Current Affairs

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  • Awards & Honours – National and international recognitions

  • Culture & Heritage – Festivals, traditions, and notable cultural events

  • Science & Technology – ISRO, DRDO, space missions, innovations, discoveries

  • Polity & Governance – Constitutional amendments, committees, judicial updates

  • Important Days & Themes – Monthly observances and exam-relevant themes

  • Government Schemes – New initiatives, updates, launches, and budgets

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International Day for Biological Diversity = 22 May

International Day for Biological Diversity is observed every year on 22 May to promote awareness about the importance of biodiversity and the need for conservation. The 2026 theme, “Acting Locally for Global Impact,” highlights the role of community-level efforts in protecting biodiversity and supporting the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

The day is organized by the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) under the United Nations framework and is linked to the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Biodiversity includes plants, animals, microorganisms, ecosystems, and genetic diversity that sustain life on Earth.

Growing threats such as climate change, pollution, deforestation, and overuse of natural resources are causing rapid biodiversity loss. The Kunming-Montreal Framework aims to halt and reverse this decline through global goals for 2050 and 23 action targets to be achieved by 2030.

BEL to Supply High Power Microwave Systems to Indian Navy for Neutralizing Drone Threats

The Indian Navy has awarded a major contract under the ADITI 3.0 framework to Bengaluru-based defence technology firm Tonbo Imaging for the integration and commissioning of High Power Microwave (HPM) systems on naval platforms. These directed-energy weapons will help India counter drone swarms and disable adversary electronics, marking a significant step in indigenous defence modernization.

What is ADITI 3.0?

  • ADITI (Advanced Defence Technology Incubation) is a Government of India initiative under the Ministry of Defence.
  • It supports iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) and the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) to incubate and validate advanced defence technologies before induction.

About High Power Microwave (HPM) Systems

  • Directed-energy weapons that use concentrated electromagnetic pulses instead of ammunition.
  • Can disable or degrade enemy electronics, sensors, and unmanned systems without kinetic damage.
  • Considered one of the most effective counters to drone swarms and asymmetric threats in maritime warfare.

Role of Tonbo Imaging

  • Selected for its indigenous expertise in vacuum tube technologies, critical for generating high peak power in HPM systems.
  • Will handle system integration, commissioning, and production supply after validation.
  • Already has a portfolio of advanced defence electronics, electro-optics, and missile seeker technologies.

FAO Agricola Medal Awarded to PM Modi During Italy Visit 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Italy on 19–20 May 2026, where India and Italy elevated their ties to a Special Strategic Partnership, signed a defence industrial roadmap, and set a target to expand bilateral trade to €20 billion by 2029. PM Modi was also awarded the prestigious FAO Agricola Medal for his contribution to food security and sustainable agriculture.

📌 Key Highlights of the Visit

  • Dates: 19–20 May 2026 (final leg of Modi’s five-nation tour).
  • Meetings:
    • With Italian PM Giorgia Meloni – talks on trade, defence, clean energy, AI, critical minerals, space, and nuclear energy.
    • With President Sergio Mattarella – discussions on investment, technology, and cultural linkages.
  • Special Strategic Partnership: Relations upgraded to the highest level of cooperation, ensuring annual leader-level meetings and ministerial exchanges.
  • Defence Roadmap: Joint declaration for co-design, co-development, and co-production of defence products.
  • Trade Target: Expand bilateral trade to €20 billion by 2029 (from €14.25 billion in 2025).
  • FAO Honour: Modi received the Agricola Medal, FAO’s highest award, for promoting food security and sustainable agriculture.

PRAGATI 2026: India Hosts 12-Nation Military Exercise in Meghalaya

PRAGATI 2026 is a major multilateral military exercise hosted by India at Umroi Military Station, Meghalaya, from 18–31 May 2026, with participation from 12 friendly nations. It focuses on counter-terrorism operations in semi-mountainous and jungle terrain, strengthening defence cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region.

📌 Key Details

  • Name: PRAGATI (Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region).
  • Year: 2026.
  • Location: Umroi Military Station, Meghalaya, India.
  • Dates: 18–31 May 2026.
  • Participants: 12 nations — Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam.
  • Objective: Enhance regional cooperation, share best practices, and strengthen military-to-military ties.

