based tools in forest fire management, wildlife conservation, and decision support systems.
  • The signing took place during the 90th meeting of the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) chaired by Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav in Dehradun.
  • SC-NBWL is a statutory body constituted under the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972, and advises the government on conservation and protection of wildlife and forests.
  • The committee considered proposals across sectors such as roads, drinking water supply, transmission lines, defense, irrigation, and other infrastructure.
  • The committee noted the status of key national initiatives relating to species recovery, habitat management, and institutional strengthening.
  • The committee deliberated on the dependence of nomadic and pastoral communities on Protected Areas and emphasized balanced approaches for conservation goals while considering traditional practices and socio-economic dependencies.
Survey of India (SoI) inks five-year MoU with Digital University of Kerala (DUK) for geospatial and AI research (Start of March) ▼
  • Survey of India (SoI), the national nodal agency for geospatial data under the Department of Science and Technology, signed a five-year MoU with Digital University of Kerala (DUK).
  • The MoU focuses on academic and research collaboration in geo-informatics, AI, machine learning for automated feature extraction, geodesy, astronomy and related engineering disciplines.
  • SoI officials can pursue postgraduate and doctoral programmes at DUK with joint supervision of research.
  • The partnership includes customised training programmes, expert lectures, collaborative research projects, co-authored publications and joint participation in national and international initiatives.
  • DUK students will gain internships, capstone projects and dissertation opportunities at SoI under joint mentorship.
  • Both institutions will share research infrastructure, geospatial datasets, laboratories and library resources.

Bharath Digital Infrastructure Association (BDIA) Launches Bharat Digital Samvad

Key Updates:

  • The Bharath Digital Infrastructure Association (BDIA) announced Bharat Digital Samvad, which is India's first dedicated national forum on digital sovereignty and infrastructure policy.
  • The summit is scheduled for 20 May 2026 at the Shangri-La, New Delhi, and will mark the formal public launch of BDIA as a not-for-profit industry body.
  • BDIA focuses on strengthening domestic capabilities in cloud, artificial intelligence (AI), compute infrastructure, and data systems under the principle of Data Swaraj.
  • India's digital economy is projected to reach $1 trillion by 2030.
  • The forum aims to provide a policy brief for the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), and propose a Digital Industrial Policy Framework.

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DigiLocker Integration: Five States Felicitated for Strengthening Digital Governance (Mid of May) ▼
  • The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) felicitated Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Nagaland, and Rajasthan for integrating DigiLocker with state government services.
  • The recognition was conferred on May 11 during the National Consultative Workshop on Strengthening Cybersecurity Frameworks for State Data, an initiative led by the National e-Governance Division (NeGD).
  • Gujarat onboarded 65 per cent of its services, benefiting over 1.92 crore citizens, and introduced digital disability certificates for free bus transport services.
  • Karnataka integrated 73 per cent of government e-services, recorded over 2.7 crore registered users, and digitised approximately 3 crore electricity bill records.
  • Kerala onboarded more than 117 services in less than seven days, while Nagaland integrated over 32 services within a month.
  • Rajasthan rolled out the Jan Aadhaar Family Register through DigiLocker, covering more than 7.5 crore citizens.
Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Limited (BECIL) and Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) Sign MoU for Digital Transformation (End of April) ▼
  • Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Limited (BECIL) and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance digital transformation.
  • The partnership focuses on developing solutions in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Internet of Things (IoT), cybersecurity, 5G, and Cloud Computing.
  • The collaboration was announced by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.
  • The agreement aims to facilitate the creation of turnkey solutions, technology transfer, and the commercialisation of pioneering products.
  • This alliance is part of the broader Digital India initiative to foster innovation and strengthen digital infrastructure.
Amended BharatNet Programme: Rs 24.32 billion approved for Andhra Pradesh to connect 13,426 gram panchayats (End of February) ▼
  • Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), Department of Telecommunications and Andhra Pradesh government signed a memorandum of cooperation for expedited rollout of the Amended BharatNet Programme in the state.
  • The Amended BharatNet Programme is a Rs 1,390 billion publicly funded programme to take optical fibre cable and broadband to every village.
  • Andhra Pradesh BharatNet Infrastructure Limited, a new special purpose vehicle, will implement the programme covering 13,426 gram panchayats.
  • The project includes upgradation of 1,692 Phase I gram panchayats from linear to ring topology, coverage of 11,254 Phase II gram panchayats, and inclusion of 480 newly created gram panchayats.
  • An additional 3,942 villages will receive connectivity on demand to strengthen last-mile access.
  • Government of India has approved financial support of Rs 24.32 billion for the programme in Andhra Pradesh.
  • The initiative targets over 0.5 million rural home fibre connections with government of India support.
World Telecommunication and Information Society Day observed on 17 May (End of May) ▼
  • World Telecommunication and Information Society Day is observed annually on 17 May.
  • The theme for 2026 is Digital lifelines: Strengthening resilience in a connected world.
  • The day is organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which was founded in 1865.
  • The United Nations (UN) combined World Telecommunication Day with World Information Society Day in 2006.
  • India's digital progress includes initiatives such as Digital India, BharatNet Project, expansion of 5G services, online governance systems, and digital payment platforms like Unified Payments Interface (UPI).

Lionel Messi achieves billionaire status

Key Updates:

  • Lionel Messi became the second footballer in history to reach billionaire status after Cristiano Ronaldo.
  • According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Messi's net worth has surpassed $1 billion.
  • Messi is estimated to have earned more than $700 million in wages and performance-related payments since 2007.
  • Berkeley Heights, a township in Union County, New Jersey, has named a part of Sherman Avenue as Leo Messi Way.
  • Argentina is placed in Group J for the 2026 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup alongside Austria, Jordan, and Algeria.

