Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his South Korean counterpart unveiled a war memorial in Seoul honoring the 60 Para Field Ambulance and the Custodian Force of India for their humanitarian service during the 1950-53 Korean War. Rajnath Singh, South Korean Minister Inaugurate Indian War Memorial in Seoul According to the Defence Ministry, the memorial has been constructed to pay tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and humanitarian service of the 60 Para Field Ambulance of the.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has ordered the release of a detenue, ruling that the state government cannot rubber-stamp an Advisory Board's opinion. Justice Sumeet Goel clarified that confirmation orders under the PITNDPS Act must reflect an independent application of mind, rather than a perfunctory repetition of board recommendations.

India's energy trade in April 2026 showed a sharp decoupling of price and volume. While crude oil import volumes contracted by 4.3%, the total fiscal outgo surged 50% due to rising global prices. Conversely, LNG imports fell 30% in volume and 25% in cost. India imported 4.3% less crude oil in April this year, yet the bill still up 50% as prices soar LNG imports declined about 30% on a year-over-year basis with the import.

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy announced a revised minimum wage structure for 1.11 crore workers, ranging from ₹16,000 to ₹20,000 per month, effective June 1, 2026. Telangana hikes minimum wages for workers, ranges between ₹16,000 to ₹20,000 Revised wages to come into effect from June 1, 2026. A total of 1.11 crore labourers to benefit from revised pay structure: Telangana CM Revanth Reddy

India was among 28 nations to abstain from a May 20, 2026, UNGA resolution requesting an International Court of Justice opinion on climate change. While the resolution passed with 141 votes, New Delhi's stance reflects a long-standing preference for diplomatic negotiations over judicial mandates that could complicate domestic industrial growth.

The Reserve Bank of India will conduct a three-year USD/INR Buy/Sell swap auction on May 26, 2026, targeting a volume of USD 5 billion. This operation allows Authorized Dealer Category-I banks to swap US dollars for rupee liquidity, with the reverse leg settlement set for May 29, 2029.

The Supreme Court has granted the Karnataka government a final extension until August 31, 2026, to conduct Bengaluru’s long-overdue civic elections. Labeling the state’s previous behavior as 'delaying tactics,' the court ruled that no further extensions will be permitted. Supreme Court suspects Karnataka government of ‘delaying tactics’ but extends Bengaluru civic polls’ deadline to August 31 The apex court said this would be the State government’s ‘last chance’, and there would be no further extensions.

India and South Korea solidified a strategic agreement on May 21, 2026, targeting cooperation in defence, cyber security, and military training. The pact connects India’s National Defence College (NDC) with the Korea National Defence University (KNDU) to drive academic exchange and technical interoperability. India, South Korea Sign Pact On Defence, Cyber, Training Cooperation The agreements India and South Korea were exchanged on promoting cooperation in the field of Defence Cyber; training between India's National Defence.

TDP working president Nara Lokesh says the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill's failure puts southern states at a representational disadvantage. He contends that Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh face reduced Lok Sabha influence after the 2027 Census due to political maneuvering rather than sound policy.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on May 20, 2026, following a severe Ebola outbreak in Central Africa. Watch: Why WHO is worried about Ebola outbreak | Above the Fold | 20.05.2026 In today’s episode, we look at the WHO’s highest-level alert over the Ebola outbreak in Central Africa, PM Modi’s meetings with Giorgia Meloni, Vladimir Putin’s high-stakes Beijing visit, the Supreme Court’s remarks backing caste enumeration.

India and Italy have upgraded their diplomatic ties to a 'Special Strategic Partnership,' aiming to hit 20 billion euros in bilateral trade by 2029. During his Rome visit, Prime Minister Modi also accepted the FAO’s Agricola Medal. India And Italy Elevate Ties To 'Special Strategic Partnership' At the heart of the economic agenda is an ambitious target: Expanding bilateral trade to 20 billion euros by 2029.

Citing 37 lakh annual dog bite cases and 20,000 rabies deaths, the Supreme Court has directed the removal of stray dogs from high-risk public spaces. The order specifically targets hospitals, schools, colleges, and major transit points like bus stands and railway stations to address rising public safety concerns.

