Current Affairs - Places

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI) in Oslo, Norway, on May 22, 2026. The five-year agreement aims to strengthen technical cooperation in tunnel engineering, slope stability analysis, natural hazard mitigation, and highway infrastructure development. The collaboration focuses particularly on geologically sensitive regions and challenging terrains. It also includes support for site characterization, preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), tunnel safety audits, and the use of advanced technologies such as InSAR for monitoring slopes. The partnership is expected to enhance the safety and efficiency of India's highway and tunnel projects.

The First International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit was originally scheduled to take place in New Delhi on June 1, 2026. The event was planned alongside the Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS IV) but was later rescheduled due to the postponement of the India-Africa Forum Summit following an Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa. The IBCA is an initiative launched by India to promote the conservation of seven major big cat species, including the tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, puma, jaguar, and cheetah. The summit is expected to strengthen international cooperation among range countries and conservation stakeholders for big cat protection and habitat preservation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the prestigious FAO Agricola Medal 2026 on May 20, 2026, at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations in Rome, Italy. The award was presented by FAO Director-General Dr Qu Dongyu in recognition of India's achievements in food security, sustainable agriculture, and rural development. The honour also acknowledged initiatives such as climate-resilient crop development, micro-irrigation through the ‘Per Drop More Crop’ program, and the use of digital technologies in agriculture. The event marked a historic occasion, as it was the first visit by an Indian Head of Government to FAO Headquarters in three decades.

Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda addressed the plenary session of the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, on May 19, 2026. The session focused on the theme “Reshaping Global Health: A Shared Responsibility.” During the event, India highlighted its achievements in healthcare infrastructure, digital health innovation, and global vaccine support initiatives. Key initiatives discussed included Ayushman Bharat, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, and Vaccine Maitri. Geneva is also the headquarters of the World Health Organisation (WHO), which serves as the leading international body for global public health and policymaking among its 194 member states.

Chennai was selected as the host city for South India’s largest co-located industrial sourcing platform scheduled from May 28 to 30, 2026. The event will take place at the Chennai Trade Centre in Nandambakkam and is organised by Smart Expos & Fairs (India) Pvt. Ltd. It includes major exhibitions such as COMPACK 2026, LOGMAT 2026, and COSS 2026, focusing on packaging, warehouse automation, industrial safety, and logistics. The exhibition is expected to attract leading brands and industries from sectors including automotive, electronics, electric vehicles, aerospace, and pharmaceuticals. The event highlights Chennai’s growing role as a major industrial and business hub in India.