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Forbes lists 22-year-old Surya Midha as youngest self-made billionaire ever. (Mid of March) ▼
  • Surya Midha, 22, became the youngest self-made billionaire to debut in Forbes’ World’s Billionaires list, breaking Mark Zuckerberg’s 18-year-old record set at age 23.
  • Midha co-founded AI recruiting startup Mercor, valued at $10 billion by private investors last fall.
  • Midha’s net worth is $2.2 billion.
  • Midha was born in San Jose, California to Indian immigrant parents from Delhi.
  • Forbes recorded a record 35 billionaires under 30 in 2026, with 8 being US citizens.
Bloomberg Billionaires Index (BBI) 2026 ranks Gautam Adani as Asia's richest individual (Mid of April) ▼
  • Gautam Adani, Founder-Chairman of Adani Group, reclaimed the title of Asia’s richest person with a net worth of $92.6 billion, ranking 19th globally.
  • Mukesh Ambani, head of Reliance Industries, ranked 20th globally with a net worth of $90.8 billion after experiencing a wealth decline of $16.9 billion.
  • Elon Musk retained the top global position with a net worth of $656 billion, followed by Larry Page at $286 billion and Jeff Bezos at $269 billion.
  • The top 10 global rankings include Sergey Brin ($266 billion), Mark Zuckerberg ($239 billion), Larry Ellison ($230 billion), Michael Dell ($170 billion), Jensen Huang ($164 billion), Bernard Arnault ($164 billion), and Jim Walton ($150 billion).
  • Elon Musk recorded the highest wealth gain of $36.7 billion between 2025 and 2026, while Bernard Arnault saw the steepest decline of $44 billion.
  • In the regional rankings, Zhang Yiming and Zhong Shanshan followed Adani and Ambani with net worths of $68.7 billion and $68.2 billion respectively.
  • Gautam Adani ranked 19th among those who added the most to their fortunes, with a net worth increase of $8.10 billion over the year.
Forbes World’s Billionaires List released on March 12, 2026 (End of March) ▼
  • The 40th annual edition of the Forbes World’s Billionaires list was released on March 12, 2026, identifying a record 3,428 billionaires globally.
  • Elon Musk retained the top spot with a fortune of $839 billion, becoming the first individual to cross the $800 billion wealth mark.
  • The total wealth controlled by billionaires worldwide increased to $20.1 trillion in 2026 from $16.1 trillion in 2025.
  • The United States (US) leads the global billionaire count with 989 individuals, followed by China with 539 and India with 229.
  • Mukesh Ambani of Reliance Industries (RIL) remains the richest person in India and Asia, while Savitri Jindal of the OP Jindal Group is the wealthiest woman in India.
  • The top five richest individuals globally are Elon Musk, Larry Page, Sergey Brin, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg.
  • A total of 20 individuals now possess fortunes exceeding $100 billion, an increase from 15 individuals recorded in 2025.
  • New additions to the list include Greg Abel, the future Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Berkshire Hathaway, and tennis legend Roger Federer.
  • India’s 10 wealthiest individuals hold a combined fortune of approximately $368 billion, accounting for over one-third of the total wealth of Indian billionaires.
  • The 2026 rankings included 20 Indian women billionaires, with Savitri Jindal leading the group.
Hurun Research Institute ranks India third globally with 308 billionaires in 2026. (Start of March) ▼
  • India’s billionaire count rose to 308, an increase of 24 from the previous year, according to the Hurun Global Rich List 2026.
  • Indian billionaires added 57 new entrants and saw 27 drop out during the year.
  • Total wealth of Indian billionaires grew 10% year-on-year to ₹112.6 trillion.
  • Mukesh Ambani retained his position as India and Asia’s richest person with a net worth of ₹9.8 trillion, up 9%.
  • Gautam Adani remained the second richest Indian despite a 14% decline in wealth to ₹7.5 trillion.
  • Roshni Nadar Malhotra, chairperson of HCL Technologies, was third with wealth of ₹3.2 trillion and the only woman among India’s top 10 richest.
  • Healthcare sector produced 53 new billionaires, industrial products 36, and consumer goods 31.
  • Energy sector, with eight billionaires, accounted for ₹18.3 trillion or about 16% of India’s cumulative billionaire wealth.
  • Cyrus S Poonawalla of Serum Institute of India added nearly ₹0.91 trillion, the largest absolute gain.
  • Mumbai hosts 95 billionaires, adding 15 new entrants, but lost its status as Asia’s billionaire capital to Shenzhen which has 133.
  • India’s youngest billionaire is Ritesh Agarwal, founder of Oyo, aged 32 with net worth of ₹14,440 crore.
  • 23 Indian women billionaires collectively hold wealth of ₹9.8 trillion.

Team India to participate in World Apnea Pool Championship 2026

Key Updates:

  • Team India will represent the country for the first time at the World Apnea Pool Championship starting June 2, 2026, in Budapest.
  • The Freediving Association of India (FAI) is the official national body for freediving in India and is an Observer Member of AIDA International as AIDA India.
  • Three athletes will represent India at the championship: Archana Thiagarajan, Akshay Thatte, and Vachan H U.
  • Archana Sankaranarayanan has been selected as the first Indian Assistant Judge at the World Championship.
  • Three homegrown brands supporting Team India are Surface Interval, Stay Salty Club, and AZEN.

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Thomas and Uber Cup 2026: India men and women teams begin campaigns in Horsens, Denmark (Start of May) ▼
  • The 2026 Thomas and Uber Cup championships are being held in Horsens, Denmark from April 24 to May 3.
  • Indian men face defending champions Canada in Group A, while the women's team takes on Denmark in the opening round.
  • Both Indian teams are seeded eighth in the tournament based on their individual players' world rankings.
  • The Indian men created history by winning the 2022 edition of the Thomas Cup.
  • The Indian women's team won bronze medals in the 2014 and 2016 editions of the Uber Cup.
New Delhi to host 2026 World Para Athletics Grand Prix from 11–13 March (Mid of March) ▼
  • The second edition of the New Delhi World Para Athletics Grand Prix will be held from 11 to 13 March 2026.
  • Around 257 athletes from eight nations—India, Russia, Nepal, Bhutan, Hong Kong, Serbia, Bosnia, and Egypt—will compete.
  • Team India will field the largest contingent with approximately 219 athletes.
  • Top Indian para-athletes including Mariyappan Thangavelu, Sumit Antil, Praveen Kumar, Ajeet Singh, Devendra Singh Gurjar, Ankur Dhama, Simran, and Preeti Pal are expected to compete.
  • A total of 74 international classification slots will be available: 39 for athletes with physical impairments, 29 for vision impairments, and 6 for intellectual impairments.
  • The previous 2025 edition saw India top the medal tally with 134 medals (45 gold, 40 silver, 49 bronze).
Raksha Khadse announces ASMITA athletics events in 250 districts to mark International Women’s Day (Start of March) ▼
  • ASMITA (Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women) League athletics events will be held on 8 March 2026 in 250 districts.
  • Over two lakh girls will compete in 100m, 200m, and 400m races in Under-13, 13–18, and 18+ age groups.
  • Each venue will have five Technical Officials, ten Volunteers, one Competition Manager, one Past Champion Athlete, and one District Youth Officer.
  • A Women Technical Officials Development Workshop will run alongside referee and timekeeper training aligned with Athletics Federation of India standards.

