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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurates India’s first Artificial Intelligence -powered phygital banking branch of Slice Small Finance Bank in Guwahati

• Chief Minister (CM) of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated India’s 1st Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered “phygital” banking branch of Slice Small Finance Bank in Guwahati, Assam.
• The launch marks a major step towards financial inclusion by building a more inclusive financial ecosystem for both urban and underserved communities.
• The banking model is a “phygital” model, which combines physical banking infrastructure with advanced digital technologies to deliver seamless, faster, and customer-friendly services.
• The branch provides AI-enabled services, including automated banking solutions, digital onboarding, AI-based customer support, and smart service systems to improve efficiency and customer experience.
• The initiative aims to enhance operational efficiency, reduce service delays, and improve accessibility of banking services.
• Through expansion of physical branches and strengthening of digital infrastructure, the bank plans to offer responsible credit, savings, and payment solutions.
• The focus is especially on small businesses and individuals who have limited access to modern banking services, thereby promoting financial inclusion and digital banking adoption.

IDFC FIRST Bank Introduces FD-Backed Business Multiplier Metal Credit Card for Startups, Founders and Entrepreneurs

• IDFC FIRST Bank has launched the ‘FD-backed Business Multiplier Metal Credit Card’ for founders, entrepreneurs, startups, MSMEs, and business owners in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• The card offers a dedicated business credit solution with assured credit limits linked to Fixed Deposits (FDs), starting from a minimum FD of ₹50,000.
• The premium metal credit card displays both the business name and cardholder’s name, enabling a professional business identity.
• The primary objective of the card is to support business expense management, cash flow optimisation, credit profile building, and separation of personal and business spending for startups,Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), entrepreneurs, and self-employed professionals.
• It provides a dedicated credit limit for operational expenses, including SaaS subscriptions, UPI payments, real-time spending visibility, and employee cards with spending controls.
• Key benefits include FD-backed credit security, up to 45 days interest-free credit period, and zero (0%) forex markup on international transactions.
• The card also offers global ATM cash access, reward points, travel benefits, airport lounge access, and trip cancellation cover.
• The joining fee and annual fee are ₹1,000 each, which are waived on annual spending above ₹5 lakh.

About IDFC First Bank:

• Founded: 2015
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Managing Director & CEO: V. Vaidyanathan
• Tagline : Always You First
• Merger: IDFC Bank merged with Capital First in 2018

Morgan Stanley Revises India’s FY27 Gross Domestic Product Growth Forecast Upward to 6.7% in Mid-Year Outlook Report

• Morgan Stanley, the American brokerage firm, released its latest Mid-Year Outlook for India, revising India’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast for FY2026–27 (FY27) upward by 50 basis points (bps) to 6.7%, compared to the earlier estimate of 6.2% (April 2026).
• The report projects India’s GDP growth for FY28 at 7%, indicating continued strong economic expansion.
• For the first quarter (Q1: April–June) of FY27, India’s GDP growth is projected at 6.5% year-on-year (Y-o-Y).
• The report estimates India’s average inflation for FY27 at 4.7%, driven by higher production costs, weaker rupee, and spillover effects on core inflation.
• On the global front, global economic growth is expected to moderate to 3.2% in 2026, down from 3.5% in 2025, reflecting a slowdown in major global economies.

Recent News :

• In May 2026, S&P Global Market Intelligence and CRISIL Ratings Limited jointly released a report titled “India Forward – Emerging Perspectives”, revising India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast for FY27 downward by 50 basis points to 6.6% from 7.1%.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Ministry of Education Launches Pilot Programme for Out-of-School Adolescents

• The Union Ministry of Education unveiled a new pilot programme as a targeted intervention to reintegrate over 2 crore out-of-school adolescents aged 14–18 years back into the education system through flexible learning pathways.
• The initiative was chaired by Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL).
• The programme shifts the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) from a passive voluntary framework to a proactive and state-supported outreach mechanism.
• The pilot initiative will be implemented in 10 high-concentration districts across 9 States and Union Territories:
• Bihar
• Chhattisgarh
• Delhi
• Gujarat
• Karnataka
• Madhya Pradesh
• Maharashtra
• Odisha
• Ground teams will:
• Map out-of-school children
• Digitally track their learning progress
• Dedicated NIOS facilitators will:
• Conduct community mobilisation
• Provide student counselling
• Assist in enrolment support
• The initiative aims to tackle the critical dropout trend in secondary education across India.
• According to current Ministry data, only 62 out of every 100 students entering Class I manage to reach Class XII.
• The open-schooling framework will function as an important bridge mechanism to improve educational access and continuation.
• The programme supports the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
• NEP 2020 Target: Achieve 100% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) by 2030.

