Updates on 13 May 2026
All of May 2026 →₹37,500 Crore Scheme for Promotion of Surface Coal/Lignite Gasification Projects Approved
On 13 May 2026, the Union Cabinet of India approved a ₹37,500 crore scheme to promote surface coal and lignite gasification projects. This initiative aims to gasify around 75 million tonnes of coal and lignite, targeting investment mobilization of ₹2.5-3 lakh crore and generating approximately 50,000 jobs. The scheme supports India’s national goal of achieving 100 million tonnes of coal gasification by 2030. It offers financial incentives capped at 20% of plant and machinery costs, with specific caps per project, product, and entity group. The program encourages indigenous technologies and extends coal linkage tenure up to 30 years to strengthen energy security and reduce import dependence on liquefied natural gas, urea, ammonia, and methanol.
India Approves Ahmedabad-Dholera Semi High-Speed Rail Project
On 13 May 2026, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the Ahmedabad (Sarkhej)–Dholera Semi High-Speed Double Line railway project in Gujarat, with an estimated cost of approximately ₹20,667 crore. This project is India's first semi high-speed rail initiative developed with indigenous technology, aiming to enhance connectivity between Ahmedabad, Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR), the upcoming Dholera Airport, and the Lothal National Maritime Heritage Complex. The 134 km corridor is designed for trains operating at 200 kmph with a design speed of 220 kmph, reducing travel time between Sabarmati and Dholera to about 48 minutes. Completion is targeted for fiscal year 2030–31. The project aligns with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan to improve multimodal connectivity, contribute to regional development, and promote environmental sustainability by reducing oil imports and CO2 emissions.
National Florence Nightingale Awards 2026 Conferred on Nursing Professionals
On 12 May 2026, fifteen nursing professionals were honoured with the National Florence Nightingale Awards at Rashtrapati Bhavan by President Droupadi Murmu on International Nurses Day. The awards, instituted by the Union Health Ministry since 1973, recognize exceptional service among Auxiliary Nurse Midwives, registered nurses, nursing officers, and educators across India. Each recipient received a Certificate of Merit, a medal, and ₹1 lakh. Awardees included Aysha Beebi K from Lakshadweep for a midnight delivery on a remote island, Kulwinder Parhi from Ladakh for three decades of high-altitude service, Dr. Sharwan Kumar Dhaka from Delhi for COVID-19 vaccination efforts, and Major General Lissamma P.V. for military healthcare contributions.
N. Rangasamy Sworn in as Puducherry Chief Minister for Fifth Term
On 13 May 2026, N. Rangasamy was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Puducherry for the record fifth time. The oath was administered by Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan at Lok Nivas, Puducherry. Rangasamy leads the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in Puducherry, which secured a clear majority in the recent Assembly elections, marking its second consecutive term in power.
South Coast Railway Zone Operational from June 1, 2026 with Headquarters at Visakhapatnam
The South Coast Railway (SCoR), India's 18th railway zone, will officially commence operations from June 1, 2026. Headquartered in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, this new zone is carved from portions of the South Central Railway (SCR) and East Coast Railway (ECoR) zones. It encompasses four divisions: Guntakal, Guntur, Vijayawada (all from SCR), and the newly constituted Visakhapatnam division, formed by bifurcating the erstwhile Waltair division of ECoR. The creation of SCoR fulfills provisions under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, aimed at strengthening railway infrastructure, administration, and regional connectivity in Andhra Pradesh and adjoining areas.
Pakistan Explores ‘Islamic NATO’ with Gulf States Including Qatar and Turkiye
Following the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) signed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in September 2025, Pakistan has initiated talks with Gulf nations, notably Qatar and Turkiye, to form an expanded regional defence and economic bloc often termed an 'Islamic NATO'. This alliance aims to ensure collective defence, regional stability, and reduced reliance on external powers. The concept gained momentum after a 2025 Israeli airstrike on Doha, highlighting Gulf states' security vulnerabilities. Turkiye's advanced military industry and Qatar's regional security involvement complement Pakistan and Saudi Arabia’s strategic partnership, potentially redefining security architecture in West Asia without targeting any specific country.
India Raises Gold and Silver Import Tariffs to 15% in May 2026
On May 13, 2026, India increased the effective import duty on gold and silver from 6% to 15%. This duty consists of a 10% Basic Customs Duty and a 5% Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess (AIDC). The increase aims to curb excessive imports, reduce pressure on foreign exchange reserves, and support the Indian rupee amid global economic challenges. In the 2025-26 financial year, gold imports surged 24% to a record $71.98 billion, making gold the second-largest import item after crude oil. The tariff hike also applies to gold imports from the United Arab Emirates under the fixed-quantity quota system and covers jewellery findings and industrial precious metal imports. This policy move is significant for managing India's trade deficit and foreign exchange reserves.
India’s Defence Forces Vision 2047: Roadmap for a Future-Ready Military
India unveiled the Defence Forces Vision 2047, a strategic blueprint to develop an integrated, advanced, and self-reliant military by the centenary of independence. The vision emphasizes jointness among the Army, Navy, and Air Force, adoption of emerging technologies like cyber, space, drone and cognitive warfare, and a massive boost in domestic defense manufacturing aimed to increase production to ₹8.8 trillion and exports to ₹2.8 trillion by 2047. The plan is divided into three phases: Transition (up to 2030), Consolidation (2030-2040), and Excellence (2040-2047), targeting technological and operational maturity. It links national security with economic development, underscoring indigenous innovation and private sector participation, and calls for modernized commands for multi-domain operations against evolving global security challenges.
Russia's Successful Test of the RS-28 Sarmat Intercontinental Ballistic Missile
On 12 May 2026, Russia successfully test-launched the RS-28 Sarmat missile, a super-heavy intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Arkhangelsk region. The missile struck its designated target at the Kura test range on the Kamchatka Peninsula, marking a key advancement in Russia's nuclear forces modernization. The Sarmat is intended to replace the Soviet-era R-36M2 Voyevoda missile system and can carry multiple nuclear warheads including hypersonic glide vehicles. The missile reportedly has an operational range exceeding 35,000 kilometers and is designed to penetrate advanced missile defenses. Russia plans to deploy the first Sarmat missile regiment at the Uzhur formation in Krasnoyarsk Krai by the end of 2026.
India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to Come into Force from June 1, 2026
India and Oman have finalized the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed in December 2025, and ratified by Oman through a Royal decree in February 2026. This agreement is set to come into force on June 1, 2026. CEPA is a broader trade agreement compared to traditional free trade agreements, covering goods, services, investment, and economic cooperation. Under this pact, India will receive duty-free access for 98% of its exports to Oman, including textiles, agricultural products, and leather items. Bilateral trade between the two countries reached approximately US$10.61 billion in the financial year 2024-25. The agreement aims to enhance trade volume, investment, and economic ties, strengthening India's strategic partnership with Oman and the Gulf region.
India Launches Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool with $1.5 Billion Sovereign-Backed Coverage
On 12 May 2026, India launched the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMIP) in New Delhi, a government-backed marine insurance scheme providing $1.5 billion worth of cover for Indian vessels on international waters, including high-risk and war zones. Authorized by the Union Cabinet in April 2026 amid rising global geopolitical tensions and increased maritime insurance premiums, the pool offers Hull and Machinery, Cargo, Protection & Indemnity (P&I), and War Risk insurance. It is administered by General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re) and features a sovereign guarantee of approximately $1.4 billion to ensure uninterrupted cover even during global uncertainties.