Dev Kumar Meena and Kuldeep Kumar set national pole vault record

Key Updates:

  • The 29th National Senior Athletics Federation Competition was held in Ranchi.
  • Dev Kumar Meena and Kuldeep Kumar set a new national record of 5.45m in the men's pole vault, surpassing the previous record of 5.41m.
  • In the pole vault event, Dev Kumar Meena won gold, Kuldeep Kumar won silver, and Reegan G won bronze.
  • In the long jump, Murali Sreeshankar won gold (8.08m), S Lokesh won silver (7.94m), and Mohd Atta Sazid won bronze (7.90m).
  • In the high jump, Sarvesh Anil Kushare won gold (2.28m), Aadarsh Ram won silver (2.22m), and Sudeep won bronze (2.12m).
  • In the men's 110m hurdles, Tejas Ashok Shirse won gold (13.50 seconds), Krishik M won silver (13.52 seconds), and Muhammed Lazan won bronze (13.83 seconds).
  • In the men's 1500m, Rahul Baloda won gold (3:40.06 seconds), Sakir won silver (3:40.83 seconds), and Ajay Kumar Saroj won bronze (3:40.92 seconds).
  • In the women's 10,000m race walk, Ravina won gold (44:29.66 seconds), Reshma Patel won silver (44:57.94 seconds), and Munita Prajapati won bronze (45:23.92 seconds).
  • In the women's 100m hurdles, Nandhini K won gold (13.24 seconds), Pragyan Prashanti Sahu won silver (13.33 seconds), and Anjali C won bronze (13.35 seconds).
  • In the women's hammer throw, Manpreet Kaur won gold (59.08m), Kulvinder Kaur won silver (57.76m), and Divya Shandilya won bronze (56.41m).
  • In the men's discus throw, Dharamraj Yadav won gold (55.20m), Bhartpreet Singh won silver (54.62m), and Oinam Alson Singh won bronze (53.52m).
  • Dev Kumar Meena, Kuldeep Kumar, Murali Sreeshankar, Sarvesh Anil Kushare, Aadarsh Ram, and Ravina achieved the qualification marks for the Commonwealth Games (CWG).

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Kami Rita Sherpa Set World Record for Mt. Everest Ascents (Mid of May) ▼
  • Kami Rita Sherpa scaled Mount Everest for the 32nd time on Sunday at 10:12 am, breaking his own world record.
  • The ascent of the 8,849-metre peak was confirmed by the Department of Tourism of Nepal.
  • Kami Rita Sherpa led an expedition operated by 14 Peaks Expedition.
  • Kami Rita Sherpa, born in January 1970 in Solukhumbu district of Koshi Province, started his professional mountaineering career in 1992.
  • Lhakpa Sherpa, the first Nepali woman to summit Mount Everest, completed her 11th successful ascent of the peak on Sunday at 9:30 am.
Shrishti Dharmendra Sharma Sets Guinness World Record (GWR) for Fastest 50-Metre Limbo Skating (Start of March) ▼
  • Shrishti Dharmendra Sharma achieved the fastest time to limbo skate under descending poles over a distance of 50 metres.
  • She completed the distance in 7.46 seconds on 28 February 2025 at Sai Dham City in Umbred, Maharashtra.
  • This performance broke her previous GWR mark of 9.59 seconds set in Monza, Italy, in 2023.
  • GWR officially announced the record in March 2026.
  • Limbo skating is a sport where participants on roller skates glide under low horizontal rods without making contact.
Sarun Payasingh wins Indian Athletics Series long jump title in Ranchi (Mid of April) ▼
  • Odisha’s Sarun Payasingh won the men’s long jump with a leap of 7.46 m at the fourth leg of the Indian Athletics Series in Ranchi.
  • Maharashtra’s Sarvesh Anil Kushare claimed the men’s high jump title clearing 2.19 m.
  • Railways’ Vithya Ramraj won the women’s 400 m hurdles in 57.02 seconds.
  • Maharashtra’s Aniket took the men’s 100 m in 10.60 secs, followed by Rohan Ghosh (West Bengal) 10.68 secs and Varun Oori (Tamil Nadu) 10.74 secs.
  • Odisha’s Mahendra Santa won the men’s 200 m in 21.96 secs, ahead of Paras (Himachal Pradesh) 22.31 secs and Pijush Ghosh (West Bengal) 22.37 secs.
  • West Bengal’s Md Mahasin Awal topped the men’s 800 m in 1:53.21, followed by Debraj Mallick (West Bengal) 1:53.62 and Vipin Kumar (Uttar Pradesh) 1:54.42.
  • Uttar Pradesh’s Sandeep Pal won the men’s 5 000 m in 14:11.62, ahead of Shivaji P (Reliance) 14:15.15 and Mrunal Sarode (Army) 14:16.84.
  • Reliance’s Krishik M led the men’s 110 m hurdles in 13.72 secs, with Rathish (Reliance) 14.10 secs and Majgul M (Gujarat) 15.15 secs.
  • Rajasthan’s Shakti Singh won the men’s 400 m hurdles in 51.34 secs, followed by Karthik Y (Andhra Pradesh) 51.71 secs and Murad Sirman (Gujarat) 51.78 secs.
  • Maharashtra’s Uttam headed the men’s javelin with 74.85 m, ahead of Naryana Singh (NCOE Patiala) 66.62 m and Arun Modi (Bihar) 64.22 m.
  • Odisha’s Mousumi Roy won both women’s 100 m (11.83 secs) and 200 m (24.79 secs).
  • Haryana’s Bharti claimed the women’s 5 000 m in 16:55.42, followed by Mamta Pal (All India Police) 17:55.45 and Mitali Deepak (Maharashtra) 18:23.04.
  • Navy’s Ancy Sojan topped the women’s long jump with 6.45 m, ahead of Manisha Merel (Odisha) 5.78 m and Bidisha Kundu (West Bengal) 5.73 m.
Murali Sreeshankar wins India Athletics Series 1 long jump with 8.15m leap (Start of April) ▼
  • Murali Sreeshankar leapt 8.15m to win the men’s long jump at the opening Indian Athletics Series held at Kanteerava Stadium.
  • Sreeshankar, representing NCOE Trivandrum, recorded his winning jump in his fourth attempt.
  • Sunny Kumar of Bihar finished second with 7.90m and Purushotham of Karnataka was third with 7.87m.
  • Ancy Sojan of Reliance won the women’s long jump with 6.54m, followed by Shaili Singh with 6.52m and Moumita Mondal with 6.37m.
  • Tamil Nadu pole vaulter Reagan Ganesh set a personal best of 5.35m to win the pole vault.
  • Tamil Arasu of Railways won the men’s 100m in 10.23 seconds and Giridharani Ravi Kumar of Tamil Nadu won the women’s 100m in 11.53 seconds.
  • Sarvesh Kushare of Maharashtra won the high jump by clearing 2.23m.
  • Jishnu Prasad of BSF won the men’s 200m in 20.76 seconds, with Vishal TK of NCOE Trivandrum second in 20.80 seconds and Tamil Arasu of Railways third in 20.83 seconds.

