Updates on 18 May 2026
All of May 2026 →Supreme Court Issues Notice on Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) Appointments
On 18 May 2026, the Supreme Court of India issued notices to the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Vinai Kumar Saxena, and the Delhi Government regarding delays and disputes over appointments to the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC). The Court is examining pleas seeking the constitution of a selection committee to expedite regular appointments of the DERC chairperson and members, following a prolonged deadlock and legal challenges concerning powers under the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Act, 2023.
CIC Rules BCCI Is Not a Public Authority Under RTI Act 2005
On 18 May 2026, the Central Information Commission (CIC) declared that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is not a 'public authority' under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005. The commission clarified that BCCI is a private autonomous body registered under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act, not owned, controlled, or substantially financed by the government, and thus not subject to RTI disclosures. This ruling reversed a 2018 CIC order which had brought BCCI under RTI, following challenges and remands by the Madras High Court. The government also decided not to amend the National Sports Governance Bill to cover BCCI under RTI, limiting it to government-funded sports bodies.
West Bengal Approves Free State-Run Bus Travel for Women and Launch of Annapurna Yojana
On 18 May 2026, West Bengal government approved two significant welfare initiatives: free travel for women on all state-run buses starting 1 June 2026, and the Annapurna Yojana scheme, providing ₹3,000 monthly financial assistance to eligible women. The free bus travel will benefit women, including students and workers, enhancing mobility and economic participation. Annapurna Yojana aims to support economically weaker women households, particularly those currently ineligible for other schemes, promoting financial security and empowerment across the state.
Rockefeller Foundation and Partners to Scale Clean Cooking Technologies in Africa
In 2026, the Rockefeller Foundation joined with the Global Energy Alliance, the Clean Cooking Alliance, and Energy Corps to launch an initiative to expand modern clean cooking technologies in Africa. About one billion Africans still rely on traditional fuels like wood and charcoal for cooking, which cause health and environmental harms. This initiative supports the development of Clean Cooking Fellows and accelerator programs to promote adoption of cleaner, more efficient cooking solutions, improving health outcomes and reducing pollution.
Mission 300: African Electricity Access Initiative by 2030 Supported by Rockefeller Foundation
Mission 300 is a joint initiative led by the World Bank Group and African Development Bank aiming to connect 300 million people in Africa to electricity by 2030. Supported by the Rockefeller Foundation and partners, this initiative targets affordable, sustainable energy access to empower communities and stimulate economic growth. As of early 2026, 48 African countries have endorsed the initiative, which includes national energy compacts and focuses on expanding power generation, integrating regional grids, and last-mile electrification mainly through renewable energy.
Rockefeller Foundation 2025 Impact Report: $350 Million in Grants Spurring Global Development
In 2025, the Rockefeller Foundation awarded over US$350 million through 235 grants and program-related investments to 204 partners worldwide. This funding directly mobilized US$3 billion and indirectly US$29 billion, totaling US$32 billion in capital mobilization. Key focus areas included Universal Energy Abundance, Food is Medicine in the U.S., and Regenerative School Meals globally. The Foundation's interventions reached 731 million people, with 3 million experiencing measurable benefits. Geographic reach spanned Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, and the U.S.
Delhi launches ‘Metro Monday’ campaign to promote fuel conservation
On 18 May 2026, Delhi government launched the 'Metro Monday' campaign as part of a 90-day 'Mera Bharat, Mera Yogdan' fuel conservation initiative. The campaign encourages public transport use by running 24 extra train trips every Monday using six additional trains by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. It includes mandatory two-day work-from-home policy for Delhi government employees, staggered office hours, a 20% cut in petrol allocation for government officials, and a six-month halt on new government vehicle purchases. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated the campaign by travelling from Kashmere Gate to ITO metro station. This initiative follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal for fuel conservation amid global energy crisis related to tensions in West Asia.
PM Narendra Modi Receives Grand Cross of Royal Norwegian Order of Merit
On 18 May 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit in Oslo, Norway. This honour represents the highest civilian award of Norway and the top grade in the Order. The award recognises outstanding service benefiting Norway and strengthening Norway-India international relations. It marked Prime Minister Modi's 32nd international honour from a foreign nation. Modi's visit to Norway was the first by a sitting Indian Prime Minister in 43 years, since 1983. India-Norway diplomatic relations have been maintained since 1947, with cooperation spanning maritime affairs, climate action, fisheries, and development partnerships.