International Tea Day 2026 | 21 May

International Tea Day is observed every year on 21 May to recognize the cultural, economic, and social importance of tea across the world. In 2026, the official theme is “Sustaining Tea, Supporting Communities.” The day highlights tea’s rich cultural heritage, health benefits, and its contribution to employment and sustainable development.

Tea is one of the most consumed beverages globally and supports the livelihoods of more than 13 million people, especially smallholder farmers and tea workers in developing countries. The observance also promotes sustainable tea production, fair trade practices, and better working conditions in the tea industry.

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) officially declared 21 May as International Tea Day in 2019, and the first official celebration was held in 2020. Countries such as India, China, Sri Lanka, and Kenya are among the leading tea producers in the world. International Tea Day reminds people of tea’s global significance in culture, trade, and rural development.

WHO Declares Ebola Outbreak in Central Africa a Global Health Emergency

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola outbreak in Central Africa a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on 17 May 2026 following a rapid rise in cases and cross-border spread between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda.

The outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which no licensed vaccine or specific treatment is currently available. As of 16 May 2026, authorities reported 8 confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases, and 80 suspected deaths in eastern DRC’s Ituri Province. Several healthcare workers were also infected.

The virus spread internationally after two Ebola cases were detected in Kampala, Uganda, linked to travel from the DRC. Ongoing violence and displacement in eastern DRC have further increased the risk of transmission.

WHO advised countries to strengthen border screening, contact tracing, and laboratory preparedness, while recommending against international travel or trade restrictions.

India Declared Completely Free from Naxalism

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on 19 May 2026 that India has become completely free from Naxalism (Left-Wing Extremism), achieving the government’s March 31, 2026 target. The declaration was made in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, marking the end of a 55-year Maoist insurgency that began in 1971.

The success was credited to joint anti-Naxal operations such as Operation Black Forest and Operation Prahar conducted by CAPF, CRPF CoBRA commandos, and local security forces.

To promote development in tribal areas, 70 former security camps in Bastar will be converted into “Sewa Deras” for delivery of government welfare schemes, banking, healthcare, and education services. The government has also launched a ₹20 crore rehabilitation plan for surrendered Naxal cadres through education and skill development.

Indus Waters Treaty 2026: India Rejects Hague Court Ruling as “Null and Void”

On 15 May 2026, the Court of Arbitration (CoA) at The Hague issued a ruling on “maximum pondage” in India’s Indus river hydroelectric projects. India categorically rejected the award on 16 May 2026, calling it “null and void” and reaffirming that the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) remains in abeyance since April 2025.

📌 Key Facts

  • Treaty Signed: 19 September 1960, mediated by the World Bank between India (PM Jawaharlal Nehru) and Pakistan (President Ayub Khan).
  • Allocation:
    • India: Ravi, Beas, Sutlej (Eastern rivers).
    • Pakistan: Indus, Jhelum, Chenab (Western rivers).
  • Projects in Dispute: Kishanganga (J&K) and Ratle (Chenab basin).
  • CoA Ruling Date: 15 May 2026 (supplemental award on pondage).
  • India’s Response: 16 May 2026 – MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal declared the ruling “null and void.”
  • Treaty Status: India placed IWT in abeyance in April 2025 after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians.

PM Modi’s Five-Nation Foreign Tour (15–20 May 2026)

PM Narendra Modi is on a six-day, five-nation foreign tour (15–20 May 2026) covering the UAE, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy. The visit focuses on energy security, trade, technology, and strategic partnerships, marking India’s most significant diplomatic outreach of the year.

🌍 Tour Overview (15–20 May 2026)

  • Countries visited: United Arab Emirates, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Italy
  • Purpose: Strengthen energy security, boost trade & investment, deepen technology cooperation, and expand strategic partnerships.
  • Context: Comes amid global energy price shocks and geopolitical tensions in West Asia and Europe.