About Minister of Education

• Union Minister of Education – Dharmendra Pradhan
• Ministers of State in the Ministry of Education – Jayant Chaudhary and Sukanta Majumdar

Central Bureau of Investigation Launches “Abhay” Artificial Intelligence-Based Helpbot

• The Central Bureau of Investigation launched “Abhay”, an Artificial Intelligence-Based Helpbot developed to verify the authenticity of notices issued in the name of the Central Bureau of Investigation.
• The initiative was unveiled by Justice Surya Kant to help citizens protect themselves from the increasing cases of:
• Cyber Fraud
• Digital Arrest Scams
• Fake Investigation Threats
• Online Financial Extortion
• “Abhay” has been developed internally by the Central Bureau of Investigation as part of efforts to strengthen cybercrime awareness and improve public safety.
• The helpbot provides Real-Time Verification of notices claiming to be issued by the Central Bureau of Investigation.
• Through the platform, citizens can check whether a document or notice is:
• Genuine
• Officially Issued
• Potentially Fraudulent
• The system works by cross-checking notice details with the official database of the Central Bureau of Investigation and instantly informing users about the authenticity of the document.
• The initiative is particularly important because of the rapid rise in Digital Arrest Scams, where cybercriminals impersonate officials of agencies such as the Central Bureau of Investigation to threaten victims.
• In such scams, fraudsters often:
• Keep victims on long video calls
• Claim that the victim is under investigation
• Create fear of arrest or legal action
• Psychologically pressure victims to transfer money online
• The “Abhay” helpbot is expected to strengthen:
• Cyber Fraud Prevention
• Public Awareness
• Digital Safety
• Trust in Official Communication
• Protection Against Online Financial Crimes

About Central Bureau of Investigation:

• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Director: Praveen Sood
• Motto: “Industry, Impartiality, Integrity”

Karnataka Introduces Two Digital Drug Monitoring Systems

• Karnataka introduced Two New Digital Monitoring Systems through the State Food Safety and Drug Administration to strengthen Drug Safety, Public Health Protection, and Regulatory Transparency in the pharmaceutical sector.
• The first digital system has been developed to automatically block the sale of medicines identified as Not of Standard Quality (NSQ). Once a drug batch is declared substandard, its details will be uploaded into the portal and the batch will immediately be locked, preventing any further sale or distribution within the state.
• The system will instantly send alerts to Wholesalers, Distributors, and Drug Suppliers, helping authorities quickly remove unsafe medicines from the market and improve recall efficiency.
• The portal will also provide Real-Time Information related to:
• Stock Availability
• Stock-in-Hand
• Quantity Returned to Suppliers
• Karnataka also launched a second digital portal to monitor medicines covered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
• These medicines are highly sensitive because they are vulnerable to misuse, illegal diversion, and unauthorized consumption.
• Under the new system, retailers selling medicines regulated under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act must compulsorily upload and verify:
• Patient Details
• Doctor Details
• Prescription Information

About Karnataka:

• Capital: Bangalore
• Chief Minister: Siddaramaiah
• Governor: Thaawarchand Gehlot

RECENT NEWS

• The State Government of Karnataka has introduced the India’s first digital grievance redressal system for the gig workers. This step will marks the major step towards to protecting the platform-based workers. This initiative enables workers to formally register their complaints related to wages, working conditions and the disputes with digital platforms.

Tripura Becomes First State to Complete All Priority Areas Under Deregulation Reform Programme

• Tripura became the First State in India to complete all Priority Areas under Deregulation Phase-II of the national Compliance Reduction and Deregulation Initiative led by the Cabinet Secretariat.
• With this achievement, Tripura also became the First State in India to complete all 51 Priority Areas under both Phase-I and Phase-II of the reform programme.
• The state completed 23 Priority Areas under Phase-I and 28 Priority Areas under Phase-II.
• The reform programme was launched in January 2026 with the objective of reducing compliance burdens, simplifying administrative procedures, improving ease of doing business, and creating a more transparent and investor-friendly governance system.
• As part of its digital governance initiatives, Tripura launched a Centralised e-Gazette System to provide unified digital access to:
• Acts
• Rules
• Regulations
• Government Notifications
• The state also introduced an Auto-Appeal Mechanism under the Right to Services Framework. This mechanism aims to improve accountability and ensure timely delivery of government services to citizens.

