The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and Oman is expected to come into force on 1 June 2026. The pact was signed in December 2025 and Oman ratified it by Royal decree in February 2026. CEPA covers goods, services, investment, and economic cooperation. India will gain duty-free access for 98% of its exports to Oman, including textiles, agricultural products, and leather. Tariffs on Omani products such as dates, marbles, and petrochemicals will be reduced. Bilateral trade stood at about USD 10.61 billion in FY 2024-25. On 12 May 2026, discussions in New Delhi focused on economic cooperation and trade facilitation under CEPA.
CEPA signed December 2025; Oman ratified February 2026
Effective from 1 June 2026
India gains duty-free access for 98% of exports to Oman
Tariff reductions on dates, marbles, petrochemicals for Oman
Bilateral trade approx. USD 10.61 billion in FY2024-25
Focus on goods, services, investment under CEPA
Kimberley Process Intersessional Meeting 2026 Held in Mumbai
India hosted the Kimberley Process (KP) Intersessional Meeting 2026 in Mumbai from 11 to 14 May, focusing on ethical diamond trade. The four-day gathering brought together government representatives, industry bodies, and civil society to strengthen monitoring, compliance, and consumer confidence in the natural diamond value chain amid evolving global challenges. KP Chair 2026 Suchindra Misra highlighted the format’s role in peace-building and livelihoods. Delegates discussed enhancements to the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), artisanal and alluvial production, data systems, and steps to reinforce trust in ethically sourced natural diamonds. The meeting features ongoing working groups and committees.
KP Intersessional Meeting 2026 held in Mumbai (11–14 May)
Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, launched the QR Treescape Initiative to map campus trees digitally. More than 200 QR codes have been installed on important and heritage trees across the university. Scanning codes with mobile devices provides instant access to scientific and educational information, including botanical and common names, ecological importance, medicinal uses, and flowering and fruiting patterns. The project covers ornamental and indigenous species to enhance biodiversity and campus aesthetics. Trees highlighted include Lal Gulmohar, Neeli Gulmohar, Red Plumeria, Mango, Molsari, and Amaltas. The initiative aims to make the campus a dynamic outdoor learning space.
Over 200 QR codes placed on campus trees
QR codes provide botanical names, ecology, uses, flowering patterns
Covers ornamental and indigenous trees
Aims to boost biodiversity and learning opportunities
Includes Lal Gulmohar, Neeli Gulmohar, Red Plumeria, Mango, Molsari, Amaltas
Two Botswana Cheetahs Released into Wild in Kuno National Park
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav released two female Botswana cheetahs into the wild at Kuno National Park on 11 May 2026 after completing quarantine. The release occurred in the Palpur East Range with confirmation from the park’s APCCF and Cheetah Project field director. The move advances India’s cheetah restoration program, which began with the introduction of eight cheetahs from Namibia in 2022 and a later arrival from Botswana in 2026. Officials say the release marks a significant milestone for wildlife restoration and ecotourism at Kuno, with ongoing monitoring to ensure ecological integration.
Two female Botswana cheetahs released on 11 May 2026
Location: Palpur East Range, Kuno National Park
Part of India’s cheetah restoration program
Previous introductions: Namibia (2022) and Botswana (2026)
A May 2026 study in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society proposes the existence of a hidden ancient dwarf galaxy named Loki within the Milky Way. The finding is based on chemical and orbital data from 20 metal-poor stars located within 2 kiloparsecs of the Sun. Loki’s stars display a mix of orbital directions, with 11 prograde and 9 retrograde orbits, and show chemical traces linked to supernovae and neutron star mergers. No signs of white dwarf activity are detected. If confirmed, Loki would add to the growing list of merger remnants shaping the Milky Way’s history of galactic evolution.