🏛 Country-wise Highlights

CountryKey EngagementsFocus Areas
UAE (15 May)Met President Mohamed bin Zayed Al NahyanEnergy security, crude oil & LNG supplies, investment, regional security
Netherlands (15–17 May)Talks with PM Rob Jetten, met King Willem-Alexander & Queen MáximaTrade, semiconductors, water management, clean energy, India–EU trade pact
Sweden (17–18 May)Met PM Ulf Kristersson, EU Chief Ursula von der LeyenInnovation, clean energy, investment, conferred with Royal Order of Polar Star
Norway (18–19 May)Met PM Jonas Gahr Støre, King Harald VGreen Strategic Partnership, Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, India–Nordic Summit
Italy (19–20 May)Scheduled talks with PM Giorgia MeloniDefence, mobility, maritime cooperation, manufacturing partnerships

Bhojshala Complex in Madhya Pradesh Declared a Temple of Goddess Saraswati

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has granted Hindus unrestricted access to the Bhojshala complex in Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh for worship and related activities. The decision came after the Madhya Pradesh High Court ruled on 15 May 2026 that Bhojshala is a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati.

The Indore bench of the High Court also quashed the ASI’s 7 April 2003 order that had allowed Muslims to offer namaz at the site every Friday. The court stated that the Centre and ASI can manage and administer the complex.

According to ASI, Bhojshala was historically a centre of learning and research in Sanskrit language, grammar, and literature, besides being a temple. The court further suggested that the Muslim community may seek separate land from the state government for construction of a mosque.

Bhojshala is an 11th-century ASI-protected monument located in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh.

PM Narendra Modi Receives Sweden’s Highest Civilian Honour

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred Sweden’s highest civilian honour, the Royal Order of the Polar Star, Commander Grand Cross, during his visit to Gothenburg on 17 May 2026.

The award was presented by Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden in the presence of Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. Instituted in 1748, the honour is Sweden’s highest distinction awarded to a Head of Government.

The Polar Star symbolises enlightenment and overcoming the “darkness of ignorance.” PM Modi dedicated the honour to the people of India and the strong India-Sweden friendship.

With this, Narendra Modi has received his 31st international honour, reflecting India’s growing global influence and diplomatic stature.

CBSE Makes Three-Language Study Mandatory for Classes 9–10 From July 1

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that from July 1, 2026, students of Classes 9 and 10 will be required to study three languages. Under the revised policy, at least two of these must be Indian languages, while the third may be a foreign language.

The third language (R3) will be assessed internally by schools and will not form part of the Class 10 Board examination. CBSE has directed schools to use Class 6-level textbooks for R3 temporarily, supplemented with regional literary material, until dedicated secondary-level books are introduced.

This move aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and aims to strengthen multilingual learning while reducing exam pressure. Schools have been advised to adopt flexible measures, including resource sharing and virtual teaching, to address possible teacher shortages.

Possible Combination for a Hindi Speaking States Student:

  • R1: Hindi (Indian language, compulsory)
  • R2: English (global language, compulsory in CBSE schools)
  • R3: Sanskrit or Urdu (Indian language, chosen by student/school)

India Wins 5 Medals at 11th Sanda World Cup 2026

India delivered an impressive performance at the 11th Sanda World Cup held in Macau on 15 May 2026, winning a total of 5 medals — 2 gold, 1 silver, and 2 bronze.

The Indian women athletes starred in the tournament by winning both gold medals:

  • Shivani won gold in the women’s 75kg category after defeating her Russian opponent.
  • Aparna secured gold in the 52kg category.

In the men’s section:

  • Kushal Kumar of the Indian Air Force won a silver medal in the 48kg category.
  • Kareena Kaushik and Sagar Dhaiya won bronze medals.

About Wushu

Wushu is a traditional Chinese martial art and combat sport. Wushu has been a core, official medal sport at the Asian Games since 1990. It features two main disciplines: Taolu (routine performance) and Sanda (full-contact combat).

India-UAE Sign Major Agreements on Energy and Defence Cooperation

On 15 May 2026, India and the UAE signed important agreements during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Abu Dhabi. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held talks with PM Modi amid the ongoing West Asia conflict.