About Tripura:

• Capital: Agartala
• Chief Minister: Manik Saha
• Governor: Indra Sena Reddy Nallu

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia Launches ₹175 Crore Coffees of Nagaland Mission

• Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia launched the ₹175 Crore Coffees of Nagaland Mission to develop Nagaland as a premium specialty coffee destination in India and global markets.
• The mission has been launched under the Cluster-Based Coffee Value Chain Development Mission and aims to create a complete coffee ecosystem instead of focusing only on coffee cultivation.
• The initiative will cover the entire coffee value chain including:
• Plantation Development
• Coffee Processing
• Branding and Marketing
• Exports
• Traceability Systems
• Tourism Promotion
• Farmer Capacity Building
• The main objective of the mission is to help coffee growers earn higher income by promoting value-added coffee products instead of selling only raw coffee beans.
• The programme follows a Cluster-Based Development Approach, where selected regions will be developed as organised coffee production and processing hubs.
• Two pilot coffee clusters have been identified under the mission:
• Tuophema in Kohima district for Arabica Coffee
• Ghotovi in Niuland district for Robusta Coffee
• These pilot clusters will function as model centres for future expansion of coffee cultivation and specialty coffee production across Nagaland.
• Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia described the initiative as a “Whole of India Approach” involving cooperation among:
• Central Government
• State Government
• Farmers
• Entrepreneurs
• Processors
• Exporters
• Branding Experts
• Market Stakeholders
• The mission supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Viksit North East”, which focuses on accelerating economic growth and infrastructure development in Northeastern India.
• A major focus of the initiative is the creation of a strong premium brand identity under the label “Coffees of Nagaland.”
• The government aims to position Nagaland coffee as a Single-Origin Specialty Coffee Brand in both domestic and international markets.

India Releases First Satellite-Tagged Ganges Softshell Turtle in Assam

• India achieved a major milestone in wildlife conservation by releasing the country’s first-ever satellite-tagged Ganges softshell turtle into the Brahmaputra River at Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, Assam.
• The historic release coincided with Endangered Species Day, observed.
• The development was announced by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
• The satellite telemetry exercise was conducted under a programme of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
• The project involved:
• Wildlife Institute of India (WII)
• Assam Forest Department
• Kaziranga National Park Authorities
• National Geographic Society
• The Ganges softshell turtle (Nilssonia gangetica) is a large freshwater turtle native to the:
• Indus River system
• Ganga River system
• Mahanadi River system
• Brahmaputra River system
• The species belongs to the Trionychidae family.
• The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the Ganges softshell turtle as Endangered in the IUCN Red List.
• Assam is globally recognised as a critical habitat for freshwater biodiversity.
• The state is home to 21 turtle species found in India.

About Assam

• Capital – Dispur
• Chief Minister– Himanta Biswa Sarma
• Governor– Lakshman Prasad Acharya

RECENT NEWS

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently dedicated a modern elevated road corridor connecting Pandu Port to National Highway-27 and laid the foundation for several key inland waterway projects. These initiatives aim to boost tourism, trade, and employment in Assam while strengthening the Brahmaputra River (NW-2) as a major transport and economic corridor.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Receives Norway’s Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded Norway’s highest civilian honour, the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit, during his official visit to Norway.
• The award is one of Norway’s most prestigious honours given to foreign dignitaries for exceptional contribution towards strengthening international relations and promoting cooperation with Norway.
• With this recognition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has now received 32 international honours and awards from foreign nations, reflecting India’s growing diplomatic influence and global engagement.
• The award ceremony took place during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Oslo and marked an important milestone in India–Norway bilateral relations.
• The visit is historically significant because it is:
• The First Visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Norway
• The First Visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Norway in 43 Years
• The visit highlighted expanding cooperation between India and Norway in areas such as:
• Trade and Investment
• Green Energy
• Maritime Cooperation
• Technology and Innovation
• Climate Action
• Arctic Research
• Blue Economy
• The Royal Norwegian Order of Merit was established in 1985 by King Olav V.
• The honour is mainly awarded to foreign nationals and overseas contributors who have rendered distinguished service connected to Norway’s interests and international relations.
• The award recognises:
• Diplomatic Contributions
• Public Service
• International Cooperation
• Strengthening Bilateral Relations
• The Grand Cross is the highest grade within the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit.
• The Order consists of five levels:
• Grand Cross
• Commander with Star
• Commander
• Knight First Class
• Knight
• The Grand Cross is awarded only in exceptional cases and represents Norway’s highest level of diplomatic recognition for foreign leaders.
• King Harald V serves as the Grand Master of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit.
• The honour is awarded based on recommendations made through Norway’s foreign affairs and royal protocol system.

