1 PM Modi and Norwegian PM hold fruitful talks, agree on Green Strategic Partnership
PM Modi described his talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in Oslo as very fruitful. During the talks, an agreement was reached to advance the partnership between the two countries as a ” Green Strategic Partnership .” PM Modi arrived in Norway on Monday for the fourth leg of his five-nation visit . In a special gesture, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre personally welcomed him at the airport. Norwegian Ambassador to India May-Ellin Steiner, Indian Ambassador to Norway Gloria Gangte , and other senior officials were also present. During his visit, PM Modi also met King Harald V of Norway at the Royal Palace in Oslo . The two leaders discussed growing collaboration between Indian and Norwegian companies, particularly in the field of emerging technologies. Earlier in the day, PM Modi was awarded the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit, Norway’s highest civilian honor given to foreign heads of state and government.
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi ‘s visit to Norway , India and Norway signed five major agreements, strengthening their science and technology partnership . These agreements focus on areas such as green energy, sustainable development, marine technology, innovation, and geoscience cooperation . These agreements aim to strengthen institutional cooperation between the two countries, enhance industry and startup partnerships, promote academic collaboration, and accelerate sustainable development projects.
One of the most significant agreements was signed between DSIR/CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) and the Research Council of Norway (RCN) to enhance cooperation in research, technology development, innovation, and capacity building . The agreements include joint workshops, research and development projects, scientist exchange programs, and collaboration on global issues such as climate change, clean energy, marine research, and healthcare.
Furthermore, CSIR also signed a new cooperation agreement with SINTEF, a leading independent research organization in Norway, for the period 2026-2029. This partnership will focus on the circular economy and sustainability transition, under which joint research and innovation programs will be conducted in areas such as bio-based materials, ocean energy, offshore wind, carbon capture, storage, and waste management.
In another significant agreement, several CSIR institutes entered into project-based collaboration agreements with SINTEF institutions on marine energy and offshore wind energy technologies . The collaboration includes CSIR-Structural Engineering Research Centre, CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories, CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, and CSIR-Fourth Paradigm Institute.
On the Norwegian side, SINTEF Ocean, SINTEF Digital, FME Northwind, and SINTEF Community will be part of this partnership. This joint program aims to strengthen India’s offshore renewable energy capacity and support the country’s renewable energy and carbon neutrality goals. The project will focus on floating offshore wind technology, energy cost reduction, sustainability standards, ESG frameworks, pilot projects, skill development, and industrial development. CSIR will provide funding support of approximately ₹34.1 million for this initiative.
Additionally, a joint declaration titled ” Science, Technology, and Innovation Collaboration for a Green Shift ” was signed between CSIR, the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). The declaration calls for increased collaboration in areas such as sustainability, circular economy, ocean science and technology, healthcare, and civil infrastructure engineering.
On May 19 , PM Modi participated in the third India-Nordic Summit in Oslo, Norway . The India-Nordic Summit is an important forum between India and the five Nordic countries—Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland . At the summit, PM Modi met with the Prime Ministers of all Nordic countries. The Nordic countries work to promote cooperation in areas such as clean energy, environmental protection, trade, and the blue economy. PM Modi met with King Harald V of Norway and announced the elevation of India-Norway relations to a ” Green Strategic Partnership .” This marked the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Norway after 43 years. The previous visit was by Indira Gandhi in 1983.
4 Union Minister Shri Prataprao Jadhav launched AYUSH Grant Portal under AYUSH Grid initiative
Union Minister of State for AYUSH (Independent Charge) and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, launched the AYUSH Grant Portal at Kartavya Bhawan in New Delhi , taking a significant step towards strengthening digital governance and enhancing transparency in the AYUSH sector . The portal , developed by the Ministry of AYUSH under the AYUSH Grid initiative , is a significant milestone in streamlining the submission, processing, approval, and monitoring of funding proposals under the Ministry’s various Central Sector Schemes . The AYUSH Grant Portal enables organizations and institutions to submit grant proposals online through a streamlined and user-friendly interface, eliminating reliance on manual and paper-based systems. Integrated with the NGO Darpan portal, this platform facilitates authentication and verification of applicant organizations, enhancing institutional credibility and simplifying verification processes. One of the portal’s key features is its scheme-wise application management system, which enables proposals to be categorized, processed, and monitored according to the specific requirements of the Ministry’s various Central Sector Schemes. The platform also includes a real-time application tracking mechanism, allowing applicants and officials to monitor the status of the proposal at every stage of the process.