May 2026 study proposes Loki as a hidden dwarf galaxy
Based on 20 metal-poor stars within 2 kpc of the Sun
Stellar orbits: 11 prograde, 9 retrograde
Chemical traces point to past supernovae and neutron star mergers
No evidence of white dwarf activity observed
If confirmed, Loki would illuminate Milky Way’s merger history
India to Host 2026 Asian Weightlifting Championships in Gandhinagar
The 2026 Asian Weightlifting Championships will be held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, from 13 to 17 May 2026, marking India’s first host nation participation in 44 years. About 180 athletes from 28 countries are expected, with India, China, and Sri Lanka fielding the largest squads (16 lifters each). Chinese Taipei will send 15 competitors. India's team includes Bindyarani Devi, Ajith Narayana, Nirupama Devi, Lovepreet Singh, and Bedabarat Bharali. Olympic silver medallist Saikhom Mirabai Chanu will miss the event due to injury. The championships also serve as a key qualifier for the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.
Event dates: 13–17 May 2026 in Gandhinagar
Approximately 180 athletes from 28 countries
India, China, Sri Lanka have the largest squads (16 each)
Mirabai Chanu out due to injury
Serves as qualifier for Commonwealth and Asian Games
Rahul Dravid named owner of Dublin Guardians in ETPL
Cricket legend Rahul Dravid was announced on 12 May 2026 as the owner of the Dublin Guardians, the Dublin franchise in the European T20 Premier League (ETPL). The ETPL is ICC-sanctioned and designed as a multi-country league spanning Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands, with six city-based franchises: Dublin, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Rotterdam and Amsterdam. Dravid leads an Indian consortium to operate the Dublin franchise, as the league plans its 2026 launch and a season running through August and September. This marks Dravid’s first major foray into franchise ownership and aligns with ETPL’s goal of expanding cricket in Europe and creating development pathways. ([etplofficial.com](https://www.etplofficial.com/news/dublin-has-dravid-rahul-dravid-announced-as-owner-of-dublin-guardians?utm_source=openai))
Owner announced: Rahul Dravid for Dublin Guardians
League: European T20 Premier League (ETPL), ICC‑sanctioned
Six teams across Europe: Dublin, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Rotterdam, Amsterdam
Launch window: 2026 with matches in August–September
Significance: Dravid’s first major franchise ownership venture
Rangasamy sworn in as Puducherry CM for fifth term
On 13 May 2026, N. Rangasamy was sworn in as Puducherry Chief Minister for the fifth time, with the NDA retaining power in the union territory after the assembly elections. The 76-year-old leader has previously served as CM from 2001 to 2006 and again from 2006 to 2008, later founding the All India NR Congress and heading the AINRC-BJP alliance from 2021 to 2026. In the polls, Rangasamy won from Thattanchavady by 4,441 votes over E Vinayagam of Neyam Makkal Kazhagam and from Mangalam by 7,050 votes over DMK’s S. S. Rangan. The oath was administered by Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan at Lok Nivas, Puducherry, marking his fifth term as CM. ([indiatoday.in](https://www.indiatoday.in/india/puducherry/story/n-rangasamy-sworn-in-puducherry-chief-minister-fifth-time-nda-win-2911064-2026-05-13?utm_source=openai))
Date of oath: 13 May 2026 (Wednesday) at Lok Nivas, Puducherry
Rangasamy is 76 years old and previously served as CM in 2001–2006, 2006–2008
Election wins: Thattanchavady by 4,441 votes; Mangalam by 7,050 votes
Party/coalition: NDA government led by AINRC
Oath administered by Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan
NS Raja Subramani to Succeed as CDS; Krishna Swaminathan Becomes Navy Chief
The government named Lieutenant General (retired) NS Raja Subramani as the next Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), to take over on 30 May 2026, succeeding General Anil Chauhan. Subramani retired as Army Vice Chief of Staff on 31 July 2025 and currently serves as Military Adviser to the National Security Council Secretariat. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy and Indian Military Academy, and previously served as Central Army Commander in Lucknow. Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan will become the new Navy Chief, taking charge on 31 May 2026, succeeding Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi.
