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Daily Current Affairs Digest | 16th May 2026
Daily Current Affairs Digest | 16th May 2026
1. Karnataka Drafting Local Climate Action Plans
Karnataka is preparing climate action plans for 5,994 gram panchayats and 340 urban local bodies. These plans are being aligned with the State’s 2024 revised climate action framework and India’s commitments under the Paris Agreement.
This move is important because climate action is now being taken to the local level. Gram panchayats and urban local bodies will play a key role in adaptation, disaster preparedness, water conservation, waste management and sustainable development.
2. AMCA Infrastructure Foundation Laid in Andhra Pradesh
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu laid the foundation for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft programme infrastructure at Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh.
The AMCA is India’s indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft programme. The project is expected to strengthen India’s defence manufacturing capacity and support the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat in the aerospace sector.
3. Election Commission Announces SIR Phase-III
The Election Commission of India has announced Phase-III of the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The exercise will cover 16 States and 3 Union Territories, involving around 36.73 crore electors.
Booth Level Officers will conduct house-to-house enumeration to update voter records. This is significant for ensuring accuracy, transparency and inclusiveness in India’s electoral process.
4. Petrol and Diesel Prices Increased by ₹3 Per Litre
Oil companies have raised petrol and diesel prices by ₹3 per litre amid a sharp rise in global energy prices. The hike is expected to increase transport costs and may have a cascading impact on inflation and household expenses.
The development highlights India’s vulnerability to global crude oil price fluctuations and the importance of energy security.
5. WPI Inflation Rises to 8.3% in April 2026
India’s Wholesale Price Index inflation rose to 8.3% in April 2026, marking a 42-month high. The rise was mainly driven by higher prices of primary articles, fuel and manufactured goods.
Wholesale inflation is an important indicator because it affects production costs, retail prices and overall economic stability.
6. IMD Launches AI-Based Monsoon Forecasting Tools
The India Meteorological Department has launched two AI-based monsoon forecasting tools developed with the support of institutions such as NCMRWF and IITM.
These tools aim to provide more precise regional and district-level rainfall forecasts. They will be especially useful for rain-fed agriculture, disaster preparedness and better planning by farmers and local administrations.
7. India Seeks Extension of US Waiver for Russian Crude
India has reportedly sought an extension of the US waiver for Russian crude oil already loaded on ships. This comes amid disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz and a sharp rise in Brent crude prices.
The development underlines the strategic importance of energy diplomacy for India, which depends heavily on imported crude oil to meet domestic demand.
8. PM Modi Meets BRICS Foreign Ministers in New Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met foreign ministers attending the BRICS meeting in New Delhi. The discussions focused on multilateral reforms, trade, climate action, development cooperation and strengthening the voice of the Global South.
As India hosts BRICS-related meetings in 2026, the platform remains important for global governance, economic cooperation and South-South partnership.
