Government results, recruitments and notices — official sources only PYQ Vault Join Telegram
The Affairs
India & World Current Affairs
18 June 2026
1274 stories · Desk Home
Google News RSS
India Kerala
VD Satheesan Sworn in as Kerala Chief Minister with 20-Member Cabinet
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.
India National
Supreme Court Quashes ₹25 Lakh Penalty on Officer for Executing Government Order
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.
World Cuba
Cuba Publishes Family Guide on Survival During Potential Enemy Attacks
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...
World Nepal
Veteran Climber Kami Rita Sherpa Scales Mount Everest for 32nd Time
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.
India Kerala
V.D. Satheesan to lead 21-member Kerala Cabinet; IUML secures five berths
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.
India National
Monsoon Advances to Andaman and Nicobar; Kerala Onset Expected May 26
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.
India National
Tata Electronics and ASML Partner for Chip Manufacturing in India
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 National
India and Netherlands Upgrade Ties to Strategic Partnership During PM Visit
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.
India National
President Murmu Clears Path to Increase Supreme Court Strength to 38
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.
India National
Delhi Sets Fresh 2027 Deadline to Flatten Ghazipur, Bhalswa, and Okhla Landfills
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.
World Geopolitics
Trump Confirms Discussion with Xi Jinping on Reciprocal Cyber Espionage
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,.
India National
Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov Reprimands Disruptive Journalist at New Delhi Briefing
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.
India National
Supreme Court Rejects Government Fee Parity for Students Transferred to Private Colleges
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.
World Climate Science
Climate Change Triggers Global Oxygen Depletion Across World's River Systems
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.
India National
NTA Schedules NEET-UG 2026 Re-Examination for June 21 Following Irregularities
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.
India Madhya Pradesh
MP High Court Eases Tree Cutting Rules for Defence and Security Infrastructure
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.
World China
Vladimir Putin to Visit China on May 19 for Two-Day Summit
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.
World Global
US and Nigeria Eliminate Global ISIS Second-in-Command Abu-Bilal al-Minuki
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
India National
Jharkhand Begins House Listing for Census 2027 with Field Visits Through June 14
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
India Jammu and Kashmir
Omar Abdullah Approves ₹93 Crore Power Infrastructure Overhaul for Jammu and Kashmir
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
India National
Fuel Stations in NCR to Deny Service to Vehicles Without Valid PUCC
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).
India Tamil Nadu
ECI Investigates Reports of Foreign Nationals Voting in Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections
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.
World Global
BRICS Members Back Independent Palestine with East Jerusalem as Capital
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”.
World Global
UAE Pledges 5 Billion Dollars in India During Prime Ministerial Visit
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.
India National
Supreme Court Adopts Virtual Benches and Carpooling Following Fuel Conservation Order
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.
World Middle East
Benjamin Netanyahu States Israeli Military Controls 60% of Gaza Strip
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.
India Punjab
Punjab BJP delegation urges State Election Commission to use EVMs for local polls
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.
India National
Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi Rejects Military Solution, Calls for Serious US Negotiations
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.
India National
India's Forex Reserves Climb to $696.9 Billion as Gold Holdings Surge
India's total foreign exchange reserves reached $696.988 billion for the week ending May 8, 2026, marking a weekly rise of $6.295 billion. Gold reserves drove much of this growth, increasing by $5.637 billion to a total valuation of $120.853 billion. Reserve Bank of India – Bulletin Weekly Statistical Supplement – Extract (<span style="color: red">Revised</span>) 1. Reserve Bank of India - Liabilities and Assets* (&#8377; Crore) Item 2025 2026 Variation May 09 May 01 May 08.
India National
India Meteorological Department Predicts Southwest Monsoon Arrival Over Kerala on May 26
The IMD expects the southwest monsoon to hit Kerala on May 26, about a week ahead of the usual June 1 start date. This annual rainfall period remains the primary driver for India’s agrarian economy and water security. Southwest monsoon likely to set in over Kerala on May 26: IMD Kerala usually sees the onset of the monsoon around June 1, which then advances northwards covering the rest of the country
India National
India and UAE Sign Pacts on Defense, Petroleum Reserves, and LPG Supply
On May 15, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan signed bilateral agreements covering defense cooperation, petroleum reserves, and LPG supply. During the meeting, Modi noted that the West Asia conflict is impacting the global community. PM Modi UAE visit LIVE: 'Impact of West Asia conflict being felt globally,' PM tells UAE President India, UAE sign pacts ‌on ‌defence ⁠cooperation, petroleum reserves and ​LPG supply
India National
Uttarakhand Police File First Triple Talaq Chargesheet Under State Civil Code
Haridwar police have submitted a chargesheet against nine individuals in a case involving dowry harassment and the illegal practice of Triple Talaq, marking the first prosecution under Uttarakhand's Uniform Civil Code. Uttarakhand Files Chargesheet In First Triple Talaq Case Under Uniform Code Police in Haridwar district submitted the chargesheet in a local court against nine persons following a complaint of dowry harassment and marital torture.
India National
Supreme Court Rules Education in Mother Tongue is a Fundamental Right Under Article 19(1)(a)
The Supreme Court of India ruled that a child has a fundamental right under Article 19(1)(a) to receive primary education in their mother tongue. The Court held that the constitutional guarantee of freedom of speech and expression includes the choice of the medium of instruction, prohibiting the state from imposing a specific language for schooling against the preference of the child or their guardians.
India National
India Takes BRICS Chair, Pushes for More Inclusive Global Order
Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting in New Delhi, setting an agenda for equitable global representation and regional stability during India’s 2026 presidency. With India As Chair, BRICS To Work On More Inclusive World Order: PM Modi Foreign Ministers and Heads of Delegation of BRICS countries called on PM Modi on the first day of the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting in the capital.
India National
Supreme Court Questions Neutrality of Cabinet Minister in Election Commissioner Selection Panel
A Supreme Court bench led by Justice Dipankar Datta has questioned the inclusion of a Union Cabinet Minister in the committee responsible for appointing Election Commissioners. Hearing challenges to the 2023 Act, the court noted that the selection process must be visibly independent and suggested the third member should ideally be a neutral figure rather than a political appointee.
India National
NIA Files 7,500-Page Chargesheet Against Ten Accused in Red Fort Blast
The National Investigation Agency has submitted a 7,500-page chargesheet regarding the Red Fort explosion. The document lists 588 witnesses and 395 pieces of evidence against ten individuals, including Dr. Nabi, Aamir Rashid Mir, Jasir Bilal Wani, Dr. Muzamil Shakeel, Dr. Adeel Ahmed Rather, Dr. Shaheen Saeed, Mufti Irfan Ahmad Wagay, Soyab, Dr. Bilal Naseer Malla, and Yasir Ahmad Dar.
India National
India Sets 100 MTPA Coal Gasification Target by 2030 to Cut Imports
The Union Cabinet has sanctioned a ₹37,500 crore outlay to push coal gasification capacity to 100 million tonnes per annum by 2030, aiming to curb dependence on imported natural gas and fuels. Explained: What Is Coal Gasification And Can It Cut India's Fuel Imports? India wants 100 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of coal gasification by 2030. Gasification is more efficient and cleaner than direct burning.