Current Affairs

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Surha Tal in Ballia Declared India’s 100th Ramsar Site

Surha Tal (Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary) in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh has officially been designated as India’s 100th Ramsar site on June 5, 2026, marking a historic milestone in wetland conservation. This 3,400-hectare wetland is rich in avifaunal biodiversity, supports migratory birds, recharges groundwater, and strengthens climate resilience.

🌿 Key Highlights of Surha Tal’s Ramsar Designation

  • Location: Ballia district, Uttar Pradesh
  • Official Name: Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (popularly known as Surha Tal)
  • Area Covered: ~3,400 hectares
  • Declared As: India’s 100th Ramsar site on World Environment Day (June 5, 2026)
  • Ecological Importance:
    • Habitat for migratory and resident birds
    • Supports local irrigation and groundwater recharge
    • Acts as a buffer against floods and droughts
    • Enhances climate resilience and biodiversity conservation

📖 What is a Ramsar Site?

  • Definition: Wetlands of international importance recognized under the Ramsar Convention (1971, Iran).
  • India’s Membership: Joined in 1982; now has 100 Ramsar sites across states and union territories.
  • Global Context: UK leads with 176 sites; India ranks among the top three globally.
  • Functions of Ramsar Wetlands:
    • Flood control and water purification
    • Carbon storage and climate regulation
    • Habitat for endangered species
    • Livelihood support for local communities

📊First Ramsar Site in India – Chilika Lake (Odisha) & Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan)

RBI Keeps Repo Rate Unchanged at 5.25%

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting held on 5 June 2026, unanimously decided to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25%. The MPC also retained its neutral policy stance, citing global economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions in West Asia, and inflation concerns.

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra stated that the decision was taken after assessing current macroeconomic and financial conditions. Accordingly, the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) rate remains at 5.0%, while the Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) rate and Bank Rate remain at 5.5%.

The RBI highlighted risks arising from supply chain disruptions, rising energy prices, global market volatility, and ongoing geopolitical tensions. Despite these challenges, the Governor noted that the Indian economy is better positioned than in previous periods of global turbulence due to its strong economic fundamentals.

Neelkanth Mishra Appointed India’s Executive Director at World Bank

On 4 June 2026, noted economist Neelkanth Mishra was appointed as India’s Executive Director at the World Bank for a three-year term. He succeeds Parameswaran Iyer and will be based at the World Bank headquarters in Washington, D.C.

As Executive Director, Mishra will represent India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka on the World Bank Board. His appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).

Neelkanth Mishra is an alumnus of IIT Kanpur and has held several prominent positions, including Chief Economist at Axis Bank, Head of Global Research at Axis Capital, and Managing Director at Credit Suisse. He has also served as a member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), Chairperson of UIDAI, and a member of TRAI.

In his new role, he will help oversee the World Bank’s policies, lending decisions, and development projects, particularly those affecting South Asian countries.

World Environment Day 2026

World Environment Day is observed every year on 5 June to raise awareness about environmental protection and encourage sustainable actions. It is led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and is the world’s largest environmental awareness campaign.

The theme of World Environment Day 2026 is “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.” The campaign focuses on climate change, nature-based solutions, and the urgent need to protect ecosystems for a sustainable future. The campaign message for 2026 is #NowForClimate.

The Republic of Azerbaijan is hosting the global observance of World Environment Day 2026. The event highlights the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving biodiversity, promoting clean energy, and encouraging people to take action against climate change.

World Environment Day was established by the United Nations in 1972, and the first celebration was held in 1973. Today, it is observed in more than 150 countries, involving governments, organizations, schools, and citizens in environmental conservation activities.

Five Countries Elected as Non-Permanent Members of UN Security Council

The United Nations General Assembly has elected Austria, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, and Zimbabwe as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council (UNSC) for a two-year term (2027–2028).

The five countries will begin their tenure on 1 January 2027 and serve until 31 December 2028. They will replace the outgoing non-permanent members Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia.