RECENT NEWS

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi also recently received Sweden’s Royal Order of the Polar Star, Commander Grand Cross, making the back-to-back honours from Nordic countries diplomatically significant.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

United Nations Global Forest Goals Report 2026 Highlights Fuelwood Demand as Key Driver of Global Forest Loss

• The United Nations (UN) released its latest assessment on global forests titled the “Global Forest Goals (GFG) Report 2026” during the 21st session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) at the UN Headquarters in New York, United States of America.
• The report highlighted that the rising demand for fuelwood (woodfuel and charcoal) is the key driver of global forest loss, especially in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia, despite ongoing afforestation and forest restoration programmes.
• Along with fuelwood demand, the report identified agricultural expansion as the major cause of global deforestation.
• The report was jointly prepared by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and the UN Forum on Forests (UNFF) Secretariat.
• It revealed that the global forest cover declined from 4.18 billion hectares (2015) to 4.14 billion hectares (2025), indicating an annual net loss of 4.12 million hectares.
• Regionally, South America and Africa recorded the steepest forest decline, losing about 4.1 million hectares and nearly 3 million hectares per year respectively.
• The report also stated that around 16 million hectares of primary forests, which are crucial for biodiversity conservation and carbon storage, were lost between 2015 and 2025, with South America accounting for the largest share of losses.

About United Nations :

• Established : 1945
• Headquarters : New York City, the United States of America (USA)
• Secretary General : António Guterres

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Indian Administrative Service Officer Saurabh Vijay Takes Charge as Chief Executive Officer of the Unique Identification Authority of India

• Shri Saurabh Vijay, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1998 Maharashtra cadre, has assumed charge as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
• He is a civil engineer from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, with extensive experience in both Government of Maharashtra and Government of India.
• Prior to joining UIDAI, he served as Principal Secretary (Expenditure), Finance Department, Government of Maharashtra, handling key responsibilities in public financial management.
• His earlier roles in the Maharashtra cadre include Principal Secretary Planning and Development Commissioner, Principal Secretary Tourism, Secretary Medical Education, and Secretary Higher and Technical Education.
• On central deputation, he has held important national and international positions, including Director at the President’s Secretariat, New Delhi.
• He also served as Advisor to the Executive Director for Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Sri Lanka at the World Bank, Washington D.C., contributing to international development and policy coordination.

About UIDAI :

• The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) was initially set up on 28 January 2009 by a notification of the Planning Commission of India.
• UIDAI was later established as a statutory authority on 12 July 2016 under the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016.
• The UIDAI is responsible for issuing and managing the Aadhaar unique identification system in India.
• Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh to Visit Vietnam and South Korea on Official Tour to Strengthen Defence Cooperation

• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh is undertaking an official visit to Vietnam (May 18–19, 2026) followed by the Republic of Korea (May 19–21, 2026) to strengthen India’s defence and strategic partnerships in Asia.
• The visit aims to expand bilateral engagement, with a focus on strategic military cooperation, defence industrial partnerships, and maritime collaboration, supporting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Key Highlights :

India–Vietnam Relations

• The visit marks 10 years of the India–Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which was further upgraded to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the Vietnam President’s State Visit to India (May 5–7, 2026).
• Rajnath Singh will hold bilateral talks with Vietnam’s Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang.
• A key milestone is the Joint Vision Statement of India–Vietnam Defence Partnership towards 2030, signed during the 2022 visit (June 8–10, 2022), which provides a roadmap for future defence cooperation.
• The relationship reflects shared democratic values and mutual interest in regional peace and prosperity.
• The visit coincides with the 136th birth anniversary of Ho Chi Minh (May 19, 2026), where Raksha Mantri will lay a wreath at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum as a mark of respect.

India–Republic of Korea Relations

• In the Republic of Korea visit (May 19–21, 2026), Rajnath Singh will hold bilateral talks with Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back to review and strengthen defence cooperation.
• He will also meet Minister of Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) Lee Yong-cheol and chair the India–Korea Business Roundtable.
• Both sides will discuss new defence initiatives, regional security issues, and global strategic cooperation.
• A joint inauguration of the Indian War Memorial will take place on May 21, 2026, with Minister Kwon Oh-eul, honouring shared historical ties.