On May 20, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s highest honour, the Agricola Medal, in Rome. The visit also saw India and Italy elevate their diplomatic status to a 'Special Strategic Partnership,' anchored by a new Joint Strategic Action Plan spanning 2025-2029.

On May 19, 2026, the U.S. State Department committed $13 million to establish 50 Ebola treatment centres across the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. This direct funding aims to bypass procedural delays and scale up medical response in active transmission zones. Rubio says WHO was 'a little late' on identifying Ebola outbreak The State Department announced on Tuesday (May 19, 2026) that it would fund up to 50 Ebola treatment centres in the Democratic.

On May 20, 2026, the EU and US established a provisional trade pact to eliminate industrial import duties and grant the US preferential access to farm and sea markets. The move effectively halts impending tariff hikes, stabilizing trans-Atlantic commerce against global trade friction. European Union paves way to finalise U.S. trade deal and avoid Trump tariff hike The European Union makes a provisional agreement with the U.S. on May 20 agreeing to remove import duties.

On May 20, 2026, a 13-nation joint military exercise kicked off at the Umroi Military Station in Meghalaya. The two-week operation focuses on refining counter-terrorism tactics within semi-mountainous and jungle environments. 13 The two-week drill at the Umroi Military Station will focus on counter-terrorism operations in semi-mountainous and jungle terrain

The Supreme Court has ruled that Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules do not mandate the return of stray dogs to the exact spot within institutional premises if such presence conflicts with the site's function or safety. Dogs Don't Have Absolute Right To Occupy Institutional Premises; ABC Rules Don't Mandate Their Release At Such Premises : Supreme Court

Author Yang has become the first Taiwanese writer to secure the International Booker Prize. Her winning work, 'Taiwan Travelogue,' depicts the intricacies of Taiwan during its period under Japanese colonial rule. Taiwan Travelogue, A Historical Romance, Wins International Booker Prize Yang, who writes fiction, essays, manga and video game scripts, has said she "wanted to untangle the complex circumstances" of Taiwan's time as a Japanese colony.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin are meeting in Beijing today. Billed as 'Tea Diplomacy', the summit focuses on bilateral trade, energy deals, and international security, cementing their 'no limits' partnership. Xi Jinping, Putin To Meet In Beijing Today For Tea Diplomacy After Trump Visit China and Russia's leaders are set to meet for a summit in Beijing on Wednesday featuring discussions on bilateral and international issues,

India and Vietnam have committed to stronger defense cooperation, prioritizing maritime security through regular military exercises, high-level dialogues, and personnel exchange programs. India, Vietnam deepen defence cooperation with focus on maritime security Both countries agreed to expand cooperation through regular dialogues, joint military exercises and exchange programmes between their armed forces

The US State Department has confirmed that Marco Rubio will attend the May 22, 2026, NATO Foreign Ministers' meeting in Helsingborg, Sweden, followed by his first official visit to India. Rubio to attend NATO talks, pay first visit to India The State Department confirmed that Marco Rubio would participate on Friday (May 22, 2026) in talks among NATO Foreign Ministers in Helsingborg, Sweden, which will prepare for a NATO summit in Turkey in July

Authorities are investigating 30 OCI cardholders who allegedly voted in Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, violating laws prohibiting foreign nationals from casting ballots. The probe focuses on their false declarations regarding the surrender of Indian voter identity cards. OCI status of foreigners who voted in Tamil Nadu Assembly election comes under scrutiny The number of foreigners of Indian origin who voted in a fraudulent manner has increased to 30. Their declaration while applying for the OCI.

The Indian Navy has awarded Tonbo Imaging a contract under the ADITI 3.0 initiative to develop a High Power Microwave (HPM) system. This directed-energy capability, capable of disabling electronic targets, places India among a select few nations possessing such advanced naval defense technology and advances the country's indigenization efforts.

Prime Minister Modi and Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni have proposed an 'Indo-Mediterranean' corridor, setting a €20 billion bilateral trade target for 2029. The strategic roadmap focuses on energy connectivity, maritime security, and logistics to bridge the Indo-Pacific and European markets. Modi and Meloni outline road map for India Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni joint op-ed talks about emerging “Indo-Mediterranean” corridor and pushes for €20-billion bilateral trade target by 2029.

