1 Sikkim becomes the first state in the country to have a ‘paperless’ judiciary
The Chief Justice of India has declared Sikkim the country’s first “paperless” state judiciary . A completely paperless judiciary is a system in which all legal processes are conducted electronically, rather than through paper. It utilizes measures such as digital files, e-filing, online hearings, and digital case tracking. This digital transformation of courts is being carried out under the “e-Courts Mission Mode Project.” On May 2, 2026, Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur stated that Sikkim’s transition towards becoming the country’s first completely paperless judiciary is a historic step towards realizing the vision of “Digital India.” He stated that the adoption of e-filing systems and digital record management will not only speed up the judicial process but also make the system more transparent, efficient, and accessible to citizens.
The e-Courts Mission Mode Project : a pan-India initiative. Computerizing and digitizing the judiciary to provide efficient and accessible justice services. Launched in 2007 under the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP). The Department of Justice is the nodal agency under the guidance of the e-Committee of the Supreme Court of India.
2 THE Asia University Rankings 2026: IISc tops in India
According to the latest Asia University Rankings 2026 released by Times Higher Education (THE) , India has the highest number of institutions featured in the rankings , with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) emerging as the highest-ranked institution from India . The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru , remains India’s top-ranked institution, securing 43rd place in Asia , though it has dropped from 38th place last year. India leads Asia with 128 ranked institutions , followed by Japan and China . Top performers from India:
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- Indian Institute of Science (IISc Bengaluru)
- Savitha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences
- Indian Institute of Technology Indore
- Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences
- Jamia Millia Islamia
Top 5 institutions in Asia : China continues to dominate the top of the table .
- Tsinghua University (China)
- Peking University (China)
- National University of Singapore (Singapore)
- Nanyang Technological University (Singapore)
- University of Tokyo (Japan)
- University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong)
3 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the North Tech Symposium.
The North Tech Symposium 2026 kicked off in Prayagraj on May 4th . Defense Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the North Tech Symposium 2026. The symposium is a defense exhibition jointly organized by the Indian Army (specifically the Northern and Central Commands) and the Society of Indian Defense Manufacturers (SIDM) . Its primary objective is to showcase indigenous technological innovations to address operational challenges for the armed forces. A total of 284 companies are participating, representing the military, industry (MSMEs and startups), academia, and researchers. The exhibition aims to strengthen the Indian Army’s firepower and promote indigenous technologies in the defense sector as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative.
4 Global launch of ‘Padma Dori’
The North Eastern Handicrafts and Handloom Development Corporation (NEHHDC) , a Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDONER), formally unveiled ” Padma Dori, ” a unique cross-cultural textile initiative that combines the Eri (Ahimsa) silk traditions of Northeast India with the rich heritage of Chanderi weaving from Madhya Pradesh . The initiative was formally launched by Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, followed by an impressive fashion show showcasing Eri silk, renowned for its ethical and sustainable production, blended with the intricate embellishments and exquisite weaves of Chanderi textiles. Artisans from Northeast India and Madhya Pradesh are actively participating in the exhibition, presenting live demonstrations and sharing the nuances of their craft traditions. The program also includes regional culinary experiences, reflecting the cultural richness of the participating regions.
5 Inauguration of Coastal Atmospheric Research Testbed (C-ART) open observatory at Andhra University, Visakhapatnam
The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) , an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Earth Sciences , Government of India , has established a Coastal Atmospheric Research Testbed (C-ART) at Andhra University (AU) in Visakhapatnam . Andhra University has allocated land on its campus to establish an open meteorological observatory, enabling continuous and integrated observational and research collaboration. The Coastal Atmospheric Research Testbed (C-ART) open observatory was inaugurated on May 1, 2026, by Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, in the august presence of Honorable Vice Chancellor Professor G.P. Raja Shekhar and Dr. Suryachandra Rao, Director, IITM. This is a significant achievement under the Ministry of Earth Sciences’ (MoES) Mission Mausam initiative and aims to enhance observational networks and model forecasts.