The UN Security Council consists of 15 members, including 5 permanent members—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States—and 10 non-permanent members elected by the UN General Assembly. To secure a non-permanent seat, a candidate must receive a two-thirds majority of the votes cast by member states present and voting.

The election reflects the UN’s principle of regional representation, with non-permanent seats distributed among different geographic regions and renewed on a rotating basis.

“India’s First Olympic Gold” Book by K. Arumugam Released by P. T. Usha

On 29 May 2026, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President P. T. Usha released the book “India’s First Olympic Gold” in New Delhi. The book is authored by noted hockey historian K. Arumugam and celebrates India’s historic first Olympic gold medal in hockey at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics.

The book highlights the Indian hockey team’s journey, including the financial difficulties, selection controversies, and the outstanding contribution of Major Dhyan Chand, who emerged as India’s first international sporting icon. It also recounts how India won the 1928 Olympic hockey gold without conceding a single goal throughout the tournament.

The victory marked the beginning of India’s dominance in Olympic hockey, with the country eventually winning eight Olympic gold medals in the sport. The book launch was attended by several prominent sports personalities, including Dilip Tirkey, former Olympians, and hockey legends.

Base Year of Wholesale Price Index (WPI) Revised to 2022–23

The Government of India has approved the revision of the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) base year from 2011–12 to 2022–23. The revised WPI series and new Producer Price Indices (PPIs) will be released on 15 June 2026 by the Office of Economic Adviser, DPIIT.

The new WPI series includes several improvements, such as an increase in the number of items from 697 to 957, inclusion of solar, wind, and nuclear energy under the electricity category, and adoption of improved methodologies for weighting and price calculation.

Along with the revised WPI, the government will also introduce Output Producer Price Index (OPPI), Input Producer Price Index (IPPI), and Service Producer Price Index (PPI) for selected services. The move is aimed at aligning India’s price measurement system with global best practices and providing a more accurate picture of producer-level inflation.

Exam-Ready Facts

  • Old WPI Base Year: 2011–12
  • New WPI Base Year: 2022–23
  • Release Date of Revised Series: 15 June 2026
  • Releasing Agency: Office of Economic Adviser, DPIIT
  • Number of WPI Items Increased: 697 → 957
  • New Energy Sources Included: Solar, Wind, and Nuclear Energy
  • New Indices Introduced: OPPI, IPPI, and Service PPI

Lokhande Prashant Sitaram Appointed New CBSE Chairperson

On 2 June 2026, The Government of India has appointed Lokhande Prashant Sitaram as the new Chairperson of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). He succeeds Nidhi Chhibber, who completed her tenure.

At the same time, the Ministry of Education has formed a high-level committee to examine the procurement process related to the On-Screen Marking (OSM) system used by CBSE for evaluation of answer sheets. The panel will review transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the digital marking system and suggest improvements.

CBSE, established in 1962 and headquartered in New Delhi, is India’s largest national education board and conducts major examinations such as Class 10 and 12 Board Exams and CTET. The latest developments aim to strengthen the administration and evaluation processes of the board.

Five New Judges Appointed to Supreme Court of India

On 2 June 2026, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant administered the oath of office to five new judges of the Supreme Court of India. With these appointments, the Supreme Court’s working strength increased to 37 judges against the sanctioned strength of 38.

The newly appointed judges are Justice Sheel Nagu, Justice Shree Chandrashekhar, Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva, Justice Arun Palli, and Senior Advocate V. Mohana. Four of them were serving as Chief Justices of High Courts, while V. Mohana was elevated directly from the Bar.

The appointments are expected to improve judicial efficiency and help reduce the backlog of pending cases. Notably, V. Mohana became only the second woman in India’s history to be directly elevated from the Bar to the Supreme Court, after Justice Indu Malhotra in 2018.

Satwik-Chirag Win Singapore Open 2026 Men’s Doubles Title

India’s badminton pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty won the Men’s Doubles title at the Singapore Open 2026 on 31 May 2026.

In the final, they defeated Japan’s Takuro Hoki and Yugo Kobayashi with a score of 21–18, 21–16.