Key Points

  • UAE pledged investments worth 5 billion US dollars in India.
  • India and UAE signed agreements on:
    • Strategic petroleum reserves
    • Long-term LPG supply
    • Defence cooperation
  • ADNOC and ISPRL signed a pact to enhance India’s energy security.
  • UAE participation in India’s strategic petroleum reserves will increase to 30 million barrels.
  • Both countries will cooperate in LNG and LPG storage facilities.
  • A strategic defence partnership framework was also signed for technology sharing, defence production, and regional security.
  • PM Modi condemned recent attacks on the UAE and reaffirmed India’s support.

VD Satheesan Becomes Kerala’s 13th Chief Minister

VD Satheesan was officially appointed as the 13th Chief Minister of Kerala on 14 May 2026 after the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) secured a decisive victory in the Assembly elections. The UDF won 102 out of 140 seats, ending the 10-year rule of the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF).

Satheesan, a senior Congress leader, represents the Paravur constituency in Ernakulam district and won his sixth consecutive term in 2026. He succeeded former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Born on 31 May 1964 in Kochi, VD Satheesan studied social work and law before practising at the Kerala High Court. He started his political career through student organisations NSUI and KSU and served as Leader of the Opposition from 2021 to 2026.

US–China Summit 2026: Trump–Xi Talks in Beijing on Global Issues

The US–China Summit (14–15 May 2026 in Beijing) brought President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping together for high-stakes talks amid global tensions. The summit focused on trade, Taiwan, and the Iran conflict, with both leaders stressing cooperation.

📌 Key Highlights of the Summit

  • Dates & Venue: 14–15 May 2026, Great Hall of the People, Beijing.
  • Leaders: US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

🌍 Strategic & Political Issues

  • Taiwan:
    • Xi warned that mishandling Taiwan could lead to “clashes and even conflicts.”
    • Trump had earlier approved a major arms package for Taiwan, which remains a sensitive flashpoint.
  • Iran Conflict:
    • Both leaders agreed Iran must never be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons.
    • They stressed the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open for global energy supplies.
    • Xi pledged China would not provide military equipment to Iran.

BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi

A two-day BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting began in New Delhi on 14 May 2026 under the chairmanship of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Foreign Ministers and representatives from BRICS member and partner countries are participating in the meeting and will also meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The ministers will discuss important global and regional issues. Sessions during the meeting include themes such as “BRICS@20: Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability” and reforms of global governance and the multilateral system.

India is chairing BRICS in 2026. Several international leaders, including representatives from Iran, Thailand, Cuba, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the UAE, arrived in New Delhi to attend the meeting.

Cabinet Approves MSP for Kharif Crops for Marketing Season 2026-27

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved an increase in the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for 14 Kharif crops for the 2026-27 marketing season on 13 May 2026.

Important MSP Rates for 2026-27

  • Paddy (Common): ₹2441 per quintal
  • Bajra: ₹2900 per quintal
  • Maize: ₹2410 per quintal
  • Tur/Arhar: ₹8450 per quintal
  • Moong: ₹8780 per quintal
  • Groundnut: ₹7517 per quintal
  • Sunflower Seed: ₹8343 per quintal
  • Cotton (Medium Staple): ₹8267 per quintal

Himanta Biswa Sarma Sworn In as Assam Chief Minister for Second Consecutive Term

Himanta Biswa Sarma was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Assam for a second consecutive term on 12 May 2026 at Veterinary Ground, Khanapara, Guwahati. The oath was administered by Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and several NDA leaders.

Along with Himanta Biswa Sarma, four leaders — Rameswar Teli, Ajanta Neog, Atul Bora, and Charan Boro — also took oath as ministers.

The swearing-in marked the third consecutive NDA government in Assam after victories in 2016, 2021, and 2026. In the 126-member Assam Assembly, the NDA secured 102 seats, including 82 seats won by the BJP.

Himanta Biswa Sarma also became the first non-Congress leader in Assam’s history to serve two consecutive terms as Chief Minister.

NEET-UG 2026 Cancelled After Paper Leak; CBI Probe Ordered

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 examination conducted on 3 May 2026 after confirmation of a paper leak and malpractice. The decision, announced on 10 May 2026, has affected more than 22 lakh students who appeared for the exam across 5,400 centres in 551 Indian cities and 14 international locations.