Results for all 140 seats in Kerala have been declared. The United Democratic Front (UDF) won a landslide victory in 102 seats , marking its decisive return to power. The Congress won 63 seats, while the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) won 22. The alliance’s position is strong across the state. Other UDF allies, including factions of the Kerala Congress and smaller allies, also performed well, underscoring the alliance’s broad mandate. The ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) won 26 seats, its ally, the Communist Party of India (CPI) won 8 seats, while the Kerala Congress secured 7 seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won three seats in the state. Independent candidates won four seats.
7 Actor Vijay’s party TVK creates history by winning 108 seats in Tamil Nadu
In Tamil Nadu, actor-turned-politician Vijay ‘s party Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam – TVK has created history by winning 108 seats in the first election after its formation and emerged as the single largest party. TVK chief C. Joseph Vijay won both Perambur and Tiruchi East seats . In the 234-member Assembly, the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam – DMK secured 59 seats, while its main rival All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam won 47 seats. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin lost to TVK candidate V.S. Babu in Kolathur, Chennai by a margin of around 8700 votes.
8 Border Roads Organisation’s Project Deepak’s 66th Raising Day celebrated with great enthusiasm
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) celebrated the 66th Raising Day of ‘ Project Deepak ‘ in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh on May 4, 2026 , marking over six decades of dedicated service in the strategically important areas of the Western Himalayas . Operating in key districts of Shimla, Kinnaur, Kullu, and Lahaul-Spiti in Himachal Pradesh , ‘Project Deepak ‘ is one of the BRO’s oldest projects . It pioneered the construction of the historic Hindustan-Tibet Road and developed significant sections of the Manali-Leh route. Established in 1961 , the project has been instrumental in building vital infrastructure in some of the country’s most inaccessible terrains. Responsible for over 1,100 kilometers of road network, including strategically important high-altitude and border roads, the project has played a key role in strengthening defense preparedness.
A grand event marked the Yoga Mahotsav in Hyderabad, the pearl city, with thousands of enthusiastic attendees gathering. The event was planned 50 days before the main International Day of Yoga 2026. Organized by the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) under the Ministry of AYUSH , the event took place at the serene spiritual center, Kanha Shanti Vanam . Over 6,000 participants performed Bhujangasana simultaneously at Kanha Shanti Vanam , creating a historic record and a significant achievement as the event was included in the Asia Book of Records. the largest group performing asanas simultaneously. This reflects the spirit of collective participation and shared well-being promoted through yoga.
10 Ministry of New and Renewable Energy organised ‘Run for Sun’ marathon on International Sun Day
On the occasion of International Sun Day, May 3, 2026 , the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) organized the ‘ Run for Sun ‘ marathon – a tribute to solar power , which has illuminated millions of homes and lives and will continue to do so for generations to come. The event celebrated the installed capacity of over 150,000 MW of solar power and the transformative progress made under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Free Electricity Scheme (PM-SGMBY) , which has seen 3 million solar rooftop installations, with April 2026 seeing the highest single-month peak of 2.7 lakh installations, bringing the benefits of rooftop solar to over 45 lakh homes across the country.
Former Manipur minister A.S. Arthur passed away on May 4. He was 99. Arthur served as Minister of Forests and General Administration from 1994 to 1997 during the tenure of former Chief Minister Rishang Keishing. . Before becoming active in politics, Arthur served as Special Secretary in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly. Arthur belonged to the Tangkul Naga community of Manipur. Arthur won the Ukhrul (Manipur) Assembly constituency as an independent candidate in 1984, later joining the Congress. He remained a political figure until the 1990s. He is survived by his son Alfred Kanangam Arthur, who is the current Member of Parliament from the Outer Manipur parliamentary constituency.
12 Assam’s first radio journalist Lily Das passes away
On May 3, Lily Das, Assam ‘s first radio journalist , passed away at the age of 90. Lily was the first Assamese female newsreader on All India Radio (AIR) . Lily began her career in 1955 and was a prominent figure in Assamese electronic media. Lily was well-liked among listeners for her clear pronunciation, impressive presentation, and contributions to public broadcasting. Despite her popularity on radio, Malik largely stayed away from television presentations.