This was the first Singapore Open title for the Indian duo. The victory strengthened India’s position in international badminton and boosted their confidence ahead of the Paris 2026 Olympics.

Satwik and Chirag are among the world’s top men’s doubles pairs and have previously won the Thomas Cup (2022) and Asian Games gold medal (2023).

RCB Wins IPL 2026 Title, Defeats Gujarat Titans by 5 Wickets

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 title by defeating Gujarat Titans (GT) by 5 wickets in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on 31 May 2026. Chasing a target of 156 runs, Virat Kohli played a match-winning unbeaten knock of 75 runs off 42 balls, guiding RCB to 161/5 in 18 overs and securing the franchise’s second consecutive IPL championship.

Gujarat Titans posted 155/8 in 20 overs, with Washington Sundar top-scoring with an unbeaten 50 off 37 balls. RCB’s bowlers restricted GT through impressive performances from Rasikh Salam Dar (3/27), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/29), and Josh Hazlewood (2/37).

Virat Kohli was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 75, which included his fastest IPL fifty, reached in just 25 balls. The victory marked RCB’s second IPL title (2025 and 2026) and their first successful title defence, making them one of the few franchises to defend an IPL crown.

31 May is World No Tobacco Day

World No Tobacco Day is observed every year on 31 May to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use and nicotine addiction. The World Health Organization (WHO) has chosen the theme for 2026 as “Unmasking the Appeal – Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction.”

The campaign focuses on protecting children and adolescents from the growing use of e-cigarettes, vapes, and flavored nicotine products, which are often marketed as fashionable and safer alternatives to traditional tobacco. According to WHO, around 15 million adolescents aged 13–15 years use e-cigarettes globally, and young people are significantly more likely to vape than adults.

Tobacco remains a major public health challenge, causing over 7 million deaths worldwide each year. In India, tobacco-related diseases lead to approximately 1.35 million deaths annually, with oral cancers linked to smokeless tobacco products such as gutka, khaini, and pan masala being particularly common.

To reduce tobacco and nicotine addiction, WHO urges governments to ban flavored products, enforce plain packaging, restrict advertising and sponsorship, and increase taxes on tobacco products. The observance highlights the need for stronger measures to protect youth and promote a tobacco-free future.

Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing Visits India to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing is on his first official visit to India from 30 May to 3 June 2026 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit covers Bodh Gaya, New Delhi, and Mumbai, highlighting both cultural and strategic ties. Key discussions focus on defence cooperation, border security, trade, connectivity projects, and maritime cooperation.

India is expected to review progress on the India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway and the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, which are important for connectivity with the Northeast. President Hlaing’s visit to Bodh Gaya underscores the shared Buddhist heritage between the two countries. The visit comes amid regional concerns over the situation in Myanmar and shortly after the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi. It is seen as an effort to strengthen India–Myanmar relations while balancing regional geopolitical interests.

D.K. Shivakumar to Become Karnataka’s 25th Chief Minister

Karnataka is set for a major leadership change as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah resigned on 28 May 2026, paving the way for Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to become the state’s next Chief Minister. Shivakumar will take oath on 3 June 2026 in Bengaluru, becoming Karnataka’s 25th Chief Minister.

The transition follows consultations within the Congress leadership, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, aimed at maintaining party unity and resolving the long-standing Siddaramaiah–Shivakumar power-sharing issue.

Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot accepted Siddaramaiah’s resignation and dissolved the Council of Ministers. While Siddaramaiah is expected to remain influential in national politics, Shivakumar faces the challenge of managing state finances, balancing social and political interests, and implementing Congress’s welfare commitments ahead of future elections.

India’s First Hydrogen-Powered Train to Run on Jind–Sonipat Section

The Indian Railways has approved the rollout of the country’s first indigenous hydrogen-powered trainset on the Jind–Sonipat section of Northern Railway in Haryana. This eco-friendly train, developed by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), represents India’s entry into the global league of nations experimenting with hydrogen rail technology, alongside Germany, Japan, China, and the United States.

