1 World Hypertension Day
World Hypertension Day is celebrated every year on May 17th because it was first established on this date in 2006 by the World Hypertension League (WHL) . Its primary purpose is to raise awareness about the dangers and prevention of high blood pressure, considered a “silent killer.” Doctors call it a “silent killer.” According to the World Health Organization (WHO), if your blood pressure consistently remains 140/90 mmHg or above, you are already suffering from it. The most dangerous aspect is that it often doesn’t initially cause any symptoms (such as headaches or dizziness). This year’s theme for World Hypertension Day is ” Controlling Hypertension Together!” The aim is to promote public awareness, prevention, and community participation.
2 World Telecommunication Day
Today, humans not only communicate but have become active participants in a vast digital network. To commemorate this historical and technological transformation and highlight its global significance, ” World Telecommunication and Information Society Day ” is celebrated annually on May 17th . This day not only celebrates technological achievements but also symbolizes the global transformation that has transformed the Earth from a “global village” to a “digital civilization.” The history of World Telecommunication Day begins on May 17th, 1865 , when the ” International Telegraph Union ” was founded in Paris. At that time, the telegraph was the fastest means of modern communication, and the need for international coordination for the exchange of messages between different countries was felt. This organization was established for this purpose. Later, this organization evolved into the ” International Telecommunication Union ” (ITU). In 1947, the ITU became a specialized agency of the United Nations . It is one of the world’s oldest international technical organizations, playing a historic role in organizing and coordinating the global communication system. As the Internet and digital technologies began to rapidly expand in the 21st century, the United Nations General Assembly gave global importance to the concept of the “Information Society” in 2005. Subsequently, the day gained widespread recognition as World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD).
3 International Day of Light
The International Day of Light is celebrated every year on May 16 to commemorate the first successful operation of a laser in 1960 by physicist and engineer Theodore Maiman. This year’s theme is ” Light for a Sustainable Future ,” which focuses on how light-based technologies contribute to sustainability through energy-efficient lighting, green manufacturing, and improved agricultural practices. On this occasion, UNESCO calls for strengthening scientific collaboration and harnessing the power of light for peace and sustainable development.
4 National Dengue Day
National Dengue Day is observed every year on May 16th. Officially declared by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the day aims to raise awareness about dengue and strengthen preventive measures before the monsoon season . The day is celebrated to promote simple control strategies aimed at preventing mosquito breeding, including removing stagnant water and proper maintenance of water storage tanks. To prevent the spread of dengue, the month of May has been designated as the main month for awareness activities before the monsoon season. The Ministry celebrates July as Anti-Dengue Month, during which sustained awareness and prevention campaigns are conducted nationwide. This year’s theme is “ Community Participation for Dengue Control: Check, Clean, and Cover .”
5 Prime Minister Modi was presented with historic 11th century Chola copper plates by Leiden University in the Netherlands.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was presented with historic 11th-century Chola copper plates by officials from Leiden University in the Netherlands . The return of these priceless artifacts marks a significant opportunity for cultural cooperation and heritage restoration between the two countries. These royal documents, known as the Leiden Copper Plates, were preserved in the university’s Asian Library for over a century. The collection includes 21 large and three small copper plates , bound by a bronze ring bearing the seal of the Chola king Rajendra Chola I. Five plates bear inscriptions in Sanskrit, while sixteen bear inscriptions in Tamil . Another group of plates bearing the seal of Kulattunga Chola I also bear Tamil inscriptions. These copper plates are considered among the most valuable records of the Chola Empire. They contain detailed accounts of its administration, taxation, land reforms, irrigation systems, and trade practices. These inscriptions also reveal the dynasty’s religious harmony. They mention the grant of the village of Anaimangalam to a Buddhist monastery established by the Srivijaya rulers of Southeast Asia. Historians believe these inscriptions offer rare evidence of strong maritime, diplomatic, and cultural ties between South and Southeast Asia dating back nearly a thousand years. Along with these artifacts, Leiden University will also hand over archival records, metadata, and related correspondence to India.
