NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Cabinet Approves ₹20,667 Crore Ahmedabad–Dholera Semi High-Speed Rail Project Under PM Gati Shakti Plan: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Narendra Modi, has approved the Ahmedabad (Sarkhej)–Dholera semi high-speed double-line railway project at a cost of ₹20,667 crore, marking the first such project in Indian Railways.The 134-km corridor, built under the vision of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” and PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, will connect Ahmedabad with Dholera Special Investment Region, Dholera Airport, and Lothal National Maritime Heritage Complex.The project is targeted for completion by 2030–31 and is expected to significantly reduce travel time, improve regional connectivity, and enable same-day travel between Ahmedabad and Dholera.
2. PM Narendra Modi Participates in Somnath Amrut Parv, Marks 75 Years of Restored Somnath Temple: PM Narendra Modi offered prayers and performed puja at the Somnath Temple during the Somnath Amrut Parv celebrations in Gujarat.The Mahapuja ceremony commemorated 75 years of the inauguration of the restored Somnath Temple, one of India’s most revered Hindu pilgrimage sites.The rebuilt Somnath Temple was inaugurated in 1951 by Rajendra Prasad after its reconstruction in post-independence India.
3. India Launches “Unified Bharat e-Charge” — UPI-Like Platform for EV Charging Across Networks: Union Heavy Industries Minister D. Kumaraswamy launched the Unified Bharat e-Charge (UBC), a national platform described as the “UPI for EV charging” to enable seamless EV charging access across India.The platform allows users to locate, book, and pay for electric vehicle charging across networks of BPCL, Indian Oil, HPCL, state agencies, and private operators through a single interoperable system. Developed by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited and supported by the Government of India and NPCI, the “one nation, one app” system provides real-time data on charger availability, ownership, location, and power output.
4. DigiHaat Launches “Swadeshi” Marketplace to Promote Made-in-Bharat Products under Atmanirbhar Bharat: Government-backed e-commerce platform DigiHaat has launched a new marketplace called “Swadeshi” to promote authentic Made-in-Bharat products and support local producers under the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.The platform operates under the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) ecosystem and is designed to strengthen a decentralized digital commerce network in India.DigiHaat functions as a wholly-owned subsidiary within ONDC and is part of Nirmit Bharat, working to promote inclusive digital trade.The initiative aims to develop a national marketplace based on the principle of “Bharat Se, Bharat Tak,” connecting local producers directly to consumers across India.
5. PMEGP Exceeds Targets, Creates 36.33 Lakh Jobs with Full Budget Utilisation in 15th Finance Commission Cycle: The Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) is a flagship Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, implemented through the Khadi and Village Industries Commission to support new micro-enterprises in the non-farm sector.During the 15th Finance Commission cycle (2021–22 to 2025–26), the scheme exceeded its target by establishing over 4,03,706 micro-enterprises against the target of 4,02,000 units.The programme generated approximately 36.33 lakh employment opportunities, significantly contributing to rural and urban self-employment across India.With an approved budgetary outlay of ₹13,554.42 crore, the scheme achieved full fund utilisation and was highlighted during the IFAD–India Partnership for Rural Prosperity event held at Bharat Mandapam.
6. Ministry of External Affairs to Host BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting 2026: India will host the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on 14–15 May 2026 under its chairship of the bloc, with participation from member and partner countries. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will chair the meeting.Key discussions will focus on global and regional issues, BRICS@20 theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” and reforms in global governance and multilateral institutions to enhance representation of emerging economies.
7. India Doubles Import Tax on Gold and Silver to 18.4% Amid Forex Reserve Concerns: The Government of India has increased the effective import tax on gold and silver from 9.2% to 18.4%, effective from May 13, 2026, through two separate notifications issued on May 12.Earlier, imports attracted 5% basic customs duty, 1% Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess (AIDC), and 3% IGST, while the revised structure raises customs duty to 10% and AIDC to 5%, significantly increasing the total tax burden.The move follows Narendra Modi’s appeal to reduce gold purchases temporarily in order to help safeguard India’s foreign exchange reserves and stabilize the rupee exchange rate.
8. South Coast Railway Zone Begins Operations in Visakhapatnam: The South Coast Railway (SCoR) zone is scheduled to begin operations on 1 June 2026 with its headquarters in Visakhapatnam. The Ministry of Railways issued a gazette notification on 4 May 2026, and SCoR has been constituted as India’s 18th railway zone. The South Coast Railway zone includes the existing Guntakal, Guntur, and Vijayawada divisions from South Central Railway. It also includes a newly created Visakhapatnam division. The erstwhile Waltair division was bifurcated for the new arrangement. A 696-km stretch became the Rayagada division under East Coast Railway, while the remaining 463-km stretch became the Visakhapatnam division under SCoR.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. India Launches 8-Year COSOP 2026–2033 with International Fund for Agricultural Development: The Government of India, in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development, launched the 8-year Country Strategic Opportunities Programme (COSOP) for 2026–2033 to improve rural incomes, resilience, and sustainable livelihoods.The programme was announced at the IFAD–India Partnership for Rural Prosperity event held at Bharat Mandapam, with participation from senior government officials, development partners, and private sector stakeholders.The COSOP 2026–2033 aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 and focuses on strengthening rural resilience (social, economic, climate) and improving knowledge systems to scale successful development models across India and the Global South.
2. Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool Approved to Strengthen India’s Shipping Trade Amid Global Geopolitical Risks: The Government of India has approved the €129.8 billion (about $1.4 billion) Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool to ensure uninterrupted maritime trade and reduce dependence on foreign insurers amid rising global geopolitical tensions and sanctions affecting shipping insurance.The initiative was announced by Ashwini Vaishnaw and will remain operational for 10 years, with a provision to extend it by another 5 years, where insurance policies will be issued collectively by member insurers using pooled underwriting capacity.The total combined underwriting capacity of the pool is around ₹950 crore, meaning member insurance companies together can directly absorb and manage claims up to this limit, strengthening India’s internal risk-handling system.The pool has been created because global conflicts and sanctions have made foreign insurers either withdraw coverage or increase premiums sharply, creating uncertainty for Indian trade and shipping operations.Its key objective is to ensure continuous, affordable, and reliable marine insurance coverage, reduce external dependency, and safeguard India’s shipping and international trade ecosystem through a coordinated domestic insurance mechanism.
3. 12 May – International Day of Plant Health: The International Day of Plant Health is observed every year on 12 May to raise global awareness about the importance of protecting plant health for food security, biodiversity, and sustainable agriculture.Theme 2026- Plant Biosecurity for Food Security and Nutrition The day highlights the need to prevent the spread of pests and diseases in plants, which can severely impact agricultural productivity and global ecosystems.
4. India Bans Sugar Exports Till September 2026: India prohibited sugar exports with immediate effect on 13 May 2026, and the restriction remains in force until 30 September 2026 or until further orders. The order covers raw sugar, white sugar, and refined sugar under ITC (HS) Codes 1701 14 90 and 1701 99 90. Sugar exports were shifted from the “restricted” category to the “prohibited” category under the Foreign Trade Policy framework. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade issues such notifications under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992. The prohibition applies to raw sugar, white sugar, and refined sugar. Exemptions apply to shipments to the European Union and the United States under CXL and tariff-rate quota arrangements, exports under the Advance Authorisation Scheme, and government-to-government shipments for food security. Consignments already in the export pipeline are also allowed to proceed. These include cargoes with loading commenced, shipping bills filed, or vessels berthed or anchored at Indian ports.
5. India Enters Revised EU Draft List for Aquaculture Exports: India was included in a revised draft list published by the European Union on 12 May 2026 for continued exports of aquaculture products to the 27-member bloc. The draft list is linked to export continuity beyond September 2026 for Indian aquaculture shipments to the EU market. European Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/905 requires exporting countries to ensure that animals and animal products sent to the EU are free from antimicrobial medicinal products used for growth promotion. The same regulation also covers antimicrobials reserved for human treatment. India was omitted from the EU implementing regulation (EU) 2024/2598, issued on 4 October 2024. That regulation had not authorised India for exports of products of animal origin for human consumption to the EU from September 2026.
6. India Fast-Tracks Oman-Gujarat Subsea Gas Pipeline: India is advancing a proposed subsea natural gas pipeline from Ras Al Jifan in Oman to Porbandar in Gujarat. The project is planned as a deep-sea link across the Arabian Sea with a route length of about 1,600 km to 2,000 km and a maximum depth of about 3,450 metres. The pipeline is designed to transport 31 million metric standard cubic metres per day of natural gas. The route is planned to connect Oman directly with the western coast of India and to reduce dependence on maritime gas shipments. The estimated capital expenditure is about ₹40,000 crore to ₹43,000 crore, or around 4.7 billion to 6 billion. The project has been described as a deep-water pipeline venture because it must operate at extreme seabed depths and across long offshore distances. The proposed alignment includes the Arabian Sea, the Owen Fracture Zone, and the Indus Fan. The Owen Fracture Zone is a submarine tectonic boundary in the north-western Indian Ocean, and the Indus Fan is a large deep-sea sedimentary system.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Centre grants one-year extension to CBI Director Praveen Sood: The Central Government has extended the tenure of Praveen Sood as Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation by one more year beyond May 24, 2026.This is the second extension granted to Praveen Sood, who originally took charge as CBI Director on May 25, 2023, for a two-year term.The decision was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet after recommendations from a selection panel headed by Narendra Modi, and including Surya Kant and Rahul Gandhi.