Historical Significance

• India’s contribution in the Korean War remains a significant example of its commitment to global peace and humanitarian support.
• India deployed the 60 Parachute Field Ambulance unit, which treated over 2 lakh patients and performed around 2,500 surgeries, including treatment of civilians.
• India also chaired the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission, leading to the peaceful repatriation of nearly 2,000 prisoners of war through the Custodian Force of India (5,230 personnel).
• The visit reinforces the alignment of India’s “Act East Policy” with the Republic of Korea’s “Indo-Pacific Strategy”, strengthening strategic, defence, and economic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

About Vietnam :

• Prime Minister : Lê Minh Hưng
• Capital : Hanoi
• Currency : Vietnamese đồng

About South Korea :

• President : Lee Jae Myung
• Prime Minister : Kim Min-seok
• Capital : Seoul
• Currency : Korean Republic won

India’s Artificial Intelligence-Powered Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle‘Kaal Bhairava’ to Be Manufactured at First Overseas Facility in Portugal

• Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace (FWDA), a deep tech defence company, announced that its flagship Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) “Kaal Bhairava” will be manufactured at its first international production facility in Portugal.
• The initiative is part of “Operation 777”, which aims to establish 7 global headquarters across 77 countries to expand international defence presence.
• The project is being developed in collaboration with SKETCHPIXEL, a European company specializing in advanced fighter jet simulation systems, including those used for the F-16 aircraft.
• Under the partnership, SKETCHPIXEL will provide simulation, AI integration, communication, and interoperability technologies, strengthening the platform’s advanced operational capabilities.
• FWDA will retain full intellectual property rights (IPR) over the core autonomous systems and airframe design, ensuring indigenous control of critical technologies.
• The “Kaal Bhairava” UCAV is an indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured platform, built as a Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) autonomous combat aircraft.
• The UCAV features a range of 3,000 km and an endurance capability of over 30 hours, making it suitable for long-duration combat and surveillance missions.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

Prudential plc to acquire 75% stake in Bharti Life Insurance Company Limited for ₹3,500 crore initial cash consideration

• Prudential plc has announced the acquisition of a 75% stake in Bharti Life Insurance Company Limited for an initial value of Rs 3,500 crore (around USD 389 million).
• The acquisition deal is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions.
• Under the transaction arrangement, Prudential plc will acquire a 60% stake from Bharti Life Ventures Pvt. Ltd. and a 15% stake from funds managed by 360 ONE Asset Management.
• After completion of the acquisition, Prudential’s India operations will include majority-owned Bharti Life Insurance Company Limited and Prudential HCL Health Insurance Limited.
• Prudential will continue to hold minority stakes in two listed entities: a 35% stake in ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company Limited and a 22% stake in ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Limited.
• For obtaining regulatory approval, Prudential plc must reduce its shareholding in ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Limited to below 10%.
• As part of the agreement, Bharti Life Insurance Company Limited has been mandated to explore strategic distribution agreements with Bharti Airtel and 360 ONE Asset Management.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

India and Norway strengthen science, technology and innovation cooperation through new bilateral agreements

• During the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Norway, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Government of India signed a series of key agreements with Norwegian institutions in Oslo to strengthen science, technology, innovation and sustainable development
• The agreements were signed under the leadership of Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR and Secretary of DSIR, along with Norwegian research, academic and industry partners, aimed at boosting bilateral R&D, startup engagement and institutional collaboration.

Key Highlights :

• A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between CSIR/DSIR and the Research Council of Norway focuses on research cooperation, innovation, capacity building and technology development through joint workshops, collaborative R&D projects, scientist exchange programmes and periodic reviews.
• The collaboration targets global challenges and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in climate change, clean energy, oceans and health
• CSIR signed a 2026–2029 Collaboration Agreement with SINTEF to promote circular economy and sustainability transition research in areas like bio-based materials, offshore wind energy, ocean energy, carbon capture, waste valorization and innovation hubs.
• A Project-Specific Agreement on Ocean Energy and Offshore Wind Energy was signed between multiple CSIR institutes (CSIR-SERC, CSIR-NAL, CSIR-NIO, CSIR-4PI) and SINTEF bodies including SINTEF Ocean, SINTEF Digital, FME NorthWind and SINTEF Community to strengthen India’s renewable energy capabilities.
• The collaboration focuses on floating offshore wind technology, reduction of Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), sustainability, ESG standards, pilot demonstrations, skill development and industrial growth.
• The CSIR funding support for this project is approximately ₹341 lakhs, contributing to clean energy and carbon neutrality goals.
• A Joint Declaration of Intent titled “Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation for the Green Shift” was signed between CSIR, Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) and Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) to promote sustainability, circular economy, ocean science, healthcare and infrastructure technologies.
• The declaration includes student and faculty mobility, joint research programmes, academic exchanges, seminars and collaborative education initiatives to strengthen long-term academic cooperation.
• CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (CSIR-NGRI) signed a five-year MoU with Emerald Geomodelling to develop geoscience-based solutions for large infrastructure projects in India.
• The agreement includes joint R&D, geophysical surveys, data analysis, modelling, technical advisory services and scientific training programmes.