⚙️ Key Features

  • Trainset: 10-car passenger train
  • Propulsion: 1,200 KW hydrogen fuel cell system
  • Speed: Maximum 75 kmph during pilot phase
  • Emission: Zero carbon; only water vapor and heat released
  • Refuelling Hub: Indigenous hydrogen storage and refuelling facility set up at Jind station
  • Safety: Equipped with hydrogen leak detectors, flame sensors, and 24×7 monitoring systems

Sikkim Declared Fully Literate State under ULLAS Programme

Gangtok, 27 May 2026: In a landmark achievement, Sikkim was officially declared a Fully Literate State with a literacy rate of 99.82%, surpassing the Union Education Ministry’s benchmark of 95%. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) during the 7th Convocation of Sikkim University at Manan Kendra, Gangtok, in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu and Governor Om Prakash Mathur.

The declaration comes under the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, a national literacy initiative launched in 2022 to ensure foundational literacy and lifelong learning for adults aged 15 and above.

📌 Other Fully Literate States/UTs in India

State/UTYear DeclaredLiteracy RateKey Highlights
MizoramMay 202598.2%First fully literate state; strong community involvement and women’s education focus.
Goa202596%Efficient administration, inclusive policies, and high investment in education.
Tripura202595.6%Success through ULLAS, cyber literacy campaigns, and tribal outreach.
Himachal Pradesh8 Sep 202599.3%Journey from 7% literacy post-independence to near-universal literacy.
Ladakh (UT)24 Jun 202497%First Union Territory to achieve full functional literacy.
Sikkim27 May 202699.82%Sixth region to achieve full literacy; inclusive development across remote areas.

🌟 Significance of Sikkim’s Achievement

  • Marks Sikkim as both India’s first fully organic state (2016) and now a fully literate state (2026).
  • Reflects inclusive growth, with literacy reaching even remote villages and elderly citizens.
  • President Murmu highlighted that women formed 60% of graduates and 70% of medallists at Sikkim University, underlining gender empowerment.

Major Abhilasha Barak Receives UN Military Gender Advocate Award

Major Abhilasha Barak, India’s first woman combat helicopter pilot, has been honoured with the United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award 2025. The announcement was made on 23 May 2026, and the felicitation ceremony is scheduled for 29 May 2026 at the UN Headquarters in New York.

She served with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) as the Commander of the Female Engagement Team. During her mission, she worked extensively on community outreach programs for women and adolescent girls and conducted gender sensitisation training for peacekeepers.

Major Abhilasha Barak became the third Indian woman officer to receive this prestigious honour after Major Suman Gawani (2019) and Major Radhika Sen (2023). The award recognises outstanding efforts in promoting gender equality and empowering women in UN peacekeeping operations.

Bakrid 2026: Why Eid-ul-Azha is Celebrated?

Eid-ul-Azha (Bakrid), one of the most important Islamic festivals, is being celebrated across most parts of India on 28 May 2026, while Jammu & Kashmir observed it on 27 May 2026 due to local moon sighting. The Government of India declared 28 May 2026 as the official gazetted holiday, leading to the closure of banks, schools, and offices.

The festival commemorates the devotion and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim, who was willing to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of faith in Allah. According to Islamic tradition, Allah replaced the sacrifice with a ram, symbolizing mercy and unwavering faith. Eid-ul-Azha also marks the completion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.

Key rituals include special Eid prayers (Namaz) at mosques and Eidgahs, followed by sermons (Khutbah). Muslims perform Qurbani (animal sacrifice) and distribute the meat among family, relatives, and the poor, highlighting the importance of charity and compassion. Families celebrate with traditional dishes such as biryani, kebabs, korma, and sheer khurma.

11th Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting Held in New Delhi on 26 May 2026

The 11th Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was held in New Delhi on 26 May 2026, bringing together India, the United States, Japan, and Australia to strengthen cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. The meeting was attended by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi.