On May 19, 2026, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) issued a circular updating the Monthly Cumulative Report (MCR) format. The revision standardizes data reporting for market intermediaries to improve transparency and safeguard investor interests within the Indian securities market. Revision of Monthly Cumulative Report (MCR) Format Revision of Monthly Cumulative Report (MCR) Format SEBI | Revision of Monthly Cumulative Report (MCR) Format Securities and Exchange Board of India is made for protect.

The Kerala government has issued a formal order to create a specialized department tasked with managing welfare, geriatric care, and social security for its seniors. The move addresses the state’s position as having the highest percentage of elderly citizens in India. G.O. issued to set up dedicated department for elderly welfare

US nuclear energy players are positioning to enter India's $300 billion sector following updates to the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (CLND) Act. While the industry welcomes the amendments, American firms are pressing for further administrative adjustments to limit financial risk before finalizing major reactor projects.

The Delhi Police has moved the Supreme Court for a larger bench to resolve conflicting rulings regarding bail under the UAPA. Represented by Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju, the police contend that a May 18 ruling failed to account for statutory bail bars where the presumption of innocence is secondary to national security.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrives in India on May 23, 2026, for a four-day visit. Discussions will focus on deepening bilateral cooperation across trade, defense, and energy sectors. US Secretary Of State Marco Rubio To Visit India From May 23 US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will undertake a four-day visit to India beginning May 23 to further cooperation in the fields of trade, defence and energy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Rome on May 19, 2026, for the final stop of his five-nation tour. The visit focuses on bilateral meetings with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to expand cooperation in defense, trade, and digital technology. Italy’s Deputy PM Antonio Tajani received the Prime Minister at the airport.

The Union Government informed the Supreme Court on May 19, 2026, that the 1995 Delhi Rent Act (DRA) cannot be activated via judicial order. Invoking the principle of 'judicial restraint,' the Centre argued that the notification of this three-decade-old legislation remains an executive prerogative rather than a matter for court-mandated enforcement.

Plans for a high-speed rail corridor between Varanasi and Siliguri aim to reduce travel time to three hours, strengthening connectivity to the strategically vital Siliguri Corridor. This represents the first high-speed rail expansion into Eastern India. Bullet Train To Siliguri: Gamechanger For Chicken's Neck West Bengal is set to benefit from the first high-speed rail service in eastern India linking Siliguri to Varanasi, which is expected to improve inter-regional mobility. Once completed, it would just.

Police and labour officials rescued more than 400 workers from four southern states during raids at brick kilns in Nizamabad, Telangana, on May 19, 2026. The labourers were held in bondage-like conditions and denied wages. Authorities are currently verifying records to initiate legal proceedings against the kiln owners.

The Allahabad High Court has summoned senior Uttar Pradesh officials after criticizing the state for treating acid attack rehabilitation with apathy. Justices Saral Srivastava and Garima Prashad noted the lack of a time-bound, comprehensive policy to support survivors beyond mere criminal prosecution. State's Duty Doesn't End With Prosecuting Offender: Allahabad HC Summons UP Officials Over Lack Of Acid Attack Survivor Rehab Policy State's Duty Doesn't End With Prosecuting Offender: Allahabad HC Summons UP Officials Over.

The Gujarat Cyber Centre of Excellence has dismantled a ₹226 crore cryptocurrency syndicate allegedly funneling funds to international groups, including Hamas and the Houthis. Gujarat Cyber Cell Busts Rs-226 The Gujarat Cyber Centre of Excellence has dismantled a massive international financial syndicate operating a Rs 226 crore cryptocurrency network.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a two-day visit to Norway on May 19, 2026, where he met with leaders from Norway, Iceland, Finland, and Denmark for the India-Nordic Summit before departing for Italy. PM Modi Leaves For Italy After Norway Visit, India During his two-day visit, PM Modi held separate talks with his counterparts, Norway Prime Minister Store, Iceland Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir, Finland Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

Effective May 19, 2026, the RBI cancelled the licence of Phaltan’s Yashwant Co-operative Bank due to insufficient capital and failure to meet regulatory standards. The bank is now prohibited from all banking activities, with liquidation proceedings set to follow. RBI cancels the licence of The Yashwant Co The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), vide order dated May 18, 2026, has cancelled the licence of “The Yashwant Co-operative Bank Ltd., Phaltan”, under Section 22 read with.

