Kevin Warsh poised to lead US Federal Reserve as next Chair
Kevin Warsh is on track to become the next chair of the United States Federal Reserve, contingent on a final confirmation vote. After a 51-45 Senate confirmation to a 14-year term on the Fed's Board of Governors, Warsh would assume the chair role currently held by Jerome Powell when the term ends. The confirmation expands the board with Warsh's long experience dating back to the 2008 financial crisis. Powell's chair term is due to end in the coming months, and a separate vote remains to appoint Warsh as chair. The development comes amid inflation concerns and political pressure on monetary policy.
Warsh confirmed to a 14-year term on the Fed Board (51-45).
A separate Senate vote is needed to name him Fed Chair.
If confirmed, he would succeed Jerome Powell as Chair.
Powell's current term ends in the coming months.
Global markets watch the move given inflation and policy sensitivities.
Uber to set up first India data centre with Adani Group
Uber has partnered with the Adani Group to establish its first data centre in India, marking a major expansion of the company’s technology and innovation presence in the country. Uber Chief Executive Officer Dara Khosrowshahi announced the development after meeting Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani in Ahmedabad. He said the collaboration aligns with India’s growing role as a global innovation hub and will help test and deploy Uber’s technology from India. The facility is expected to be ready later this year and will bolster Uber’s global technology testing and deployment. The move complements AdaniConneX’s joint venture with Google for India’s AI data centre campus project in Visakhapatnam.
Deal: Uber to establish its first India data centre with Adani Group.
Announcement: Made by Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi after a meeting in Ahmedabad with Gautam Adani.
Strategic aim: Strengthen India’s role as a global innovation hub and host tech testing.
Timeline: Data centre expected to be ready later this year.
Context: Builds on existing Uber‑Adani collaboration and related AI data centre ambitions in Visakhapatnam.
IndiaAI Mission signs MoU with Karya to bolster inclusive AI ecosystem
IndiaAI Mission, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, signed a memorandum of understanding with Karya, a nonprofit focused on widening access to AI. The agreement covers development, curation, and sharing of high-quality language and multimodal datasets to support representative AI systems. Partners will work on AI Kosh data infrastructure, evaluation frameworks, and standards for dataset quality, validation, and interoperability. The collaboration also aims to support capacity building and ecosystem development through training programs and workshops across government and partner institutions. IndiaAI Mission Chief Operating Officer Kavita Bhatia described the partnership as combining complementary strengths to create accessible AI resources.
Partnership aims to strengthen inclusive AI in India.
Focus on high-quality datasets and interoperable standards.
Development of AI Kosh data infrastructure and evaluation frameworks.
Includes training and capacity-building programs.
Joint effort involves government and partner institutions.
Nitin Menon remains only Indian on ICC Elite Panel of Umpires for 2026-27
The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on 12 May 2026 that Nitin Menon remains the only Indian official on the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires for the 2026-27 international season. The ICC retained the existing Elite Panel after a routine review by the Umpire Selection Panel. Menon joined the Elite Panel in 2020 and has officiated across formats in high-pressure environments. Javagal Srinath also retained his position as the lone Indian on the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta praised consistency and high standards in officiating in the accompanying release.
Nitin Menon remains the sole Indian on the Elite Panel of Umpires (2026-27).
Panel retained after Umpire Selection Panel review.
Menon joined the Elite Panel in 2020.
Javagal Srinath remains the lone Indian on the Elite Panel of Match Referees.
ICC cites consistency and high standards.
Frederic Soyez appointed Hockey India Junior men’s chief coach
Hockey India named Frederic Soyez, a French coach, as the Junior men’s chief coach, succeeding P. R. Sreejesh whose tenure ended after 17 months following the expiry of his contract. Soyez, 48, previously served as High Performance Director for France Hockey. He earned 196 caps for France and scored 195 goals, and has coached France and Spain across three Olympics (Spain 2016 and 2020; France 2024). He was involved with France’s silver at the 2013 Junior World Cup and bronze in 2021. His appointment comes after India’s bronze at the recent Junior World Cup, reflecting Hockey India’s focus on youth development and high performance.
New coach: Frederic Soyez named Junior men’s chief coach.
Predecessor: Sreejesh’s tenure ended after contract expiry.
Experience: Former High Performance Director for France Hockey; 196 France caps, 195 goals.
Olympic history: Coached France and Spain in three Olympics (2016, 2020, 2024).
Achievements: Involved in France’s 2013 Junior World Cup silver and 2021 bronze.
NS Raja Subramani appointed next Chief of Defence Staff
The Government on 12 May 2026 appointed Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani (Retd) as the next Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Military Affairs. He will take charge after the current CDS, General Anil Chauhan, completes his tenure on 30 May 2026. Raja Subramani has over 40 years of experience across command, staff, and instructional roles, including as Vice Chief of the Army Staff (July 2024–July 2025) and as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Command (March 2023–June 2024). He was commissioned on 14 December 1985 into the Garhwal Rifles and holds degrees from King’s College London and Madras University.
Appointment announced on 12 May 2026; CDS will assume on 30 May 2026.
Over 40 years of service; former VCoAS and GOC-in-C Central Command.
Commissioned 14 December 1985 into Garhwal Rifles.
Holds MA from King’s College London and MPhil from Madras University.
Key leadership role in the Department of Military Affairs.