The cancellation was approved following inputs from law enforcement and central agencies confirming irregularities in the examination process. The Government of India has ordered a CBI probe into the paper leak case.

Investigations by the Rajasthan SOG found that question papers had been circulated before the exam, and the leaked sets matched the actual NEET paper. Two alleged masterminds, Manish Yadav and Rakesh Mandavriya, were arrested in connection with the case.

The NTA announced that a re-examination will be conducted soon, and students will not need to register again or pay any additional fee. The agency also confirmed that the exam fees will be refunded.

Centre Launches Viksit Bharat GRAM G Act to Replace MGNREGA

The Central Government notified the implementation of the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 [VB-G RAM G] on 11 May 2026. The Act will be implemented across the country from 1 July 2026 with a budget allocation of ₹95,692 crore for the current financial year.

The new Act replaces the 20-year-old Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005. Under the new framework, the guaranteed wage employment in rural areas has been increased from 100 days to 125 days per financial year to provide greater income security and support rural development.

The Act emphasizes timely, transparent, and accountable wage payments and also includes a provision for unemployment allowance if work is not provided within the stipulated time.

To promote greater participation of women, the Act introduces childcare support at worksites. A woman worker will be appointed to care for children wherever five or more children below the age of five are present at the worksite.

The VB-G RAM G Act aims to strengthen rural employment generation and support the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

National Technology Day and Pokhran-II

National Technology Day is observed every year on 11 May to commemorate India’s Pokhran-II nuclear tests conducted in 1998 and to celebrate the country’s achievements in science and technology. The day was declared by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1999 after Operation Shakti.

On 11 May 1998, India successfully conducted the Pokhran-II nuclear tests, establishing itself as a nuclear-capable nation. On the same day, the indigenous Hansa-3 aircraft completed its maiden flight, and the Trishul missile was successfully tested under DRDO’s missile programme.

The 2026 theme focuses on India’s advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), semiconductors, clean energy, digital infrastructure, and space technology. Recent achievements highlighted include Chandrayaan-3, Aditya-L1, and the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, which achieved first criticality in 2026.

National Panchayat Awards 2025: 42 Panchayats Selected Across India

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj announced the National Panchayat Awards 2025, recognising 42 Panchayats for excellence in rural development, good governance, and sustainable development goals (SDGs). The awards ceremony will be held on 3 June 2026 in New Delhi.

The awards are given under the DDUPSVP and NDSPSVP categories for outstanding Gram, Block, and District Panchayats. Karnataka won the highest number of awards (6), followed by Andhra Pradesh and Odisha with 5 awards each.

A key highlight was Kawrthah North Village Council in Mizoram, which secured the top rank in the “Clean and Green Panchayat” category for its work in environmental conservation and sustainable rural development.

Among the top overall winners:

  • Sepahijala (Tripura) won Best District Panchayat
  • Harippad (Kerala) won Best Block Panchayat
  • New Napam (Assam) won Best Gram Panchayat

The awards are part of the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) and include prize money ranging from ₹50 lakh to ₹5 crore.

TVK Chief C. Joseph Vijay Sworn In as Tamil Nadu CM

C. Joseph Vijay, popularly known as “Thalapathy”, was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on 10 May 2026 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai. The oath of office was administered by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar.

Vijay became the first Chief Minister from the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), marking the end of nearly 50 years of DMK–AIADMK political dominance in Tamil Nadu. His party, TVK, won 108 seats in the Assembly elections and formed the government with support from coalition partners including Congress, VCK, CPI, CPI(M), and IUML, taking the alliance strength to 120+ MLAs.

Along with Vijay, nine ministers were also sworn in as part of the new cabinet. His swearing-in marked a major political shift in Tamil Nadu politics.

Suvendu Adhikari Becomes First BJP Chief Minister of West Bengal

Suvendu Adhikari took oath as the first BJP Chief Minister of West Bengal on 9 May 2026. The oath was administered by Governor RN Ravi at the Brigade Parade Grounds in Kolkata. Along with him, five BJP leaders — Dilip Ghosh, Agnimitra Paul, Ashok Kirtania, Nisith Pramanik, and Kshudiram Tudu — were sworn in as Cabinet Ministers.