In May 2026, the Supreme Court ruled that government servants cannot claim a vested right to promotion based on old rules simply because a vacancy occurred before a policy update. Promotion processes must adhere to the regulations active at the time of consideration. Govt Servant Has No Vested Right To Seek Promotion As Per Old Rules Merely Because Vacancies Arose Earlier: Supreme Court

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Finnish PM Petteri Orpo during the India-Nordic Summit in Norway on May 19, 2026. Talks centered on accelerating the pending India-European Union Free Trade Agreement and a bilateral investment pact, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen advocating for a swift resolution.

General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, named Operation Sindoor the definitive example of 'Smart Power' during a seminar at the Manekshaw Centre. Addressing the shift in India's strategic doctrine, he noted that the operation's 88-hour decision window effectively countered complex geopolitical pressures. Operation Sindoor reflected ‘smart power’ in its most complete expression, says Army Chief Dwivedi In his address at a seminar hosted at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi, Gen Upendra Dwivedi.

The Supreme Court is weighing the SHANTI Act’s liability limits for private nuclear operators against the landmark 1986 'absolute liability' ruling from the Oleum gas leak case, questioning the necessity of nuclear energy reliance in the process. Name a country that does not use nuke power for energy needs, asks Supreme Court Petitioner confronts SHANTI Act with 40-year-old Oleum gas leak case verdict which made pvt entities engaged in hazardous activity absolutely liable to community.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Norwegian PM Jonas Gahr Støre have upgraded bilateral relations to a 'Green Strategic Partnership.' The agreement targets cooperation in the blue economy, green shipping, and renewable energy, even as both leaders navigated differences regarding the Ukraine conflict and global trade weaponization.

Squadron Leader Saanya has become the first woman officer in the Indian Air Force to secure the 'Category A' Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) rating, the highest tier of instructional expertise in the service. Squadron Leader Saanya Becomes IAF's 1st Woman Cat The Indian Air Force, in a post on X, said it marks a proud milestone for the IAF and is an inspiration for aspiring aviators across the nation.

India and the Netherlands signed a historic Letter of Intent on 17 May 2026 for technical cooperation on Gujarat's ambitious Kalpasar Project — an engineering marvel that aims to build a 60.13 km dyke across the Gulf of Khambhat, creating the world's largest freshwater reservoir in a marine environment. The pact was sealed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Netherlands, where he inspected the iconic Afsluitdijk dam alongside Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten. The LoI, signed between India's Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Netherlands' Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, leverages Dutch expertise in marine dam construction to overcome decades of engineering challenges. The project's DPR is at finalization stage, with construction targeted for completion in 8 years post-approval. The Rs 1,00,200 crore project will store 7,800 million cubic meters of freshwater, irrigate 10.54 lakh hectares, reduce travel distance between Saurashtra and South Gujarat from 240 km to 60 km, and generate 2,500 MW of renewable energy. The accompanying Bhadbhut barrage is already 53% complete and slated for full operation by June 2027.

To combat project cost inflation and procurement issues, the Union Government rolled out stricter financial protocols for the Jal Jeevan Mission on May 19, 2026. States must now utilize a unified portal for tenders and undergo mandatory multi-tier audits for large-scale rural water projects. Centre Tightens Jal Jeevan Spending Rules To Curb Inflated Costs, Tender Irregularities According to Central government sources, the aim is to reduce costs and put an end to irregularities.

Haryana’s new industrial framework targets ₹5 lakh crore in investment and 10 lakh jobs over the next five years, pairing development goals with new vehicular emission standards. Haryana Cabinet clears industrial policy, rules to curb vehicular pollution The policy aims to draw fresh investments worth ₹5 lakh crore, create 10 lakh jobs, and boost the State’s export figures over the next five years Haryana Cabinet clears industrial policy, rules to curb vehicular pollution The Haryana.

The committee investigating allegations against Justice Varma delivered its report to the Speaker on May 19, 2026. The findings will now move to both Houses of Parliament, triggering the next phase of the judicial impeachment process. Inquiry committee probing allegations against Justice Varma submits report to Speaker Report to be presented to both Houses of Parliament in due course, say officials Inquiry committee probing allegations against Justice Varma submits report to Speaker Inquiry committee submits.