6 Tata Electronics and Dutch company ASML sign agreement to promote semiconductor manufacturing in India
Tata Electronics and Netherlands- based semiconductor equipment manufacturer ASML have entered into a partnership to promote chip manufacturing in India . The agreement was announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Netherlands . ASML is considered a leader in specialized lithography equipment used to manufacture advanced and small-size semiconductors . Under this partnership, ASML will support the establishment and operation of Tata Electronics’ upcoming 300mm semiconductor fab project in Dholera, Gujarat, a joint statement said.
7 President Draupadi Murmu approved increasing the number of Supreme Court judges from 33 to 37.
President Draupadi Murmu has approved the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026, increasing the sanctioned strength of judges in the Supreme Court, excluding the Chief Justice, from 33 to 37. According to a notification from the Ministry of Law and Justice, the ordinance amends the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956. This amendment increases the total number of judges in the Supreme Court, including the Chief Justice, to 38.
8 Assam: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurates India’s first AI-powered “phygital” banking branch
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated India’s first AI-powered “phygital” banking branch of Slice Small Finance Bank on GS Road in Guwahati . He said this investment reflects the kind of innovation-driven development the Assam government has been promoting for many years. The Chief Minister described the partnership between the state government and Slice Small Finance Bank as a meaningful collaboration that will strengthen financial inclusion in the state. This next-generation banking facility brings together physical and digital banking services through AI-enabled self-service kiosks, paperless cash deposit and withdrawal, and easy digital onboarding processes . The branch aims to make banking services more accessible, convenient, and inclusive for a diverse range of customers. The bank is also expected to expand access to responsible credit, savings, and payment solutions for individuals and small businesses, especially those with limited access to modern banking services.
9 Home Ministry approves raising of additional ‘India Reserve Battalion’ in Tripura
To strengthen law and order and security in Tripura , the Home Ministry has approved the formation of an additional ” India Reserve Battalion .” The central government has approved a one-time financial grant of ₹50 crore for its formation and up to ₹30 crore for infrastructure development . This battalion will follow standard federal protocols for equipment and deployment, focusing on counter-insurgency operations and border security. The central government will also have the authority to deploy these personnel anywhere in the country as needed. Chief Minister Manik Saha reiterated the government’s commitment to the welfare of ASHA workers.
10 Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulates Ali Falih Kadhim al-Zaidi on assuming office as Prime Minister of Iraq
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Ali Falih Kadhim al-Zaidi on assuming office as Prime Minister of Iraq . Mr. al-Zaidi, a businessman, emerged as a consensus candidate for the post of Prime Minister after weeks of internal debate among the member parties of the Coordination Framework; the aim of which was to select a compromise candidate to lead the next government in Iraq.
11 Union Minister Shri Jayant Chaudhary represented India at the swearing-in ceremony of the President of Uganda.
Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) in the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India , recently visited Uganda to represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of His Excellency General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda . During his visit, Shri Chaudhary conveyed congratulations and goodwill to President Museveni on behalf of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the people of India for his seventh term in office . Shri Chaudhary also visited the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU-I) Uganda campus in Jinja , India’s first overseas public educational campus . The campus enrolled its first batch of students in October 2025.
12 Captagon drugs worth Rs 182 crore seized under Operation Rezpil
India’s anti-drug agencies have seized Captagon drugs worth ₹182 crore for the first time under Operation Rezpill . Captagon is the common name for fenethylene, a synthetic stimulant originally developed in the 1960s for the medical treatment of attention disorders and narcolepsy. Due to its addictive nature and potential for abuse, the original drug formulation was eventually banned internationally.
13 CSIR-AMPRI celebrates its 46th Foundation Day by transferring indigenous Sodar system technology to industry
The Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute (AMPRI) , a constituent laboratory of CSIR, Bhopal , celebrated its 46th Foundation Day on May 12, 2026 (celebrations were held during May 12-14, 2026). On this special occasion, CSIR-AMPRI, Bhopal, transferred the technology of the SODAR (Sound Detection and Ranging) system to M/s MeteoXperts Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Noida . The ceremony took place in the august presence of Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General (DG), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Government of India. Mr. Siddharth Gupta, Director, M/s MeteoXperts Solutions, Noida, was also present on the occasion.