The Quad countries announced several major initiatives, including the Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance Collaboration (IPMSC) to monitor illegal fishing, piracy, and trafficking through advanced satellite tracking of “grey” and “dark” vessels. They also launched the Quad Ports of the Future Partnership for infrastructure development in Pacific Island nations, beginning with Fiji.

A new Critical Minerals Framework was introduced to strengthen rare earth supply chains, along with an India-US agreement on mining and processing cooperation. The partners also unveiled an Energy Security Initiative to improve regional resilience amid West Asia tensions. Additionally, the Quad strongly condemned recent terrorist attacks in India and Australia and announced a counter-terrorism exercise in Australia in June 2026.

“Apnapan: Narendra Modi Sang Mere Anubhav” Book Authored by Shivraj Singh Chouhan Launched

On 26 May 2026, a book titled “Apnapan: Narendra Modi Sang Mere Anubhav” was launched in New Delhi by former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu and former Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda. The book has been written by Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and is based on his long political association and experiences with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan shared memories of working with Narendra Modi during the Ekta Yatra and recalled how both leaders, as Chief Ministers of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat respectively, focused on improving the lives of people. Several Union Ministers, MPs, and state leaders attended the launch ceremony.

National Sports Board and Tribunal Rules 2026 Notified by Government

The Union Government has notified the National Sports Governance (National Sports Board) Rules, 2026 and the National Sports Governance (National Sports Tribunal) Rules, 2026 under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025. The notification was issued on 25 May 2026 to strengthen transparency, accountability, and dispute resolution in Indian sports administration.

Under the new rules, the National Sports Board will act as the central authority for granting recognition to National Sports Bodies and ensuring compliance with governance, financial, and ethical standards. The Board will consist of a Chairperson and two Members appointed by the Central Government based on recommendations of a Search-cum-Selection Committee.

The National Sports Tribunal has been established as a dedicated body for resolving sports-related disputes quickly, independently, and cost-effectively. The rules also provide digital facilities such as online filing of disputes, virtual hearings, publication of orders, and electronic record maintenance through a dedicated portal.

The Tribunal aims to reduce dependence on civil courts and provide a single-window mechanism for faster and simpler resolution of sports governance disputes in India.

President Murmu Confers Padma Awards 2026 at Rashtrapati Bhavan

President Droupadi Murmu presented the Padma Awards 2026 at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 25 May, honouring 66 distinguished personalities across fields including art, cinema, literature, education, sports, and public service. The ceremony saw emotional moments as Hema Malini accepted the Padma Vibhushan for her late husband, legendary actor Dharmendra.

📌 Key Highlights of Padma Awards 2026 Ceremony

  • Date & Venue: 25 May 2026, Ganatantra Mandap, Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.
  • Total Awards Approved: 131 (5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, 113 Padma Shri).
  • Phase 1 Ceremony: 66 awards conferred (2 Padma Vibhushan, 6 Padma Bhushan, 58 Padma Shri). Remaining awards will be presented later.
  • Dignitaries Present: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

🏅 Major Awardees

Padma Vibhushan (Exceptional Service)
  • Dharmendra (Posthumous): Bollywood legend, honoured for his decades-long contribution to Indian cinema. Award received by wife Hema Malini.
  • Dr. N. Rajam: Renowned violinist, celebrated for her outstanding contribution to Indian classical music.
Padma Bhushan (Distinguished Service of High Order)
  • Piyush Pandey (Posthumous): Iconic advertising professional, honoured for revolutionizing Indian advertising.
  • Mammootty: Legendary Malayalam actor, recognised for his landmark performances in Indian cinema.
  • Alka Yagnik: Celebrated playback singer, honoured for her immense contribution to Indian music.
  • Bhagat Singh Koshyari: Former Governor of Maharashtra.
  • Uday Kotak: Prominent banker and business leader.
Padma Shri (Distinguished Service in Any Field)
  • Harmanpreet Kaur: Captain of the Indian women’s cricket team.
  • Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar: Former UGC Chairman, recognised in Literature & Education.
  • Prosenjit Chatterjee: Veteran Bengali actor, honoured for his contribution to cinema.
  • R. Madhavan: Actor and filmmaker, recognised for his work in Indian cinema.
  • Satish Shah (Posthumous): Actor, honoured for his lifetime contribution to theatre and cinema.
  • Paralympic Gold Medalist Praveen Kumar: Recognised for achievements in sports.