India-Norway Elevate Bilateral Relations to Green Strategic Partnership
On 18 May 2026, India and Norway elevated their diplomatic relations to a Green Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Oslo, in talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. This partnership advances cooperation across clean energy, maritime security, digital health, space, and blue economy sectors. It builds upon decades of collaboration since 1947 and aligns with India's Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. The partnership emphasizes maritime decarbonisation, green hydrogen, sustainable ocean use, and expanding bilateral trade and investment under the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement effective from October 2025.
Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (Bullet Train) Project Design Unveiled
On 18 May 2026, the design of India's first bullet train for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project was unveiled at the Ministry of Railways in New Delhi. This project spans 508 kilometres and connects 12 stations across Maharashtra, Gujarat, and the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The train design features a streamlined, aerodynamic profile utilizing Japanese Shinkansen technology. Train sets are being developed under the Make in India initiative by Integral Coach Factory, Chennai, and BEML Limited, Bengaluru, with a design operational speed of 280 km/h. The Ahmedabad-Vapi section (~100 km) is targeted for operations by August 2027, with the full corridor expected to be operational by December 2029. The total estimated cost is ₹1.1 lakh crore (~US$15 billion). The project includes a 21 km tunnel in Mumbai, including a 7 km undersea section beneath Thane Creek, India's first undersea rail tunnel.
Thirteen Major Indian Reservoirs Fall Below 50% Storage Capacity in May 2026
As of 14 May 2026, thirteen major reservoirs across India have storage levels below 50% of their normal capacities. The Central Water Commission (CWC) monitors 166 significant reservoirs nationwide, collectively holding a vast portion of India's usable surface water. Total live storage dropped from 71.082 billion cubic meters on 30 April to 63.232 billion cubic meters by 14 May 2026, representing only 34.45% of total storage capacity. Key reservoirs with critically low levels include Chandan Dam in Jharkhand, which had 0.00% storage on 4 May 2026, and Mettur Dam in Tamil Nadu measuring below its critical storage threshold. The southern region is most affected, with 36 reservoirs below 40% capacity as of 5 May. Decreasing reservoir levels are linked to erratic southwest monsoon patterns and El Niño climate phenomena that influence rainfall distribution.
RBI Removes Investment Fluctuation Reserve (IFR) Requirement for Commercial Banks
On 8 April 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) abolished the mandatory maintenance of the Investment Fluctuation Reserve (IFR) for commercial banks through an amendment in its investment portfolio regulations. The IFR acted as a buffer for banks against losses from market value depreciation of investments, primarily government securities. Existing IFR balances as of 17 May 2026 are reclassified as Tier 1 capital. This regulatory change reflects RBI's confidence in current prudential norms like capital charges for market risk and revised investment valuation standards. It also aims to harmonize policies across various bank categories and ease operational challenges.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah Launches 400 Emergency Response Vehicles and 33 Mobile Forensic Labs in Chhattisgarh
On 18 May 2026, Union Home Minister Amit Shah flagged off 400 new emergency response vehicles for the CG Dial 112 service and inaugurated 33 mobile forensic science laboratories in Chhattisgarh. CG Dial 112 is an integrated emergency number covering police, fire, medical, and disaster management services. Previously operational in 16 districts, the service has been expanded to cover all 33 districts of Chhattisgarh. The mobile forensic vans are equipped with scientific tools for on-site crime scene investigation, aiding faster and more efficient forensic analysis.
West Bengal Raises Upper Age Limit for State Government Job Recruitment
As of May 11, 2026, the West Bengal government amended the West Bengal Services (Raising of Age-limit) Rules, 1981 to increase upper age limits for recruitment to state government jobs. The upper age limit is set at 41 years for Group A posts, 44 years for Group B posts, and 45 years for Group C and D posts. These amendments also apply to recruitments conducted in state statutory bodies, government companies, and local authorities under the West Bengal Regulation of Recruitment in State Statutory Bodies, Government Companies and Local Authorities Act, 1999. For posts or services that already have a higher upper age limit, the existing provision continues unchanged. The notification was issued by the Finance Department (Audit Branch) of the West Bengal government.
Sibash Kabiraj Appointed as New Gurugram Police Commissioner
On 18 May 2026, senior IPS officer Sibash Kabiraj was appointed as the new Police Commissioner of Gurugram, Haryana. A 1999-batch IPS officer, he succeeded Vikas Arora, who moved to Additional Director General of Police (Administration) Panchkula. Kabiraj previously served as Commissioner of Police in Panchkula and held additional charges including ADGP (Cyber) and Director, State Crime Records Bureau. The appointment is part of Haryana's ongoing police administrative reshuffle and strengthens urban law enforcement in Gurugram, a key district under the National Capital Region. The police commissionerate system confers executive magisterial powers to the Commissioner of Police for faster decision-making under state laws.