2. Pakistan Explores Islamic NATO Defence Cooperation: Pakistan has discussed an expanded regional defence and economic arrangement with Gulf nations, including Qatar and Turkiye, under the idea of an “Islamic NATO”. The proposal follows the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed by Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in September 2025, under which aggression against one side is treated as an attack on both. The Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement is a bilateral defence pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. It was signed in September 2025 and includes a mutual defence commitment between the two states. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have also maintained wider economic and security cooperation. Saudi Arabia provided $3 billion in financial support to Pakistan on 15 April 2026 to address a financing gap. Discussions on the inclusion of Qatar and Turkiye in the arrangement are at different stages of completion. Turkiye has a large defence industry and a long record of military modernisation, while Qatar has been part of several regional security discussions in West Asia.
SPORTS
1. Mal Anderson, First Unseeded U.S. Open Champion, Dies at 91: Mal Anderson, the first unseeded player to win the U.S. Open Men’s Singles title in 1957, passed away at the age of 91, as confirmed by Tennis Australia.Anderson rose from humble beginnings, starting his tennis career on a farm dirt court, and went on to become an Australian tennis great, winning the U.S. Championship in 1957 along with three major doubles titles and two Davis Cup victories for Australia.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. India EV Battery Demand May Reach 200 GWh by 2032: India’s electric vehicle battery demand is projected to rise from 20 GWh in 2025 to 200 GWh by 2032. The estimate was placed in a study linked to the Indian Energy Alliance and Customized Energy Solutions, and the study is scheduled for release at the 12th India Energy Storage Week in New Delhi from 8 to 10 July. India’s EV sales crossed 2.5 million units in 2025. Electric two-wheelers accounted for 1.5 million units, and electric three-wheelers accounted for 0.7 million units in the same year. Electric two-wheelers remain the largest volume segment in India’s EV market. Passenger electric cars and light commercial fleets are expected to form the next phase of demand growth.
2. IMD Launches AI Weather Forecasting Products: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) launched two Artificial Intelligence-based weather forecasting products for monsoon regions that depend on rain-fed agriculture. One product was developed by the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF) for Uttar Pradesh, and the other was developed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune for district-level rainfall forecasting. The Uttar Pradesh product provides rainfall forecasts at a spatial resolution of 1 km. It uses data from Automatic Rain Gauges, Automatic Weather Stations, satellites, and Doppler weather radars. The system can provide downscaled rainfall forecasts with a lead time of up to 10 days. The IITM product tracks monsoon progression at the district level and provides updates every Wednesday. The system covers 3,196 blocks and sub-districts across 16 states and one Union Territory in this phase. These areas were selected because they are rain-fed regions with high dependence on rainfall.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. Cyber Crime Coordination sign MoU with RBI to curtail mule accounts: The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) signed an MoU with the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub to strengthen cooperation in combating cyber-enabled financial frauds and identifying mule accounts across the banking and digital payment ecosystem.The agreement focuses on fraud-risk intelligence sharing, analytical support, and operational coordination, enabling AI-driven detection systems to identify hidden mule accounts and enhance proactive cyber fraud prevention across India.
2. India’s Retail Inflation Rises to 3.48% in April 2026: India’s retail inflation (Consumer Price Index) rose to 3.48% in April 2026, up from 40% in March 2026, as per provisional data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, driven mainly by higher food inflation.Rural inflation increased to 3.74% while urban inflation rose to 3.16%, indicating a broader upward trend in price levels across both rural and urban areas of India.
3. Cabinet approves ₹37,500-crore coal gasification scheme: The Union Cabinet approved a ₹37,500 crore Scheme for Promotion of Surface Coal/Lignite Gasification Projects on 13 May 2026. The scheme covers coal and lignite gasification projects and includes financial incentives, project selection through competitive bidding, and milestone-linked disbursal. Coal gasification is a process that converts coal or lignite into synthesis gas, also called syngas, which mainly contains carbon monoxide, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapour. Syngas is used as an intermediate feedstock for chemicals, fertilisers, fuels, and industrial gases. The scheme aims to support gasification of about 75 million tonnes of coal and lignite through new projects. It targets investment mobilisation of ₹2.5–3 lakh crore and the creation of about 50,000 jobs. The national target for coal gasification is 100 million tonnes by 2030.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Droupadi Murmu Confers National Florence Nightingale Awards 2026 to 15 Nursing Professionals at Rashtrapati Bhavan: President Droupadi Murmu conferred the National Florence Nightingale Awards 2026 at Rashtrapati Bhavan to 15 nursing professionals for their outstanding contribution in the field of nursing and healthcare services.The award, instituted in 1973 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, recognizes Registered Nurses, Midwives, Auxiliary Nurse Midwives, and Lady Health Visitors serving across government, UTs, and voluntary organisations, and includes a certificate, medal, and ₹1 lakh cash prize.
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