World Football Day is observed annually on 25 May

World Football Day is observed annually on 25 May, following its declaration by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2024. The day marks the 100th anniversary of the first internationally representative football tournament held during the 1924 Paris Olympics. The resolution was introduced by Libya’s UN Ambassador Taher El-Sonni and received support from more than 160 UN member nations.

The observance celebrates football as the world’s most popular sport and recognizes its power to promote peace, unity, diplomacy, gender equality, and social inclusion. Football acts as a universal language that connects people across cultures, races, and nations. It also supports sustainable development by encouraging health, education, and empowerment, particularly for women and marginalized communities.

Football first appeared in the Olympics at the 1900 Paris Games, while women’s football was added in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. The sport is globally governed by FIFA, which has 211 member associations, making football one of the most influential sports worldwide.

Gurindervir Singh Sets New National Record in Men’s 100m at Federation Cup 2026

On 23 May 2026, Punjab sprinter Gurindervir Singh created history by winning the men’s 100m gold medal at the Athletics Federation Cup 2026 held in Ranchi. He clocked 10.09 seconds, setting a new national record and becoming the first Indian sprinter to run under 10.10 seconds in the 100m event. His performance also surpassed the Commonwealth Games qualification mark of 10.16 seconds. Gurindervir improved upon his previous best timing of 10.17 seconds.

In the race, Animesh Kujur won the silver medal with 10.20 seconds, while Pranav Pramod secured bronze with 10.29 seconds. Gurindervir Singh’s achievement is considered a major milestone for Indian athletics and highlights the rising standard of Indian sprinting at the international level.

RBI Transfers Record ₹2.86 Lakh Crore Surplus to Central Government in FY26

On 22 May 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the transfer of a record ₹2.86 lakh crore surplus to the Central Government for the financial year 2025–26, marking one of the highest dividend payouts in the history of the central bank. The decision was taken during the 623rd meeting of the RBI Central Board, chaired by Governor Sanjay Malhotra in Mumbai.

According to the RBI, its gross income increased by 26.42% in FY26 compared to the previous financial year, while expenditure before risk provisions rose by 27.60%. The central bank reported that its net income before risk provisions reached ₹3.95 lakh crore in FY26, compared to ₹3.13 lakh crore in FY25. Meanwhile, the RBI’s balance sheet expanded by 20.61% to ₹91.97 lakh crore as of 31 March 2026.

The RBI also transferred ₹1.09 lakh crore to the Contingent Risk Buffer (CRB) while maintaining the buffer at 6.5% of the balance sheet under the revised Economic Capital Framework. During the meeting, the Board reviewed the global and domestic economic outlook, associated risks, and finalized the RBI’s annual accounts for FY2025–26.

Marco Rubio Begins Four-Day India Visit Ahead of QUAD Meeting 2026

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio began his first official four-day visit to India on 23 May 2026, covering Kolkata, Agra, Jaipur, and New Delhi. The visit focuses on strengthening India–US strategic relations through discussions on trade, energy security, defense cooperation, and Indo-Pacific stability. Rubio is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and participate in the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi on 26 May 2026.

The visit comes at a crucial time amid global energy concerns and growing regional tensions in the Indo-Pacific. The United States is seeking stronger energy partnerships with India and discussing trade issues, including tariff exemptions and Section 301 investigations. Defense cooperation and maritime security under the QUAD framework are also major agenda items, especially in response to China’s increasing influence in the region.

Apart from diplomatic meetings, Rubio’s visit includes symbolic cultural engagements such as visiting the Missionaries of Charity headquarters in Kolkata. The tour highlights both strategic and civilizational ties between India and the United States. The visit is considered highly important for competitive exams due to its relevance to international relations, QUAD cooperation, trade policy, and Indo-Pacific geopolitics.

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.
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