National AI Doctors Mission Launched in New Delhi to Train Doctors in Artificial Intelligence
On 17 May 2026, the National AI Doctors Mission (NAIDM) was launched at Health AI Con 2026 in New Delhi. This doctor-led initiative, conceptualized by Medical Dialogues in collaboration with the National Medical Forum, aims to equip Indian medical professionals with knowledge and practical skills in the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare, alongside an ethical framework for digital tool use. NAIDM addresses the lack of standardized AI training and governance in Indian healthcare, and supports integration with Digital India, the National Digital Health Mission, and the vision of Viksit Bharat. The mission emphasizes safe and responsible AI use in clinical practice, preparing doctors for AI-driven healthcare advancements.
Passing of K. P. Unnikrishnan: Veteran Union Minister and Six-time Lok Sabha MP
K. P. Unnikrishnan, a prominent Indian politician and six-time Member of Parliament from Vadakara, Kerala, passed away on 3 March 2026 at age 89. He served as Union Minister for Surface Transport and Communications in the V. P. Singh Cabinet (1989-90). Notably, he directed the evacuation of over 170,000 Indians during the 1990 Gulf War. His political career spanned key phases, including associations with the Indian National Congress and socialist parties, shaping Kerala's political landscape for decades.
India-Sweden Elevated to Strategic Partnership in May 2026
On 17 May 2026, India and Sweden upgraded their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in Gothenburg. The partnership focuses on green transition, security, emerging technologies, people-to-people ties, trade, and investment. It is structured around four pillars including Strategic Dialogue for Stability and Security and Next-Generation Economic Partnership. The India-Sweden Joint Action Plan 2026-2030 guides cooperation in political, economic, technological, security, climate, and societal domains. Bilateral trade reached USD 7.75 billion in 2025, with ambitions to double trade and investment within five years. The agreement also includes defence cooperation and plans to establish a Science and Technology Centre to foster innovation and startup ecosystems.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Receives Sweden's Royal Order of the Polar Star
On 17 May 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the Royal Order of the Polar Star, Commander Grand Cross, by Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden in Gothenburg. Instituted in 1748, this is Sweden's highest honour awarded to foreign heads of government, recognizing civic merits, devotion to duty, and contributions to science and literature. The conferment marks Modi's 31st international honour and underscores the strategic partnership between India and Sweden that encompasses trade, technology, defence, and green innovations. Bilateral trade between the nations reached USD 7.75 billion in 2025, reflecting deepening economic cooperation.
India-Netherlands Sign LoI for Technical Cooperation on Gujarat's Kalpasar Project
On 17 May 2026, India's Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Netherlands' Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) for technical cooperation on Gujarat's Kalpasar Project. This multipurpose water infrastructure project aims to construct a dam across the Gulf of Khambhat to create a freshwater reservoir by trapping flows from seven rivers. The project includes tidal power generation, irrigation benefits supporting about 10 lakh hectares across 42 talukas in nine districts of Saurashtra, and improved transport connectivity reducing travel distance between South Gujarat and Saurashtra from around 240 km to 60 km. The Netherlands provides technical expertise based on experience with the Afsluitdijk Dam, a 32-km structure that transformed a saline gulf into a freshwater lake. This cooperation is part of the India-Netherlands Strategic Partnership on Water focused on water management, climate adaptation, and sustainable infrastructure.
Smiling Buddha: India’s First Nuclear Test in 1974
On 18 May 1974, India successfully conducted its first nuclear test, codenamed Smiling Buddha, at the Pokhran Test Range in Rajasthan. The test was led by Raja Ramanna under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's leadership, using a plutonium implosion-type device. India became the sixth nation to achieve nuclear capability and the first outside the five permanent UN Security Council members to demonstrate such power. Officially described as a Peaceful Nuclear Explosion, this test led to the formation of the Nuclear Suppliers Group globally and marked India's strategic and technological advancement.
Increase in Supreme Court Judge Strength from 34 to 38 in 2026
In May 2026, the sanctioned strength of judges in the Supreme Court of India was increased from 33 to 37, excluding the Chief Justice of India (CJI), thereby raising the total strength including the CJI from 34 to 38. This decision was taken via the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026, promulgated by President Droupadi Murmu on 16 May 2026 under Article 123 of the Constitution. The move aims to address the backlog of over 93,000 pending cases in the Supreme Court and improve judicial efficiency and speed in delivering justice. The increase follows approval by the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 5 May 2026, and awaits replacement by an Act of Parliament.