About Norway :

• Prime Minister : Jonas Gahr Støre
• Capital : Oslo
• Currency : Norwegian krone

United States Industry Delegation Engages with Dr. Jitendra Singh on Private Investment Opportunities in India’s Nuclear Sector

• A high-level United States (U.S.) industry delegation, comprising representatives from the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) and the S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), held discussions with Dr. Jitendra Singh on private investment and industry collaboration in India’s nuclear sector.
• The visit, facilitated by USISPF, brought together U.S.nuclear industry leaders, business stakeholders, and Indian officials engaged in civil nuclear energy and advanced technology cooperation.

Key Highlights :

• The discussions focused on India’s Nuclear Energy Mission, recent policy reforms enabling private sector participation, and expanding India–U.S. cooperation in clean energy and critical technologies.
• Senior officials including Secretary, Department of Science & Technology Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, along with representatives from the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and DST, participated in the meeting.
• Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted that India and the United States share a strong future-oriented partnership in science, technology, clean energy, and emerging sectors, with civil nuclear cooperation gaining strategic importance.
• He noted that the U.S.-India TRUST Initiative, launched on 13 February 2025 during the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump, has opened new avenues for collaboration in critical and emerging technologies.
• The TRUST initiative focuses on trusted technology partnerships, resilient supply chains, and innovation ecosystems, strengthening cooperation in AI, semiconductors, biotechnology, quantum technologies, advanced materials, critical minerals, energy, and space technologies.
• Under India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, India aims to increase its nuclear power capacity from 8.8 GW to 100 GW by 2047 through a phased expansion strategy.
• India’s growing nuclear energy programme is creating opportunities for global partnerships in manufacturing, technology cooperation, supply chain integration, and advanced research.
• The government has enacted the SHANTI Act, 2025, a major reform to enable greater private and foreign participation in the nuclear energy sector.
• The Act is expected to create a more enabling ecosystem for investment, industrial collaboration, manufacturing partnerships, and technology development under India’s Nuclear Energy Mission.
• India is also advancing plans for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) with an allocation of nearly ₹20,000 crore, opening scope for India–U.S. collaboration in micro-reactors, AI-based nuclear safety systems, scientific computing, nuclear modelling, and capacity building.
• The discussions reviewed ongoing India–U.S. projects including the Westinghouse AP1000 nuclear project at Kovvada, Indo-U.S. Civil Nuclear Energy Working Group (CNEWG), hydrogen and integrated energy systems, AI and machine learning applications, and rare earth collaboration.
• Cooperation also includes high-intensity superconducting proton accelerator technologies through Fermilab
• The meeting highlighted progress in the LIGO-India project, jointly implemented by DAE and DST in collaboration with the U.S.-based LIGO Laboratory and National Science Foundation (NSF).
• The LIGO-India project, with a budget of ₹2,600 crore, is a major example of advanced scientific collaboration in gravitational wave research.
• The interaction concluded with a commitment to strengthen industry-led, mutually beneficial cooperation between India and the U.S. in clean energy, nuclear technology, advanced manufacturing, and innovation-driven sectors.

Scientists Discover Oldest Directly Dated Air Sample on Earth from Antarctica’s Allan Hills Region

• Scientists working in Antarctica have discovered the oldest directly dated ice and air sample on Earth from the Allan Hills region of East Antarctica.
• The sample contains tiny air bubbles trapped in 6-million-year-old ice, making it the oldest directly dated atmospheric sample ever found.
• The age of the ice was determined using argon isotope analysis of trapped air, providing accurate geological dating of ancient atmospheric composition.

