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.

VD Satheesan assumed office as Kerala's Chief Minister on May 18, 2026, heading a 20-member cabinet. The selection process balanced social and regional requirements within the Congress-led UDF, resulting in a ministry that includes several fresh faces. Satheesan names 20 Ministers; Kerala Cabinet to take oath on May 18 Of the 63 Congress MLAs in the 102-strong UDF contingent, many eligible names could not be given Ministerial berths as the party had to consider social.

A drone strike on May 17, 2026, targeted an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of Abu Dhabi’s Barakah Nuclear Power Plant. While the Abu Dhabi Media Office confirmed a fire resulted from the impact, reactor containment zones were not breached. The incident represents a significant security event for the Middle East's first operational nuclear facility.

On May 17, 2026, Sweden awarded Prime Minister Narendra Modi its highest honour for foreign heads of government, the Royal Order of the Polar Star. During the visit, the two nations formally elevated their diplomatic relationship to a Strategic Partnership, focusing on defense, innovation, and climate collaboration.

The Supreme Court quashed a ₹25 lakh penalty against a Tamil Nadu official, ruling that government employees cannot be held personally liable for implementing active orders. A bench led by Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah noted that civil servants are expected to follow, not oppose, prevailing state policy. The Court criticized the Tamil Nadu government for its silence while its officer was being saddled with personal financial liability for a collective administrative decision.

The Cuban government has released an official 'family guide' on provincial websites detailing protocols for survival during air raids and potential enemy attacks. The document provides instructions for assembling emergency kits and identifying civil defense procedures for residents. Family Emergency Kit, Air Raids: Cuba's 'Guide' On 'Potential Enemy Attacks' Cuba has posted a "family guide" on provincial websites on how to survive "potential enemy attacks," as the communist-run island reels from...

At 56, Kami Rita Sherpa has extended his world record by summiting Mount Everest for the 32nd time. He reached the 8,849-metre peak at 10:12 am on May 17, 2026, according to Nepal’s Department of Tourism. Nepal's Kami Rita Climbs Mount Everest For 32nd Time, Breaking His Own Record The 56-year-old veteran climber reached the 8,849-metre peak at 10:12 am on Sunday, according to the Department of Tourism.

The UDF finalized its 21-member Kerala cabinet on May 17, marking its return to power after ten years. Chief Minister-designate V.D. Satheesan will take the oath on May 18, alongside a team including five IUML ministers and Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan as Speaker. Kerala Cabinet Formation LIVE: UDF finalises Kerala Cabinet list, IUML gets five ministerial posts Senior Congress leader Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan will be Speaker of Kerala Assembly; 21-member Cabinet with CM-designate Satheesan will take oath of.

The IMD reports the southwest monsoon has moved into the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Bay of Bengal, and the Arabian Sea. The agency predicts an early arrival over Kerala on May 26, ahead of the standard June 1 start. Southwest monsoon advances into parts of Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar: IMD The IMD on May 15, said that the southwest monsoon is expected to set in early over Kerala on May.

The Tamil Nadu government announced portfolio allocations on May 17, 2026. Chief Minister Vijay retains the Home portfolio, K.A. Sengottaiyan is assigned Finance, Aadhav Arjuna takes Public Works and Sports Development, S. Keerthana manages Industries, and N. Anand is appointed to Rural Development and Water Resources.

Tata Electronics and Dutch semiconductor equipment manufacturer ASML announced a partnership on Saturday, May 16, 2026, to facilitate semiconductor manufacturing in India. Tata Electronics Teams Up With ASML For Semiconductor Manufacturing In India Electronics manufacturing company Tata Electronics and Dutch semiconductor equipment major ASML have joined hands to enable chip manufacturing in India, a joint statement said on Saturday.

India and the Netherlands have formalised a Strategic Partnership following high-level talks in The Hague. The transition moves the relationship beyond traditional agriculture and water management, focusing instead on semiconductors, green energy, and maritime trade. This shift establishes the Netherlands as a primary European partner in India's quest for technological and industrial self-reliance.

President Droupadi Murmu has approved a hike in the Supreme Court’s sanctioned judicial strength from 34 to 38. While officials anticipate this will reduce case backlogs, legal practitioners warn that headcount expansion alone is insufficient to address systemic judicial inefficiencies. President Murmu approves increasing Supreme Court Judge strength from 34 to 38 Advocate Sumit Gehlot, a Supreme Court lawyer known for his views on constitutional and judicial issues, said the move was welcome but noted.