The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and several BJP and NDA leaders. The event was held on Pochishe Boishak, celebrating the 165th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore.

In the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, the BJP won a decisive victory with 207 seats out of 294, ending the 15-year rule of the Trinamool Congress, which secured 80 seats. Prime Minister Modi congratulated Suvendu Adhikari on becoming the Chief Minister.

India Successfully Tests Advanced Agni Missile with MIRV Technology

India successfully tested an Advanced Agni missile equipped with Multiple Independently Targeted Re-Entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology on 8 May 2026 from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha. The missile carried multiple payloads aimed at different targets across the Indian Ocean Region. Tracking systems on ground stations and ships monitored the entire flight, and all mission objectives were successfully achieved.

The test demonstrated India’s capability to strike multiple strategic targets using a single missile. Developed by DRDO with support from Indian industries, the missile strengthens India’s defence preparedness and strategic deterrence capability. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Indian Army, and the defence industry for the successful trial.

MIRV (Multiple Independently Targeted Re-Entry Vehicle) technology allows one missile to carry several warheads that can hit different targets independently. Agni-5, with a range of 5,000+ km, is now MIRV-capable.

Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani Appointed as New Chief of Defence Staff

The Government has appointed Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani (Retd) as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Secretary of the Department of Military Affairs. He will succeed General Anil Chauhan, whose tenure ends on 30 May 2026.

Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani is currently serving as the Military Adviser at the National Security Council Secretariat. Earlier, he served as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff and General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Command. Commissioned into the 8th Battalion of the Garhwal Rifles in 1985, he has over 40 years of military experience.

During his distinguished career, he commanded several important formations, including 16 Garhwal Rifles, 17 Mountain Division, and the prestigious 2 Corps on the Western Front. He has also served in key staff and instructional roles, including Defence Attaché in Kazakhstan and Chief Instructor at DSSC Wellington.

For his outstanding service, he has been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), Sena Medal (SM), and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM).

Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan Appointed as New Chief of the Naval Staff

The Government has appointed Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan as the new Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS). He will succeed Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, who is set to retire on 31 May 2026.

Vice Admiral Swaminathan is currently serving as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command and is a specialist in Communication and Electronic Warfare. Commissioned into the Indian Navy on 1 July 1987, he is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA) and several prestigious defence institutions in India, the UK, and the USA.

During his distinguished naval career, he commanded several major warships, including INS Vikramaditya, INS Mysore, and INS Kulish. He has also held important positions such as Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, Chief of Personnel, and Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet.

A recipient of the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM), Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan is known for his contributions to naval operations, training, and maritime security.

Skyroot Aerospace Becomes India’s First Spacetech Unicorn

Skyroot Aerospace became India’s first spacetech unicorn on 7 May 2026 after raising $60 million at a $1.1 billion valuation. Skyroot is preparing to launch Vikram-1 from Sriharikota in the coming weeks, a mission that could become a major milestone for India’s fast-growing private space sector.

  • Significance:
    • First Indian spacetech start‑up to achieve unicorn status.
    • Strengthens India’s private space ecosystem after liberalisation of space sector in 2020.
    • Supports development of Vikram series rockets for cost‑effective satellite launches.

JANANI Platform Launched to Improve Maternal and Child Healthcare in India

The Union Health Ministry launched JANANI (Journey of Antenatal, Natal and Neonatal Integrated Care) to strengthen maternal and child healthcare in India on 7 May 2026. Developed as an upgraded version of the RCH portal, the digital platform helps track services like antenatal care, delivery, postnatal care, newborn care, immunization, and family planning.

JANANI features QR-enabled digital MCH cards, alerts for high-risk pregnancies, and integration with platforms like U-WIN and POSHAN. It supports registration through ABHA, Aadhaar, and mobile numbers to ensure continuity of care and better monitoring.

Till May 2026, the platform has recorded 1.34 crore beneficiary registrations and over 30 lakh pregnant women registrations.

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