Key Highlights :

• The Allan Hills site in East Antarctica is known for ancient blue ice exposures that preserve long-term climate and atmospheric records.
• The study revealed evidence of approximately 12°C long-term cooling in Antarctica over the last 6 million years, highlighting major climate change over geological time.
• The discovery was made by researchers associated with the National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded Center for Oldest Ice Exploration (COLDEX).
• The study was led by Sarah Shackleton (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution) and John Higgins (Princeton University).
• The findings were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) in October 2025.
• The research used argon isotope measurements from trapped air bubbles to determine the precise age of the ice sample.
• The European Beyond EPICA–Oldest Ice Project completed its final Antarctic campaign in May 2026, contributing to long-term paleoclimate research.
• The project recovered a 2.8 km (1.7-mile) ice core from Little Dome C, East Antarctica, making it the longest continuous ice record from Antarctica.
• This ice core dates back approximately 1.2 million years and contains trapped greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO₂ ) and methane (CH₄).
• The project involves 14 laboratories across 10 European countries and studies the Mid-Pleistocene Transition, a period when the pattern of Earth’s ice ages changed.
• The Allan Hills sample represents the oldest directly dated air from ice (6 million years), while the Beyond EPICA core is the longest continuous Antarctic climate record (1.2 million years), both serving different scientific purposes in climate research.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Central Information Commission Rules Board of Control for Cricket in India Outside Right to Information Act

• The Central Information Commission ruled that the Board of Control for Cricket in India does not fall under the scope of the Right to Information Act, 2005.
• The decision reverses the Commission’s earlier 2018 ruling, which had declared the Board of Control for Cricket in India as a public authority under the Right to Information Act.
• The ruling came while reconsidering an appeal filed in 2017 before the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports seeking information regarding:
• Rules for Selection of Indian Cricket Players
• Authority Granted to the Board of Control for Cricket in India by the Government
• After fresh examination of the case, the Central Information Commission dismissed the appeal and stated that the Board of Control for Cricket in India cannot legally be classified as a public authority.
• The Commission clarified that the Board of Control for Cricket in India does not satisfy the conditions mentioned under Section 2(h) of the Right to Information Act, 2005.
• According to Section 2(h), a public authority generally includes bodies that are:
• Created by the Constitution
• Established by Parliament or State Legislature
• Formed through Government Notification or Executive Order
• Owned, Controlled, or Substantially Financed by Government Funds
• The Central Information Commission observed that the Board of Control for Cricket in India is registered under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act and was not created by:
• The Constitution of India
• Parliament
• State Legislature
• Government Notification
• Therefore, the Board of Control for Cricket in India cannot be treated as a public authority under the Right to Information Act.
• A major reason behind the ruling was the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s Financial Independence and Commercial Autonomy.
• The Commission noted that the Board of Control for Cricket in India generates revenue independently through:
• Media Rights
• Broadcasting Agreements
• Sponsorship Deals
• Indian Premier League Commercial Operations
• Ticket Sales
• Brand Partnerships
• The Commission further clarified that tax exemptions provided under law do not amount to Substantial Government Financing.
• The ruling also discussed the recommendations of the Justice R. M. Lodha Committee, which had earlier suggested governance and transparency reforms in cricket administration.
• The Right to Information Act, 2005 provides citizens the legal right to seek information from public authorities to ensure:
• Transparency
• Accountability
• Good Governance
• The Central Information Commission is an independent statutory body responsible for:
• Hearing Appeals under the Right to Information Act
• Addressing Complaints Related to Information Access
• Ensuring Transparency in Central Government Institutions

Italian Open 2026 Winners Announced

• Elina Svitolina of Ukraine won the women’s singles title at the Italian Open 2026 by defeating Coco Gauff of the United States.
• It was Elina Svitolina’s third Italian Open title.
• Jannik Sinner of Italy won the men’s singles title after defeating Casper Ruud of Norway.
• With this victory, Jannik Sinner became the first Italian man in 50 years to win the tournament.
• Jannik Sinner also completed his Career Golden Masters achievement.
• In the men’s doubles category, Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori won the title.
• They became the first all-Italian duo in the Open Era to win the men’s doubles trophy at the Italian Open.
• The Italian pair defeated:
• Marcel Granollers of Spain
• Horacio Zeballos of Argentina
• In the women’s doubles category, the title was won by the Russian duo:
• Mirra Andreeva
• Diana Shnaider
• They defeated:
• Cristina Bucșa
• Nicole Melichar-Martinez of the United States

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

Former Communist Party of India(M) Member of Parliament and Veteran Leader Sudhanshu Sil Passed Away

• Veteran Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] leader and former Member of Parliament (MP) Sudhanshu Sil (Seal) died at the age of 81 in Kolkata, West Bengal (WB).
• Sudhanshu Sil was born on 27 March 1945 in Calcutta, Bengal Province, British India (now Kolkata, West Bengal).
• He had a long political career associated with the CPI(M) and played an important role in local governance, state politics, and parliamentary affairs.
• He served as a Councillor of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) for five terms from 1990 to 2015.
• Sudhanshu Sil also served as a Member of the Mayor-in-Council in charge of the Roads Department from 1990 to 2005.
• He was elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Jorabagan constituency, West Bengal, serving from 2001 to 2004.
• He later served as a Member of Parliament (MP) in the 14th Lok Sabha (2004–2009) representing the Calcutta North West constituency, West Bengal.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

