16 May 2026 Current Affairs

IIM Ahmedabad presents SVAMITVA scheme to World Bank  – The  Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM‑A)  showcased the  SVAMITVA scheme  as a successful governance and rural property mapping model to the World Bank – a pat on the back for India’s rural digitisation.

India plans ₹40,000 crore subsea gas pipeline to Oman  – India is planning to construct a massive  ₹40,000 crore subsea gas pipeline  connecting  Oman and Gujarat  to strengthen long‑term energy security – a bold infrastructure vision.

Election Commission launches Phase III of electoral roll revision  – The  Election Commission of India  has launched  Phase III of the Special Intensive Revision  across  16 States and 3 Union Territories  to update electoral rolls – keeping democracy’s foundation clean.

New irrigation canal inaugurated in Ladakh's Changthang region  –  Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena  inaugurated the  Mahey Tokpo–Raldho irrigation canal  in the remote Changthang region – bringing water to high‑altitude farms.

India chairs global cybersecurity board for 2026‑28  – India has assumed the  Chair of the Common Criteria Development Board  for 2026–2028 – a major achievement in the country’s global cybersecurity leadership.

Indian firm TCRC gets Afghan customs lab contract  – The  Taliban administration in Afghanistan  signed a  $46 million agreement  with Indian company  TCRC  to develop customs laboratory infrastructure across Afghanistan – a rare India‑Taliban engagement.

India's passport rank slips to 78th  – India’s passport has been ranked  78th  in the  Henley Passport Index 2026 , slipping from its earlier 75th position – a gentle reminder that global mobility remains a work in progress.

Sahdev Yadav elected President of South Asian Weightlifting Federation  –  Sahdev Yadav  has been elected as the  President of the South Asian Weightlifting Federation  – Indian leadership in regional sports.