Updates on 3 May 2026
All of May 2026 →Appointment of Dr. Joram Aniya and Dr. R. Balasubramaniam as Full-Time Members of NITI Aayog
On May 2, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the appointment of Dr. Joram Aniya and Dr. R. Balasubramaniam as full-time members of NITI Aayog. This followed the apex policy think tank's reconstitution on April 24, 2026, aimed at strengthening India's governance and policy-making through wider expertise and regional representation. Dr. Joram Aniya is the first woman from the Nyishi community of Arunachal Pradesh to earn a PhD and is an accomplished academic and cultural scholar. Dr. R. Balasubramaniam, Member (HR) of the Capacity Building Commission, is key to implementing Mission Karmayogi, the government's flagship initiative for civil services capacity building and governance reforms. Their appointments underscore the government's emphasis on inclusive governance and evidence-based policymaking.
Rohit Jain appointed as Deputy Governor of Reserve Bank of India
Rohit Jain has been appointed as Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for a three-year term starting on or after May 3, 2026. With nearly three decades of experience at the RBI, Jain has served as Executive Director overseeing banking supervision and financial regulation. He succeeds T. Rabi Sankar, whose tenure concluded in April 2026. Jain’s appointment continues RBI's practice of promoting experienced internal candidates, ensuring leadership continuity and strengthening India's financial regulatory framework.
Veteran Actor Sudesh Kumar of 'Dosti' Fame Passes Away
Sudesh Kumar, a noted Bollywood actor best remembered for his impactful role in the 1964 classic film 'Dosti', passed away recently, marking the end of an era for fans of 1960s-70s Hindi cinema. Recognized for portraying emotionally deep and relatable characters, he became a household name through 'Dosti', which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi. His career, while not marked by sustained superstardom, featured sincere supporting roles highlighting social themes. 'Dosti' remains a landmark film emphasizing friendship and social struggles, acclaimed also for its memorable music by Laxmikant–Pyarelal.
Prasoon Joshi's Appointment to Central Board of Film Certification
Prasoon Joshi, an acclaimed lyricist and advertising professional, was appointed to a key role in the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) by the Union government. The CBFC, under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, certifies films for public exhibition in India as per the provisions of the Cinematograph Act, 1952. Joshi's appointment highlights the government's emphasis on experienced creative professionals balancing artistic freedom with regulatory responsibilities in film certification.
India Successfully Tests Long-Range Hypersonic Anti-Ship Missile with Mach 10 Speed
India conducted the second successful flight test of its Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LR-AShM), developed by DRDO, off the Odisha coast in May 2026. This missile has a strike range of over 1,500 km and can travel at speeds up to Mach 10, making it one of the fastest weapons in India’s naval arsenal. Featuring a two-stage solid rocket propulsion and an advanced hypersonic glide vehicle design, the LR-AShM enables India to target both stationary and moving naval vessels, including aircraft carriers, with high precision using indigenous sensor technology. The missile’s low-altitude, skipping flight trajectories and unpredictable maneuvers help evade radar and interception, significantly boosting India’s maritime deterrence capabilities and strategic reach in the Indian Ocean region.