World Metrology Day 2026 is observed annually on 20th May

• World Metrology Day is observed annually on 20 May to raise awareness about the importance of metrology and measurement science.
• The day commemorates the signing of the Metre Convention in Paris, France, in 1875 by representatives of 17 nations.
• The observance highlights the importance of accurate measurements in science, industry, trade, health, and safety.
• Metrology refers to the science of measurement.
• The first World Metrology Day was celebrated in 1961.
• The day is promoted by the Measurement Standards Laboratory (MSL) and international metrology organizations.
• Following the Metre Convention, two major international organizations were established:
• Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM)
• International Organisation of Legal Metrology (OIML)
• These organizations were created to ensure international uniformity and standards in measurements.
• The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) came into force in 1950.
• The functions of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) are important for public safety, weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and human health.

Daily CA One- Liner: May 20^th

• The Union Ministry of Education unveiled a new pilot programme as a targeted intervention to reintegrate over 2 crore out-of-school adolescents aged 14–18 years back into the education system through flexible learning pathways
• The Central Bureau of Investigation launched “Abhay”, an Artificial Intelligence-Based Helpbot developed to verify the authenticity of notices issued in the name of the Central Bureau of Investigation
• Karnataka introduced Two New Digital Monitoring Systems through the State Food Safety and Drug Administration to strengthen Drug Safety, Public Health Protection, and Regulatory Transparency in the pharmaceutical sector
• Tripura became the First State in India to complete all Priority Areas under Deregulation Phase-II of the national Compliance Reduction and Deregulation Initiative led by the Cabinet Secretariat
• Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia launched the ₹175 Crore Coffees of Nagaland Mission to develop Nagaland as a premium specialty coffee destination in India and global markets
• India achieved a major milestone in wildlife conservation by releasing the country’s first-ever satellite-tagged Ganges softshell turtle into the Brahmaputra River at Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, Assam
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded Norway’s highest civilian honour, the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit, during his official visit to Norway
• The Central Information Commission ruled that the Board of Control for Cricket in India does not fall under the scope of the Right to Information Act, 2005
• Elina Svitolina of Ukraine won the women’s singles title at the Italian Open 2026 by defeating Coco Gauff of the United States
• World Metrology Day is observed annually on 20 May to raise awareness about the importance of metrology and measurement science.
• Chief Minister (CM) of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated India’s 1st Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered “phygital” banking branch of Slice Small Finance Bank in Guwahati, Assam.
• IDFC FIRST Bank has launched the ‘FD-backed Business Multiplier Metal Credit Card’ for founders, entrepreneurs, startups, MSMEs, and business owners in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• Morgan Stanley, the American brokerage firm, released its latest Mid-Year Outlook for India, revising India’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast for FY2026–27 (FY27) upward by 50 basis points (bps) to 6.7%, compared to the earlier estimate of 6.2% (April 2026).
• The United Nations (UN) released its latest assessment on global forests titled the “Global Forest Goals (GFG) Report 2026” during the 21st session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) at the UN Headquarters in New York, United States of America.
• Shri Saurabh Vijay, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1998 Maharashtra cadre, has assumed charge as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh is undertaking an official visit to Vietnam (May 18–19, 2026) followed by the Republic of Korea (May 19–21, 2026) to strengthen India’s defence and strategic partnerships in Asia.
• Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace (FWDA), a deep tech defence company, announced that its flagship Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) “Kaal Bhairava” will be manufactured at its first international production facility in Portugal.
• Prudential plc has announced the acquisition of a 75% stake in Bharti Life Insurance Company Limited for an initial value of Rs 3,500 crore (around USD 389 million).
• During the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Norway, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Government of India signed a series of key agreements with Norwegian institutions in Oslo to strengthen science, technology, innovation and sustainable development
• A high-level United States (U.S.) industry delegation, comprising representatives from the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) and the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), held discussions with Dr. Jitendra Singh on private investment and industry collaboration in India’s nuclear sector.
• Scientists working in Antarctica have discovered the oldest directly dated ice and air sample on Earth from the Allan Hills region of East Antarctica.
• Veteran Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] leader and former Member of Parliament (MP) Sudhanshu Sil (Seal) died at the age of 81 in Kolkata, West Bengal (WB).