5 Coal production commences from Urtan and Dhirauli mines in Madhya Pradesh
With the commencement of production at the Urtan and Dhirauli coal mines in Madhya Pradesh, the Ministry of Coal has taken a significant step towards strengthening the country’s energy security. The commissioning of these mines will increase domestic coal availability and accelerate the goal of a self-reliant India in the energy sector. The Urtan coal mine, located in Anuppur district of Madhya Pradesh, has been allocated to JMS Mining Private Limited . Coal production from this mine began on May 15, 2026. Significantly, Urtan has become the country’s first underground coal mine to commence production under the commercial coal auction system . This is considered a historic achievement in the reform-based transformation of the coal sector. Production has also commenced at the Dhirauli coal mine in Singrauli district of Madhya Pradesh. This mine has been allocated to Mahan Energen Limited . Coal production began here on May 17, 2026. It is expected that this will further strengthen the coal supply from the resource-rich Singrauli region.
6 Google partners with states and UNICEF to promote AI education in India
Google has announced new partnerships with state governments and UNICEF to promote AI-based education in India . During the Education World Forum 2026 in London , the company announced a major campaign to expand AI literacy, training, and educational tools across the country. The company stated that this initiative is aligned with the National Education Policy 2020 and aims to strengthen the use of AI in schools and higher education institutions. Under this program, Google will launch the ” Google AI Educator Series ” (GES) in India. This initiative will be implemented in collaboration with the governments of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Assam, the Union Territory of Ladakh, and the Punjab School Education Board . According to the company, this mobile-first training program has been designed keeping in mind the needs of Indian teachers. Initially, it will be available in six languages, including Assamese, Hindi, Marathi, Telugu, Odia, and Punjabi, with plans to expand to more languages. Its objective is to teach teachers and faculty members the responsible use of Google’s AI tools, especially ” Gemini ,” to enhance the classroom learning experience. Apart from this, Google has also announced a three-year global partnership with UNICEF. This partnership will focus on improving innovation and learning outcomes in the education sector in India, Brazil, Pakistan and Kenya. Under this collaboration, Google’s technology and UNICEF’s educational expertise will be combined to strengthen the education system, train teachers and increase access to learning tools. The company said that AI-based tools like “ Gemini ” and “ ReadAlong ” will be used to develop personalized learning, reading ability and understanding, while classroom use of platforms like “ NotebookLM ” will also be explored.
On May 19 , Defense Minister Rajnath Singh met with Vietnamese President To Lam . The two sides discussed maritime security and regional peace during the meeting. The visit coincided with the 10th anniversary of the India-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership . Rajnath Singh also met with Vietnamese Defense Minister General Phan Van Giang . The two leaders discussed Indo-Pacific security cooperation and expanding India-Vietnam defense ties. The two leaders also discussed the BrahMos missile deal. Rajnath Singh, along with To Lam, inaugurated a language lab at the Vietnamese Air Force Officers College. The two countries also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on AI and quantum technology.
8. The country’s third NIFTEM will be set up in Hajipur, Bihar.
The Bihar government has given in-principle approval for the transfer of 100 acres of land in Hajipur, Vaishali district, to establish the country’s third National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM). The institute is expected to create opportunities in food processing, entrepreneurship, research, skill development, and employment for the youth of Bihar. The project is expected to support farmers by promoting value addition to agricultural products, modern food processing technologies, and improved market access.
National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM):
Established in: May, 2012
Location : Kundli, Haryana
Ministry : Ministry of Food Processing Industries
Second Campus : National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management – Thanjavur Operated in Tamil Nadu.
9 India’s first Human-Elephant Conflict Centre to be established in Jharkhand
Jharkhand is set to establish the country’s first dedicated “Human-Elephant Conflict Research Center” in the Palamu Tiger Reserve . Its objective is to study the growing conflicts between humans and elephants and develop scientific solutions to reduce casualties and habitat stress . The proposed center will be built on approximately 20 acres of land marked between Palamu Fort and Kamaldah Lake within the reserve area. The project proposal has been prepared by the Jharkhand government and submitted for further approval. The center will analyze elephant behavior patterns, conflict causes, herd movements, habitat stress, and human responses using scientific instruments and artificial intelligence (AI)-based systems. The facility is also expected to serve as a long-term decision-support and policy research center for states that experience recurring human-elephant conflicts. Researchers will study elephants’ behavior in conflict situations, breeding season, calving, seasonal changes, communication signals, movement in search of food and water, and response to danger or environmental stress.