On May 18, 2026, Iran's Supreme National Security Council announced a specialized body to oversee the Strait of Hormuz. The move formalizes Tehran's effective closure of the waterway and introduces a mandatory transit fee system for ships in a corridor handling one-fifth of global oil consumption.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has mandated a comprehensive overhaul of the state's 620 Amma Canteens. The May 18, 2026 directive covers 383 outlets under the Greater Chennai Corporation and 237 facilities managed by other local bodies, focusing on hygiene standards and service quality. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay Orders Revamp Of Amma Canteens There are 383 Amma Canteens under the Greater Chennai Corporation and 237 under the supervision of other local bodies in the.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced two inquiry committees on May 18, 2026, tasked with probing 'cut money' corruption and violence against women. Both panels are slated to commence operations on June 1. Bengal Forms Panels To Probe "Cut Money" Claims, Violence Against Women Announcing the decision on Monday, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said both inquiry committees will commence their work on June 1.

An Indian Institute of Science study published May 18, 2026, finds that Bangalore's Namma Metro Blue Line could operate exclusively on solar energy, marking India's first corridor-scale analysis of direct solar integration into a metro traction system. IISc study says Namma Metro Blue Line can run entirely on solar power The researchers say the project represents the first corridor-scale techno-economic analysis in India examining direct integration of solar power into a metro rail traction system

ASHA workers in Kerala are welcoming a government decision to raise their monthly honorarium to ₹21,000. V.D. Satheesan’s administration implemented this change on May 18, 2026, meeting a long-standing demand from the health volunteers. ASHAs in Kerala ‘elated’ by honorarium hike They say Satheesan kept the promise given to them and add that they will pursue with the new government their demand of a monthly honorarium of ₹21,000

Adani Enterprises Ltd (AEL) has agreed to a $275 million payment to resolve potential civil liability regarding apparent violations of US sanctions on Iran. The settlement concludes a lengthy investigation by the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) into the conglomerate's international trade operations.

India's first high-speed rail corridor, stretching 508 km between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, is scheduled for operation on August 15, 2027. Trains will reach speeds of 320 km/h, cutting transit time significantly between these economic hubs. First Glimpse Of Mumbai The train will run at a speed of 320 kilometres per hour along the 508-kilometre-long high-speed rail corridor and is expected to become operational by August 15, 2027.

The RBI has issued final amendment directions for Investment Fluctuation Reserves (IFR), granting exemptions for banks that maintain capital charges for market risk while shifting compliance requirements to balance sheet dates for other entities. RBI issues Amendment Directions on ‘Investment Fluctuation Reserve’ Reserve Bank of India had issued the draft Amendment Directions proposing review of the norms on Investment Fluctuation Reserve (IFR) for various bank categories, seeking feedback from stakeholders. The draft Amendment Directions proposed.

As of May 19, 2026, over 11 lakh Maharashtra households have utilized the 2027 Census digital portal. Pune leads the state in participation, followed by Mumbai Suburban and Thane, marking a shift toward citizen-led data entry. Census 2027: Over 11 lakh households in Maharashtra complete self Among districts, Pune recorded the highest number of households completing self-enumeration at 1,53,568, followed by Mumbai Suburban with 1,21,068, Thane with 1,16,512, Mumbai city with 61,295 and Nashik with.

The Reserve Bank of India has fixed the premature redemption price at ₹16,012 per unit for the Sovereign Gold Bond 2020-21 Series VIII, effective May 18, 2026. This value is derived from the average of IBJA closing prices for 999 purity gold over three business days.

On May 18, 2026, the West Bengal cabinet approved the Annapurna Bhandar scheme for women and moved to discontinue all state welfare programs that rely on religious categorization. West Bengal government to roll out Annapurna Bhandar, discontinue schemes based on religious categorisation The approval of Annapurna Bhandar came in the second Cabinet meeting of the BJP government, nine days after the Chief Minister and five other ministers took oath West Bengal government to roll out.

The Reserve Bank of India will conduct a 7-day Variable Rate Repo auction on May 18, 2026, to manage liquidity, with funds reversing on May 25, 2026. RBI to conduct 7 On a review of current and evolving liquidity conditions, it has been decided to conduct a Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction on Monday, May 18, 2026, as under: Sl. No. Notified Amount (₹ crore) Tenor (day) Window Timing Date of Reversal 1 1,00,000 7.