Sansad Ratna Awards 2026 announced for 12 Members of Parliament and 4 Parliamentary Committees

Key Updates:

  • The Jury committee has selected 10 Lok Sabha (LS) MPs, 2 Rajya Sabha (RS) MPs, and 4 Parliamentary Standing Committees for the Sansad Ratna Awards 2026.
  • Individual awardees include Jagdambika Pal, P.P. Chaudhary, Nishikant Dubey, Dr Shrikant Eknath Shinde, Praveen Patel, Bidyut Baran Mahato, Lumbaram Chaudhary, Dr Hemant Vishnu Savara, Smita Uday Wagh, Naresh Ganpat Mhaske, Dr Medha Vishram Kulkarni, and Narhari Amin.
  • The four awarded Parliamentary Committees are Agriculture (chaired by Dr Charanjit Singh Channi), Finance (Bhartruhari Mahtab), Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka), and Coal and Mines (Anurag Thakur).
  • The Sansad Ratna Award was instituted in 2010 by the Chennai-based Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Prime Point Foundation on the suggestion of former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.
  • The winners are selected based on performance data provided by PRS Legislative Research, Lok Sabha Secretariat, and Rajya Sabha Secretariat, with the 16th ceremony to be held in New Delhi in July 2026.

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Jharkhand Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Kalpana Soren Receives Women Empowerment Trailblazer Award (End of March) ▼
  • Kalpana Soren was honoured by the BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BRICS CCI) at the WE Annual Women Summit and Felicitation 2026.
  • The award ceremony was held in New Delhi and hosted by the women empowerment vertical of the BRICS CCI.
  • The recognition was conferred for her contributions towards advancing women-led initiatives and community development.
  • The summit was attended by several dignitaries, policymakers, and international representatives.
Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2026 nominations open from 28 March to 11 May 2026 (End of March) ▼
  • Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) 2026 nominations opened on 28 March 2026 and will close on 11 May 2026.
  • Nominations, including self-nominations, are submitted online through the Ministry of Home Affairs Awards Portal (https://awards.gov.in).
  • RVP is administered by the RVP Secretariat, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), under the Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India (GOI).
  • The awards cover 14 domains: Agricultural Science, Atomic Energy, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Defence Technology, Earth Science, Engineering Sciences, Environmental Science, Mathematics & Computer Science, Medicine, Physics, Space Science and Technology, Technology & Innovation, and Others.
  • Four award categories are Vigyan Ratna (VR) for lifetime achievements, Vigyan Shri (VS) for distinguished contributions, Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB) for scientists up to 45 years, and Vigyan Team (VT) for collaborative teams of three or more researchers.
  • Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, urged institutions and individuals to nominate deserving candidates.
Ministry of Ayush invites applications for Prime Minister’s Awards for Yoga-2026 (End of February) ▼
  • The Ministry of Ayush has invited applications for the Prime Minister’s Awards for Yoga-2026 to recognise exemplary contributions to the development and promotion of Yoga at national and international levels.
  • Each award comprises a trophy, a certificate, and a cash prize of ₹25 lakh.
  • The awards are conferred in two primary categories: Individuals (National and International) and Institutions (National and International).
  • Applications for the awards must be submitted through the National Awards Portal (www.awards.gov.in).
  • The final date for the submission of applications is 21 March 2026.
  • The felicitation ceremony for the award winners will coincide with the International Yoga Conference.
Sahitya Akademi Awards 2025 announced on 16 March (Mid of March) ▼
  • Sahitya Akademi announced its 2025 awards on 16 March 2026 for 24 Indian languages.
  • The award ceremony will be held in New Delhi on 31 March 2026.
  • Each awardee receives an engraved copper plaque, a shawl and ₹1,00,000.
  • Navtej Sarna won the English award for his novel ‘Crimson Spring’ set around the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
  • Mamta Kalia won the Hindi award for her memoir ‘Jeete Jee Allahabad’.
  • Nandini Sidha Reddy won the Telugu award for poetry collection ‘Animesha’.

World Football Day observed on May 25

Key Updates:

  • World Football Day is observed on May 25.
  • The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed a resolution in May 2024 proclaiming May 25 as World Football Day.
  • The day marks the 100th anniversary of the first international football tournament with representation of all regions, which took place on May 25, 1924.
  • Gianni Infantino serves as the President of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).
  • A special event to celebrate the day was co-organised by Bahrain, Libya, and Tajikistan, with support from Austria, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Portugal, and Rwanda.

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AIFF and Odisha renew MoU to expand elite youth football (Mid of May) ▼
  • The All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Department of Sports and Youth Services (DSYS), Government of Odisha, signed a renewed five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand elite youth football.
  • The partnership strengthens the AIFF-FIFA Talent Academy under the Talent Development Scheme of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).
  • The MoU was signed by Dr. Vijay Yeddula, Director of Sports, DSYS, and Mr. M. Satyanarayan, Deputy Secretary General, AIFF.
  • AIFF will lead the technical and operational aspects of player development, while DSYS will provide institutional, financial, and infrastructure support.
  • Achievements from the first cohort include a semi-final finish in the U17 AIFF Elite Youth League 2024-25, four players in the India U17 national team setup, and one Odisha girl in the India U19 Women’s National Team.
India selected for FIFA Women's Development Programme (End of April) ▼
  • India is one of 12 countries selected by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) for its Women's Development Programme.
  • The other selected nations are Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Scotland, Canada, Mexico, Finland, Ghana, Jordan, Lithuania, and Paraguay.
  • The programme will be conducted online from May to October 2026.
  • The All India Football Federation (AIFF) secured inclusion after presenting a commercial strategy and future plans to FIFA.
  • The programme aims to provide capacity building for clubs in developing commercial strategies, securing sponsorships, and engaging fans.
  • The initiative prepares clubs for the women's club licensing system planned by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
  • India's senior, U20, and U17 women's teams have qualified for the AFC Asian Cups in their respective age categories.
  • The ASMITA U13 Women's Football League has been utilised to create a base at the youth level.
International Day of Living Together in Peace observed on May 16 with theme Building Trust through Dialogue, Inclusion, and Solidarity (Mid of May) ▼
  • 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.
  • The Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Nigeria partnered with Bethel Candle of Hope for the Vulnerable (BCHV) to form the Hayin Banki Peace and Reconciliation Committee in 2024.
  • The Hayin Banki Peace and Reconciliation Committee is located in Kaduna, Nigeria.
  • The GPF operates the Baltimore Cross-Community Reconciliation Project (BCCRP) in Baltimore, USA, to bridge divisions shaped by race, history, and economic inequality.
International Day of Sport for Development and Peace observed on April 6 with 2026 theme 'Sport: Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers' (Start of April) ▼
  • International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) is observed annually on April 6.
  • The 2026 theme is 'Sport: Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers'.
  • The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) established the day through Resolution 67/296 on August 23, 2013.
  • The International Olympic Committee (IOC) played a key role in the creation of the day.
  • The day aligns with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

World Thyroid Day observed on 25 May

Key Updates:

  • World Thyroid Day is observed annually on 25 May to mark the founding of the European Thyroid Association (ETA) in 1965.
  • The day was officially initiated in 2007 by the Thyroid Federation International (TFI) and was first observed in 2008.
  • The global observance is supported by leading bodies including the American Thyroid Association (ATA) and the Asia-Oceania Thyroid Association (AOTA).
  • The event is part of International Thyroid Awareness Week, which focuses on education, clinical training, and outreach initiatives.
  • In India, thyroid disorders are ranked as the second most common endocrine conditions after diabetes.