The Maharashtra cyber department has formally requested that Apple and Google remove bike taxi applications, including Uber, Ola, and Rapido, from their respective app stores. Remove Uber, Ola, Rapido From App Stores: Maharashtra On Bike Taxi Ops The state's cyber department has written to Apple and Google.

Karnataka has finished replacing all 33 crest gates at the Tungabhadra Dam, concluding a major restoration effort triggered by the failure of Gate No. 19 nearly two years ago. The reservoir is set for a formal re-inauguration by late May 2026. This overhaul secures storage capacity and critical irrigation flows ahead of the upcoming monsoon season.

Authorities have established a new 2027 deadline to clear Delhi's three massive legacy landfills. The project relies on bio-mining and remediation to clear decades of accumulated waste that has long burdened the city's environment. Delhi Sets 2027 Deadline To Clear Ghazipur, Bhalswa, Okhla Garbage Mountains Delhi has set a fresh deadline to flatten its giant garbage mountains, a promise residents around Ghazipur, Bhalswa and Okhla have heard before.

On May 16, 2026, President Donald Trump stated he discussed Chinese cyberattacks on the United States with President Xi Jinping. Trump characterized the intelligence activities as reciprocal, stating that the US conducts similar operations in China. "We Spy Like Hell On Them": Trump Responds To Question On China Cyberattacks When questioned by reporters on whether he spoke to Chinese President Xi Jinping about the cyberattacks that China has done in the US, President Trump said,.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov interrupted his own press briefing in New Delhi on May 16, 2026, to warn a journalist who was repeatedly using a mobile phone during the session. "They Will Take Out Gun": Russian Foreign Minister Warns Journalist At Delhi Briefing The interaction was interrupted multiple times by a journalist who was allegedly speaking on the phone while Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was answering questions.

SEBI's May 15, 2026, circular establishes a protocol for InvITs and REITs when underlying SPV concession agreements conclude or terminate, ensuring transparency regarding asset status and valuations. Status of SPVs post conclusion or termination of Concession Agreement Status of SPVs post conclusion or termination of Concession Agreement

The Supreme Court ruled in May 2026 that students moved to private colleges after their original institutions lost recognition cannot demand government-subsidized fee rates. The court protected the financial autonomy of receiving private colleges, noting they are not bound by subsidy agreements they never signed, leaving the liability for fee differences with the original, de-recognized institutions.

A May 2026 study confirms that warming water temperatures, driven by climate change, are sapping oxygen from rivers worldwide. This rapid oxygen loss threatens freshwater biodiversity, with rivers warming and losing gases faster than oceans. Scientists Find Climate Change Is Reducing Oxygen In Rivers Worldwide Warmer water, which happens with human-caused climate change, releases more oxygen into the atmosphere.

The National Testing Agency has confirmed a re-examination for NEET-UG 2026 on June 21. Candidates can now select their preferred exam cities, or default to their original center assignments. NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak: Re NEET UG 2026 Re-Exam: Candidates may select their first and second preferred examination cities. Those who do not opt for this facility will have their existing city preference retained.

A division bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court ruled that strategic defence and security projects are exempt from its previous general ban on cutting trees without prior judicial permission. Led by Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva, the court clarified that lands covered by Section 1A exemptions in the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, are not bound by the restrictive order when used by the Indian Army.

SEBI's May 15, 2026, circular establishes a regulatory framework for Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) carrying net debt over 49% of their asset value. The directive specifies how these trusts may access and utilize fresh borrowings, aiming to stabilize the infrastructure finance market through tighter leverage control.

During a security review in Jammu on May 16, 2026, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi warned Pakistan of retaliation if cross-border terror operations persist. The statement follows Operation Sindoor in the Pahalgam sector, marking a shift toward proactive interception strategies along the Line of Control.

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in China on May 19, 2026, for a two-day diplomatic visit. Coming shortly after US President Donald Trump’s regional tour, the meeting focuses on reinforcing Moscow and Beijing's strategic alliance, specifically regarding energy, military cooperation, and regional security. Putin To Visit China On May 19 Russian President Vladimir Putin will travel to China on May 19 for a two-day visit, hot on the heels of US President Donald Trump's trip.

Following a joint US-Nigeria operation, ISIS global second-in-command Abu-Bilal al-Minuki was confirmed killed on May 15, 2026. The mission, targeting his African hideout, aims to destabilize the group's continental financial and operational network. "Thought He Could Hide": Trump Says Top ISIS Leader Abu US Kills ISIS "Second-In-Command" Globally Abu-Bilal-Al-Minuki In Africa, Says Donald Trump

Internal friction between the UAE and Iran over regional conflicts stalled consensus at the May 2026 BRICS Foreign Ministers' meeting. Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira cautioned that integrating new members into the bloc is a gradual, often difficult, process that may impact the upcoming September summit.