NS Raja Subramani named next CDS; assumes post 30 May 2026
Retired Army Vice Chief of Staff (July 2025); Military Adviser to NSCS
NDA and IMA alumnus; former Central Army Commander
Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan appointed Navy Chief; starts 31 May 2026
Prashant Pise Appointed India's Ambassador to Oman
Additional Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, Prashant Pise, was announced as India's next Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman. A 1995 batch Indian Foreign Service officer, Mr. Pise will succeed Godavarthi Venkata Srinivas, of the 1993 batch, in Muscat. His overseas postings include Cairo (1997–2000) and Tripoli (until 2004). He has also served in the Eurasia and United Nations divisions as Deputy Secretary (2004–2006). Currently the Additional Secretary (Emigration Policy and Welfare), he led India’s delegation to the Abu Dhabi Dialogue ministerial consultations in February 2026 in Dubai.
Prashant Pise appointed as Ambassador to Oman
1995 batch IFS officer; will succeed 1993 batch officer
Past postings: Cairo, Tripoli; Eurasia and UN divisions
Currently Additional Secretary (Emigration Policy and Welfare)
Led delegation to Abu Dhabi Dialogue in February 2026
Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool Launched in New Delhi
India on 12 May 2026 launched the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMIP) in New Delhi to provide insurance cover for Indian vessels on international sea routes, including war-risk and high-risk zones. The pool has a total value of USD 1.5 billion with a sovereign guarantee of USD 1.4 billion. It is a domestic arrangement covering Hull and Machinery, Cargo, Protection and Indemnity (P&I), and War Risk insurance. The pool is administered by the General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re) with member insurers pooling underwriting capacity. Claims up to USD 100 million can be paid from pool reserves; beyond that, the sovereign guarantee acts as a contingent backstop after reserves and contributions are exhausted. Cabinet approval was granted in April 2026 amid higher premiums and geopolitical uncertainty.
BMIP launched in New Delhi on 12 May 2026
Total pool value USD 1.5 billion; sovereign guarantee USD 1.4 billion
Administered by General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re)
Covers Hull & Machinery, Cargo, P&I, and War Risk
Claims up to USD 100 million from pool reserves; rest backed by sovereign guarantee
Cabinet approved BMIP in April 2026
IPC Signs MoUs With State Pharmacy Councils to Strengthen Medicine Safety
The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Bihar, Maharashtra, and Mizoram State Pharmacy Councils to strengthen medicine safety, promote rational use of medicines, and enhance pharmacovigilance nationwide. The MoUs were signed at IPC headquarters in Ghaziabad by Dr. V. Kalaiselvan, Secretary-cum-Scientific Director, alongside council presidents, with senior officials present. The collaboration aims to promote the National Formulary of India (NFI) as a mandatory hospital reference, and to implement joint training, workshops, and continuing education to improve pharmacists’ competencies, pharmacovigilance, and pharmacopoeial standards. It will support research and cooperation on regulatory standards and safe pharmacotherapy.
MoUs with Bihar, Maharashtra, Mizoram State Pharmacy Councils
Aims to promote National Formulary of India (NFI) in hospitals
Includes joint training and continuing education
Strengthens pharmacovigilance and pharmacopoeial standards
Somnath Temple Marks 75 Years as Global Spiritual and Tourism Centre
Somnath temple is celebrating 75 years of its modern journey as a global spiritual and tourism hub. PM Narendra Modi, as Somnath Trust chairman, leads the 'Somnath Amrit Parv' and envisions a net-zero temple under Mission LiFE. Initiatives include converting floral waste to compost, plastic waste to paving blocks, and using advanced sewage treatment, rainwater harvesting, and Miyawaki forests. Digital tools enable devotees worldwide to book Pujas and receive Prasad at their doorsteps. The shrine attracts nearly 97 lakh devotees annually and benefits from strong infrastructure, including Vande Bharat trains and international airports.
Somnath temple marks 75 years of modern development