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World Hypertension Day 2026 observed on May 17, 2026 (End of May) ▼
  • World Hypertension Day 2026 was observed on May 17, 2026.
  • Doctors warned that hypertension often shows no symptoms and is increasingly affecting younger adults due to sedentary lifestyles, stress, poor diet, obesity, lack of sleep, smoking, alcohol, and metabolic disorders.
  • Common myths about hypertension include that it always shows symptoms and that only overweight or elderly people get it.
  • Health risks of uncontrolled hypertension include heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney disease, damage to blood vessels, and heart rhythm disorders.
  • Lifestyle changes recommended include reducing salt intake, exercising regularly, maintaining healthy weight, managing stress, getting proper sleep, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol, and eating a balanced diet.
World Protein Day observed on 27 February 2026 (End of February) ▼
  • World Protein Day is observed on 27 February to raise awareness about protein as a fundamental building block for immunity, muscle repair, and metabolic health.
  • Medical experts recommend a daily protein intake of 0.8 to 1 gram per kilogram of body weight for an average adult.
  • Protein deficiency is reported to be particularly prevalent among women and elderly populations in India, often resulting in weakness and slow recovery from illness.
  • Recommended protein-rich food sources include eggs, milk, curd, dal, chana, paneer, soy, nuts, fish, and chicken.
  • Indian dairy firm Provilac, founded by Siddharth Runwal, launched high-protein milk providing 25g of protein per serving using an ultra-filtration process.
  • The dietary shift in India focuses on integrating protein into daily meals rather than relying solely on carbohydrates like rice or roti.
World Tuberculosis Day observed on 24 March 2026 with the theme Yes! We can end TB (End of March) ▼
  • World Tuberculosis Day is observed annually on 24 March to raise global awareness about the infectious disease.
  • The theme for World Tuberculosis Day 2026 is Yes! We can end TB, emphasizing political will, increased funding, and community participation.
  • The date commemorates 24 March 1882, when Dr Robert Koch discovered Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes the disease.
  • According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 3,500 people die from tuberculosis and approximately 30,000 fall ill every day globally.
  • India carries the highest share of the global tuberculosis burden and implements the National TB Elimination Programme to combat the disease.
  • Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus serves as the Director-General of the WHO.
  • The National TB Elimination Programme in India utilizes nutrition initiatives and digital tracking to improve treatment adherence.
World Liver Day observed on April 19 with theme 'Solid Habits, Strong Liver' (Mid of April) ▼
  • World Liver Day is observed annually on April 19 to raise global awareness about liver health and the importance of preventing liver-related diseases.
  • The theme for World Liver Day 2026 is 'Solid Habits, Strong Liver'.
  • Metabolic dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) affects nearly one in three adults worldwide and is linked to obesity and Type 2 diabetes.
  • Nearly 90% of liver disease is preventable through consistent lifestyle choices.
  • The 2026 observance is significant in India due to the rising intersection of diabetes and liver disease.
  • The 'Solid Habits' campaign focuses on four pillars: balanced plant-forward diet, physical activity, re-evaluating alcohol, and routine screenings.
  • Recommended routine screenings for liver health include Liver Function Tests (LFTs) and FibroScans.
  • The Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) highlighted that the best time to protect the liver is before treatment becomes necessary.

ITBP's first-ever All-Women International Mountaineering Expedition summits Mt Everest on May 21, 2026

Key Updates:

  • The Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBP) completed its first-ever All-Women International Mountaineering Expedition to Mt Everest, summiting on May 21, 2026, via the South Col route from the Nepal side.
  • The 14-member team comprised 11 women climbers and three technical and support members, with the first summit at 06:52 am.
  • The expedition was flagged off from ITBP headquarters on April 19 and carried out environmental activities under the 'Clean Himalaya - Save Glacier' campaign.
  • The Border Security Force (BSF) achieved its first-ever all-women mountaineering team summit of Mt Everest as part of its Diamond Jubilee celebrations, with the team including Constable Kouser Fatima (Ladakh), Constable Munmun Ghosh (West Bengal), Constable Rabeka Singh (Uttarakhand), and Constable Tsering Chorol (Kargil).
  • ITBP has now conducted 232 mountaineering expeditions, including five successful Mt Everest summits, and has scaled six of the world's fourteen 8,000-metre peaks: Mt Everest, Mt Kanchenjunga, Mt Makalu, Mt Lhotse, Mt Dhaulagiri, and Mt Manaslu.