Field operations for Census 2027 have launched in Jharkhand, with enumerators beginning house-to-house visits on May 16, 2026. This phase, covering house listing and housing data, is scheduled to run through June 14, 2026, as the first step in the national enumeration cycle. Census 2027: Field visits for house The exercise will run till June 14, 2026, during which trained enumerators will undertake house-to-house visits

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has greenlit a ₹93 crore power infrastructure plan during the sixth Council of Ministers meeting. The initiative aims to overhaul transmission and distribution networks to curb outages and ensure energy stability across the Union Territory. Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah approves ₹93 crore power infrastructure projects The approval of these projects was accorded during the sixth meeting of the Council of Ministers, the J&K CM said

The Reserve Bank of India will auction State Government Securities (SGS) totaling ₹20,100 crore for six states on May 19, 2026. The issuance includes both fresh yields and re-issued stocks, accessible to institutional investors via E-Kuber and retail participants through the RBI Retail Direct portal.

Beginning October 1, 2026, the Commission for Air Quality Management will prohibit fuel stations across the NCR from serving vehicles lacking a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate. Only Electric Autos In Delhi Soon? Pollution Control Panel's Big Decision With effect from October 1, 2026, no fuel shall be dispensed at fuel stations across the National Capital Region (NCR) to vehicles that do not possess a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC).

The Election Commission of India has ordered an inquiry into allegations that foreign nationals cast ballots in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Reports are due from returning officers across two cities and five districts. The investigation focuses on how these individuals bypassed the Special Intensive Revision protocols designed to verify citizenship before issuing voter IDs.

The CBI has launched 'Abhay,' an AI-powered helpbot on its website to help citizens verify the authenticity of official notices and summons. The move aims to curb the rising trend of fraudsters impersonating agency officials. CBI launches AI Citizens can access the helpbot through the Central agency’s website cbi.gov.in

BRICS nations have reached consensus on supporting an independent Palestinian state featuring East Jerusalem as its capital. However, the bloc remains divided on the governance of the Gaza Strip and the status of the Strait of Hormuz. BRICS members agree on ‘independent’ State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as capital Members disagree on future of Gaza Strip and Strait of Hormuz, which Iran claims falls in Iranian and Omani “territorial waters”.

During the opening leg of a five-nation diplomatic tour, the UAE committed 5 billion dollars to India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE leadership focused on strengthening bilateral economic ties and securing the Strait of Hormuz for stable energy transit. UAE Announces $5 Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirms solidarity with the UAE, and pushes for an open Strait of Hormuz on the first leg of a five-nation tour.

The Supreme Court of India transitioned to virtual hearings and judicial carpooling on May 15, 2026. This administrative shift follows a Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) memorandum aimed at national fuel conservation and resource efficiency. Supreme Court To Go Virtual, Judges To Car The move comes in the wake of a recent Office Memorandum issued by the Centre's Department of Personnel and Training on May 12, aimed at promoting fuel conservation and efficient functioning.

On May 15, 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the Israeli military maintains control over 60% of the Gaza Strip. This statement marks the first official confirmation regarding the scope of the military's current physical presence within the Palestinian territory. Israeli Military Now Controls 60% Of Gaza Strip, Says Netanyahu Netanyahu's comments were the first official indication that the military was expanding its footprint in Palestine.

A delegation of the Punjab BJP, led by state president Sunil Jakhar, met the State Election Commissioner on May 15, 2026, to formally request the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) for upcoming local body elections. Ballot Papers To Be Used In Punjab Local Polls, BJP Demands EVMs Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar-led delegation met with the State Election Commissioner and demanded that the elections be conducted using EVMs.

Following an attack on the MSV Haji Ali near the Strait of Hormuz, the ship's owner has called for a formal investigation. The incident raises fresh concerns about the security of Indian crews navigating the volatile maritime corridors of the North Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman.

Speaking in New Delhi after the BRICS foreign ministers' meeting on May 15, 2026, Iran’s Abbas Araghchi stated that Washington has pivoted toward negotiation after failing to achieve military objectives. Araghchi insisted on a diplomatic path, positioning India as a pivotal venue for West Asian diplomacy while rejecting the possibility of a military solution to current tensions.