NS Raja Subramani named next CDS and Defence Secretary
Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani (Retd) has been appointed the next Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Military Affairs. He will take charge after the present CDS, General Anil Chauhan, completes his tenure on 30 May 2026. Subramani is currently Military Adviser to the National Security Council Secretariat, a role he has held since September 2025, and he has over four decades of service across command, staff, and instructional appointments. He served as Vice Chief of the Army Staff from July 2024 to July 2025, and as General Officer Commanding‑in‑Chief, Central Command, from March 2023 to June 2024. Commissioned on 14 December 1985 into the Garhwal Rifles, he studied at the National Defence Academy, Indian Military Academy, Joint Services Command and Staff College, Bracknell, and the National Defence College. He holds an MA from King’s College London and an MPhil in Defence Studies from the University of Madras. The CDS post coordinates tri‑services planning and national‑level defence coordination.
Appointment: NS Raja Subramani (Retd) named next CDS and Defence Secretary.
Tenure start: will assume after CDS Anil Chauhan’s tenure ends on 30 May 2026.
Current role: Military Adviser to the National Security Council Secretariat since September 2025.
Previous commands: Vice Chief of the Army Staff (July 2024–July 2025); GOC‑in‑Chief, Central Command (March 2023–June 2024).
Education: National Defence Academy, Indian Military Academy, Joint Services Command and Staff College, National Defence College; MA (King’s College London); MPhil (Madras University).
Kalam & Kavach 3.0 defence dialogue inaugurated in New Delhi
Kalam & Kavach 3.0, India’s defence and strategic dialogue platform, was inaugurated on 14 May 2026 at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi. The edition carried the theme “Taking JAI Forward With I²” where JAI stands for Jointness, Aatmanirbharta and Innovation, and I² for Indigenisation and International Collaboration. The platform brings together defence policymakers, industry, and academics to discuss future warfare and technology. The inaugural session featured speakers on joint theatre commands, integrated planning, and emerging tech. Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth delivered the address; Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke via video; Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan participated. The event highlighted AI, autonomous systems, and other advanced areas.
Event: Kalam & Kavach 3.0 inaugurated in New Delhi on 14 May 2026.
Theme: Taking JAI Forward With I² (Jointness, Aatmanirbharta, Innovation; Indigenisation, International Collaboration).
Participants: MoS Defence Sanjay Seth; Defence Minister Rajnath Singh (video); CDS Anil Chauhan.
International Day of Families 2026: date, theme and significance
International Day of Families is observed on 15 May each year to recognize the role of families in society. The 2026 theme is Families, Inequalities and Child Wellbeing. The day highlights how economic and social inequalities affect families and children worldwide and calls for policies that support equal opportunities, health, education, childcare, and social protection. Governments and organizations are urged to implement family-centered policies to reduce poverty, ensure access to essential services, and strengthen resilience. In 2026, experts note rising living costs impacting Indian families, with calls for targeted social protection and inclusive growth to support children's development and education.
Date: 15 May 2026; theme: Families, Inequalities and Child Wellbeing.
Focus on inequalities affecting families and child wellbeing.
Advocates family-centered policies and social protection.
Rising living costs impact Indian families.
Calls for inclusive growth and better access to services.
India's Union Cabinet approved the Ahmedabad (Sarkhej)-Dholera Semi High-Speed Double Line rail project on 13 May 2026, marking India's first semi high-speed corridor built with indigenous technology. The project, costing about ₹20,667 crore, will connect Ahmedabad, Dholera, and the Lothal National Maritime Heritage Complex, expanding the national rail network by roughly 134 kilometers. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cleared the proposal as part of railway modernization. Officials expect completion in fiscal year 2030-31. The corridor links Gujarat's growth hubs and aims to boost regional trade, tourism, and mobility.
Approval date: 13 May 2026; cost: ₹20,667 crore.
First semi high-speed rail corridor using indigenous technology.
Extends about 134 km in Gujarat (Ahmedabad–Dholera region).
Aims to enhance connectivity to Lothal heritage complex.
Target completion: FY 2030-31.
PM Internship Scheme 2026: Application details, eligibility and stipend
The Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS) aims to provide hands-on industry experience to Indian youth and improve employability. The government plans to offer internships to one crore youths over the next five years across leading companies in different sectors. The PMIS seeks to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry expectations by providing practical exposure. The pilot phase of the scheme ran in 2024-25 with around 1.25 lakh internships. Participants will gain exposure to professional environments, including training in communication, teamwork, and domain skills. The scheme will be administered by participating ministries and partner firms.
Targets one crore internships over five years.
Pilot phase (2024-25) delivered ~1.25 lakh opportunities.
Internships across leading companies in multiple sectors.
Emphasizes practical exposure, communication and teamwork.
Administered by government ministries and private partners.
TDB signs MoU with KITSFRA for complete digitisation of temples and offices
The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) signed a memorandum of understanding with Kerala State Information Technology Infrastructure Limited (KITSFRA) on 13 May 2026 for full digitisation of temples and offices under the board. Devaswom Commissioner B Sunilkumar and KITSFRA Director Rahul K Raj formalised the agreement at the TDB headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram. The project will digitalise temple administration, office file movement, financial transactions, devotee services, and related online facilities, beginning with Sabarimala online services. Officials said the initiative will speed up, streamline, and improve transparency ahead of the Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season.
MoU signed on 13 May 2026 between TDB and KITSFRA.
Target: full digitisation of temples and board offices.
Initial focus on Sabarimala online services.
Digital platform aims to speed and improve transparency.
Aims to aid pilgrims during Mandala-Makaravilakku season.