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Kami Rita Sherpa Set World Record for Mt. Everest Ascents (Mid of May) ▼
  • Kami Rita Sherpa scaled Mount Everest for the 32nd time on Sunday at 10:12 am, breaking his own world record.
  • The ascent of the 8,849-metre peak was confirmed by the Department of Tourism of Nepal.
  • Kami Rita Sherpa led an expedition operated by 14 Peaks Expedition.
  • Kami Rita Sherpa, born in January 1970 in Solukhumbu district of Koshi Province, started his professional mountaineering career in 1992.
  • Lhakpa Sherpa, the first Nepali woman to summit Mount Everest, completed her 11th successful ascent of the peak on Sunday at 9:30 am.
Jim Whittaker, First American to Summit Mount Everest, Dies Aged 97 (Mid of April) ▼
  • Jim Whittaker, the first American to reach the summit of Mount Everest, died at the age of 97 at his home in Port Townsend, Washington.
  • He achieved the historic ascent of the 29,032-foot peak on 1 May 1963, accompanied by Sherpa climbing partner Nawang Gombu.
  • He was awarded the Hubbard Medal by former United States (US) President John F Kennedy for his mountaineering achievement.
  • Whittaker was the first full-time employee of the outdoor company Recreational Equipment Inc (REI) and served as its second President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) from 1971 to 1979.
  • He served as the state chairman for Senator Robert F Kennedy’s presidential campaign and climbed a 14,000-foot peak in Canada with him, which was later named Mount Kennedy.
  • His environmental advocacy contributed to the establishment of North Cascades National Park and Pasayten Wilderness in Washington, and Redwood National Park in California.
  • He documented his mountaineering experiences and life in his memoir titled A Life on the Edge.
India conducts Samudra Pradakshina all-women tri-service global circumnavigation expedition (Mid of May) ▼
  • The Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni is completing Samudra Pradakshina, which is India’s first all-women tri-service global circumnavigation expedition.
  • The crew comprises 10 women officers from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force (IAF), led by Expedition Leader Lieutenant Colonel Anuja Varudkar.
  • IASV Triveni is a 50-foot yacht built in Puducherry that is expected to complete the 43,000-kilometre expedition in June 2026.
  • The voyage commenced from Mumbai on 11 September 2025 and covered over 23,000 nautical miles by 8 May 2026 with stops in Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, and Cape Town.
  • The crew is scheduled to cross the equator twice and round three major landmarks: Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn, and the Cape of Good Hope.
Divya Singh cycles to Everest Base Camp in 14 days (Start of April) ▼
  • Divya Singh from Uttar Pradesh became the first woman of India to reach Everest Base Camp by bicycle after a 14-day journey from Kathmandu.
  • She cycled 10–12 hours daily, carrying her bicycle on shoulders when trails were too steep or unrideable.
  • A viral video shows her holding the Indian flag at Everest Base Camp upon completion of the expedition.

World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development observed on May 21

Key Updates:

  • The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is observed annually on 21 May.
  • The global campaign is spearheaded by the United Nations (UN) and supported by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
  • The Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity was endorsed by UNESCO in 2001.
  • The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) formally declared 21 May as the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development in December 2002.
  • The day emphasizes the power of cultural diversity in promoting peace, economic progress, and international collaboration.

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International Day for Biological Diversity on 22 May 2026: Acting locally for global impact (End of May) ▼
  • The International Day for Biological Diversity is observed on 22 May, and the theme for 2026 is Acting locally for global impact.
  • The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) is the global alliance of regional associations and national federations dedicated to animal care and habitat conservation.
  • Conservation efforts by WAZA members align with Target 4 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to halt human-induced extinctions.
  • The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has introduced reporting mechanisms that allow actors beyond governments to demonstrate their contributions to biodiversity recovery.
  • The Oklahoma City Zoo and its partners secured the first protected area dedicated to the Critically Endangered Campbell’s alligator lizard in Guatemala.
International Day of Living Together in Peace observed on May 16 with theme Building Trust through Dialogue, Inclusion, and Solidarity (Mid of May) ▼
  • 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.
  • The Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Nigeria partnered with Bethel Candle of Hope for the Vulnerable (BCHV) to form the Hayin Banki Peace and Reconciliation Committee in 2024.
  • The Hayin Banki Peace and Reconciliation Committee is located in Kaduna, Nigeria.
  • The GPF operates the Baltimore Cross-Community Reconciliation Project (BCCRP) in Baltimore, USA, to bridge divisions shaped by race, history, and economic inequality.
International Women's Day 2026 observed on March 8 with theme 'Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls' (Start of March) ▼
  • International Women's Day 2026 is observed globally on March 8.
  • The United Nations (UN) announced the 2026 theme as 'Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls'.
  • The UN officially recognised International Women's Day in 1975.

Rash Behari Bose Born on 25 May 1886 in Bardhaman District

Key Updates:

  • Rash Behari Bose was born on 25 May 1886 in Subaldaha village of Bardhaman district in undivided Bengal, now in West Bengal.
  • He was associated with the revolutionary organisation Yugantar and was linked to the 1912 bomb attack targeting Viceroy Charles Hardinge.
  • He participated in the Ghadar Movement and later took refuge in Japan in 1915.
  • In 1942, he established the Indian Independence League and organised the Indian National Army (INA) to challenge British rule.
  • He transferred the leadership of the INA to Subhas Chandra Bose and died in Tokyo on 21 January 1945.

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Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar Commemorated as Chief Architect of Indian Constitution (Mid of April) ▼
  • India observed Ambedkar Jayanti, also known as Bhim Jayanti, on 14 April 2026 to honour the contributions of Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar.
  • Dr Ambedkar, born in 1891 in Mhow, served as the chief architect of the Indian Constitution and was the first Law Minister of India.
  • He was the first Dalit to earn a doctorate in economics from abroad, having pursued higher education at Columbia University and the London School of Economics (LSE).
  • The day is observed as a gazetted public holiday across India and coincided with regional festivals including Baisakhi and Vishu.
  • As a jurist and economist, Dr Ambedkar led the drafting of the Constitution to safeguard the rights of marginalised communities and promote social justice.
Ambedkar Jayanti to be observed on 14 April 2026 (Mid of April) ▼
  • Ambedkar Jayanti, also known as Bhim Jayanti, will be observed on 14 April 2026 to mark the 135th birth anniversary of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.
  • Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (1891–1956) served as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution and is popularly known as the Father of the Indian Constitution.
  • He was born on 14 April 1891 in Mhow, which is currently located in the state of Madhya Pradesh.
  • Dr. Ambedkar was a prominent jurist, economist, and social reformer who advocated for Dalit rights, women's rights, and labour welfare.
  • Major memorials dedicated to him include Deekshabhoomi in Nagpur and Chaitya Bhoomi in Mumbai.
PM Modi and President Murmu paid tribute to Mahatma Jyotiba Phule on his 200th birth anniversary. (Mid of April) ▼
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Mahatma Jyotiba Phule on his 200th birth anniversary on Saturday.
  • President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi offered floral tributes at Prerna Sthal on the Parliament premises.
  • Mahatma Jyotiba Phule was born on April 11, 1827, in Satara, Maharashtra.
  • Phule founded the Satyashodhak Samaj to secure equal rights for peasants and lower castes.
  • Phule and his wife Savitribai Phule were pioneers of women's education in India.
Shaheed Diwas observed on March 23 and January 30 in India (End of March) ▼
  • Shaheed Diwas is observed annually on March 23 to honour the sacrifice of Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar.
  • The three revolutionaries were executed by the British government on March 23, 1931, for their role in the Indian freedom struggle.
  • India also observes Shaheed Diwas on January 30 to mark the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948.
  • The historical background of the March 23 observance is linked to the 1928 protests against the Simon Commission, which lacked Indian representation.
  • Lala Lajpat Rai, popularly known as Punjab Kesari, died after sustaining injuries during a police lathi charge in Lahore while protesting the Simon Commission.
  • Bhagat Singh defined revolution as an inalienable right of mankind and freedom as an imperishable birthright of all.

Neelam Meena Appointed Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal

Key Updates:

  • The Election Commission of India (ECI) appointed Neelam Meena as the new Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal.
  • She succeeds Manoj Kumar Agarwal, who was elevated to the post of chief secretary.
  • Neelam Meena is the second woman Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer to be appointed as the CEO of West Bengal, after Leena Chakraborty.
  • A 1998-batch IAS officer of the West Bengal cadre, Meena served as the principal secretary in the consumer affairs department since February 2024.
  • The appointment was made under sub-section (1) of Section 13A of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.

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Rathindra Bose elected Speaker of West Bengal assembly (Mid of May) ▼
  • 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.
Rathindra Bose Elected Speaker of West Bengal Assembly (Mid of May) ▼
  • 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.
Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Roll to purify Odisha's voter list (Mid of May) ▼
  • 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.
West Bengal Approves 7th Pay Commission and Annapurna Bhandar Scheme (End of May) ▼
  • The West Bengal government approved the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission to revise salaries, pensions, and allowances for lakhs of state government employees and retirees.
  • The decision was finalised during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to address long-standing demands from the state workforce.
  • The state cabinet proposed the Annapurna Bhandar scheme, which will be linked with beneficiaries of the existing Lakshmir Bhandar programme.
  • A new policy was approved to provide free travel for women in state-run buses starting from June 1.
  • The West Bengal government decided to discontinue all religion-based welfare assistance programmes starting from next month.

President Droupadi Murmu conferred Padma Awards 2026

Key Updates:

  • President Droupadi Murmu conferred Padma Awards 2026 to 66 personalities at the first Civil Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
  • A total of 131 Padma awards were approved for 2026, comprising five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awards.
  • Padma Vibhushan was awarded to Dharmendra Singh Deol posthumously for contribution to art and violin maestro Dr. N. Rajam.
  • Padma Bhushan was conferred upon Bhagat Singh Koshyari for public affairs, Dr R Ganesh for art, Uday Suresh Kumar Kotak for Trade and Industry, and Dr Kallipatti Ramasamy Palaiswamy for medicine.
  • Padma Shri recipients include Harmanpreet Kaur Bhuller for sports, Taga Ram Bheel for arts, Ratilal Mohanlal Borisagar, Swami Brahmdev, and Kumar Bose.

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Sumitra Guha and Laxman Pandit Honoured with Sur Jyotsna National Music Awards (End of April) ▼
  • Veteran Hindustani vocalists Sumitra Guha and Pandit Laxman Krishnarao Pandit were honoured at the 13th edition of the Sur Jyotsna National Music Awards for their contribution to Indian classical music.
  • The awards were instituted in memory of Jyotsna Darda, the founder of Lokmat Sakhi Manch.
  • The awards ceremony took place at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi and the honours were presented by Supreme Court judge Justice Sandeep Mehta.
  • The awards recognise excellence in Indian music and encourage emerging talent through selections from vocal and instrumental categories.
  • The awards were held across nine cities: Nagpur, Yavatmal, Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Kolhapur, Pune, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and New Delhi.
Krishnan Raghavan posthumously conferred Padma Shri. (Mid of March) ▼
  • Krishnan Raghavan, pen-name 'Kitna', was posthumously awarded the Padma Shri for 2023.
  • He belonged to the Alu Kurumba tribal community, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) of the Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu.
  • The award recognised his role in reviving and popularising the 3,000-year-old Kurumba painting tradition.
  • Fewer than 10 indigenous Kurumba painters remain, with only three knowing the natural colour extraction techniques.
Chiranjeevi Received NTR National Film Award at Gaddar Telangana Film Awards 2025 (Start of March) ▼
  • Megastar Chiranjeevi was conferred with the NTR National Film Award at the Gaddar Telangana Film Awards 2025.
  • The award was presented by the Government of Telangana, with the actor acknowledging Chief Minister (CM) Revanth Anumula and Bhatti Mallu.
  • The NTR National Film Award is named in honour of the legendary Telugu cinema figure, N. T. Rama Rao (NTR).
  • Chiranjeevi was previously honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2006 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2024.
  • Other major winners at the ceremony included Naga Chaitanya, who was named Best Actor, and Rashmika Mandanna, who was named Best Actress.
  • The actor's recent work includes the hit film Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu, and his upcoming projects include the socio-fantasy film Vishwambhara and a project with director Srikanth Odela.
Tamil poet Vairamuthu named 2025 Jnanpith Award winner (Mid of March) ▼
  • Vairamuthu has been conferred the 60th Jnanpith Award, India’s highest literary honour, announced by Bharatiya Jnanpith on Saturday.
  • He becomes the third Tamil writer to receive the Jnanpith Award after Akilan and Jayakanthan.
  • The Jnanpith Selection Committee chaired by Pratibha Ray selected Vairamuthu for his originality, creative depth and distinct poetic voice.
  • Vairamuthu has authored over 37 books including poetry collections, novels and travel writings such as Kallikattu Ithikasam, Karuvachi Kaviyam, Thanni Desam and Moondraam Ulaga Por.
  • He has won the National Film Award for Best Lyrics seven times.
  • Vairamuthu received the Padma Shri in 2003 and the Padma Bhushan in 2014.
  • He won the Sahitya Akademi Award for his novel Kallikattu Ithikasam.
  • The Jnanpith Award carries a cash prize of ₹11 lakh, a bronze statuette of Goddess Saraswati and a citation.

Anurag Garg extended as Director General of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)

Key Updates:

  • Anurag Garg is a 1993 batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Himachal Pradesh cadre.
  • Garg was appointed as the Director General (DG) of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in September 2024.
  • The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved the extension of his deputation tenure as DG, NCB, up to July 31, 2027.
  • July 31, 2027, is the date of superannuation for Anurag Garg.
  • The extension order was issued by the Personnel Ministry on May 21.

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NAAC accreditation freeze for 2024-2025 academic year (Start of April) ▼
  • No university or college received fresh accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) during the 2024-2025 academic year.
  • NAAC had accredited 1,790 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the 2023-2024 academic year.
  • NAAC received accreditation requests from 2,300 institutions for 2024-2025.
  • As of 14 August 2025, NAAC had accredited 509 universities, 7,783 colleges, and 290 autonomous colleges.
  • This represents less than 20% of about 50,000 colleges and roughly 40% of 1,170 universities in the country.
  • The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill proposes a new Accreditation Council to oversee state agencies, replacing the Bengaluru-based NAAC monopoly.
  • Ten NAAC members were arrested in February 2025 after a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into bribery allegations for granting A++ accreditation to the Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation in Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh.
  • A senior education official stated that the revamped accreditation process is expected to restart within a couple of months.
Rajneesh Karnatak, Debadatta Chand and Ashutosh Choudhury granted tenure extensions as Bank CEOs and Executive Director (End of April) ▼
  • The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the tenure extensions via an official order dated April 22.
  • Rajneesh Karnatak received a three-year extension as Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bank of India (BoI) beyond August 28, 2026.
  • Debadatta Chand received a three-year extension as MD and CEO of Bank of Baroda (BoB) beyond June 30, 2026.
  • Ashutosh Choudhury received a three-year extension as Executive Director at Indian Bank beyond May 2, 2026.
  • The approvals were cleared following proposals from the Department of Financial Services under the Ministry of Finance.
Rajneesh Karnatak, Debadatta Chand and Ashutosh Choudhary extended as Bank Executives (End of April) ▼
  • Rajneesh Karnatak, Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bank of India (BoI), has had his tenure extended for three years effective April 29, 2026.
  • Karnatak was appointed as MD and CEO of BoI in 2023 for a term of three years.
  • Debadatta Chand, MD and CEO of Bank of Baroda (BoB), has had his tenure extended for three years effective July 1, 2026.
  • The extension for Chand was approved by the Appointment Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), which is headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
  • Ashutosh Choudhary has had his term as Executive Director of Indian Bank extended for another three years.
  • The term of Ashwani Kumar, MD and CEO of UCO Bank, ends on June 1, 2026.
Nidhi Chhibber takes additional charge as NITI Aayog CEO as BVR Subrahmanyam tenure ends (End of February) ▼
  • Nidhi Chhibber, Director General of the Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO), has been given additional charge as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NITI Aayog.
  • She is a 1994-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Chhattisgarh cadre and previously served as Chairperson of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).
  • At NITI Aayog’s DMEO, she has been responsible for monitoring and evaluating flagship government schemes.
  • Chhibber holds a Master’s degree in History and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), and is proficient in both English and Hindi.
  • BVR Subrahmanyam, a 1987-batch IAS officer of the Chhattisgarh cadre, completed his three-year term as CEO of NITI Aayog.
  • Subrahmanyam has served as Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Chief Secretary of Jammu & Kashmir, Principal Secretary in the Chhattisgarh government, and has also worked in the Prime Minister’s Office.

C. P. Radhakrishnan Releases Book The Library Man of India: The Story of P.N. Panicker

Key Updates:

  • Vice President of India C. P. Radhakrishnan released the book titled The Library Man of India: The Story of P.N. Panicker at Uprashtrapati Bhavan.
  • The book, which chronicles the life and contributions of P.N. Panicker, is authored by P.P. Sathyan.
  • Union Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Tourism Suresh Gopi and former Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Prof. P.J. Kurien attended the event.
  • Vice Chairman of P.N. Panicker Foundation N. Balagopal was among the dignitaries present at the book release on 25 May 2026.
  • Sansad Television (Sansad TV) is the parliamentary channel of India that was established in 2021 through the merger of Lok Sabha Television and Rajya Sabha Television.

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Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan released 16 Publications Division books on Tamil civilization. (Start of March) ▼
  • Vice-President of India Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan released 16 books on Tamil civilization at Uparashtrapati Bhavan.
  • The books were published by the Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
  • The volumes cover themes including Rameswaram, Sri Ramanuja, Nadukal tradition, Arikamedu, Bhakti literature, natural farming, ancient Tamil instruments, folk deities, Meenakshi Amman Temple, Brihadeesvara Temple, Manimekalai, and Mahavidwan Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai.
  • A trilingual book on Bankim Chandra Chatterjee was also released in Tamil, English, and Hindi.
  • The Vice-President highlighted Tamil freedom fighters Pulithevar, Velu Nachiyar, Veerapandiya Kattabomman, Ondiveeran, Thiruppur Kumaran, Theeran Chinnamalai, Kuyili, Sundaralinganar, and the Marudhu Brothers.
Dr Mansukh Mandaviya releases book "Mahatma: A Great Communicator" (Start of March) ▼
  • Union Minister of Labour and Employment and Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, released the book "Mahatma: A Great Communicator" at Gandhi Darshan, Rajghat, New Delhi.
  • The book was authored by Additional Director General Akashvani, Dr Dhiraj Kakadia.
  • The book is published in Hindi, English, and Gujarati languages.
  • The book focuses on Mahatma Gandhi's life and the impact of his communication skills during the freedom movement.
Vice President releases Sudha Murty’s book 'Tides of Time: Bharat’s History through Murals in Parliament' on 1 April 2026 (Start of April) ▼
  • Vice President of India and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (RS) Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan released the book 'Tides of Time: Bharat’s History through Murals in Parliament' authored by Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) Smt. Sudha Murty at Samvidhan Sadan on 1 April 2026.
  • The 124-mural documentation is published by the Lok Sabha Secretariat (LSS).
  • The murals span from the Indus Valley Civilization to freedom struggle icons Mahatma Gandhi and Subhas Chandra Bose, covering intellectual figures Maharishi Valmiki and Chanakya, spiritual leaders Mahavira and Gautama Buddha, rulers Emperor Ashoka and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and cultural landmarks like the Konark Sun Temple and the Bhakti movement.
  • The Vice President highlighted ancient democratic practices such as Vaishali’s republican traditions and the Kudavolai system of southern India.
  • He linked the Chola-era Sengol installed in the new Parliament building to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s integration of heritage with governance.
  • Shri Radhakrishnan listed Dialogue, Debate, Dissent, and Discussion as core parliamentary democratic principles.
  • He reiterated the Prime Minister’s 'Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi' vision anchoring Viksit Bharat @ 2047.
  • The release event was attended by Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla, Union Ministers Shri J. P. Nadda and Shri Manohar Lal, Deputy Chairman Rajya Sabha Shri Harivansh, MPs, and senior officials of both Houses.
Gyan Bharatam Mission launches nationwide survey to map India’s manuscript heritage (Mid of March) ▼
  • Ministry of Culture (MoC) will conduct a three-month nationwide survey from Monday to map India’s manuscript heritage.
  • Survey teams will identify manuscripts in institutions, private collections and with individual custodians starting at district level.
  • Discovered manuscripts will be geotagged and uploaded in real time through the Gyan Bharatam mobile application.
  • The mission aims to create a consolidated database and national digital repository on the Gyan Bharatam Mission central portal.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the Gyan Bharatam Mission in the Union Budget 2025–26 and described it as the proclamation of India's culture, literature and consciousness.
  • State and district-level committees chaired by chief secretaries and district magistrates have been set up to oversee the survey.
  • Existing digitised collections exceeding one million manuscripts held by institutions and state governments will be integrated into the central platform.