Current Affairs Highlights: 10th May 2026

Let's explore some key updates from various sectors that made news on 10th May 2026.

India Aircraft Leasing and Financing Summit 2.0 Location

The second edition of the India Aircraft Leasing and Financing Summit was organized on 8th May 2026 at GIFT City, Gujarat. This event was a collaborative effort by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the International Financial Services Centres Authority, and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry. The summit aimed to position India as a global centre for aircraft leasing and financing. Ram Mohan Naidu chaired the sessions, and the event was graced by Chief Guest Bhupendra Patel.

New Chief of Naval Staff Appointed

Krishna Swaminathan has been named as the next Chief of the Naval Staff, succeeding Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi who is set to retire on 31st May 2026. Decorated with PVSM, AVSM, and VSM honours, Vice Admiral Swaminathan’s appointment marks a significant leadership change in the Indian Navy.

Appointment of New Chief of Defence Staff

NS Raja Subramani has been designated as India’s new Chief of Defence Staff, taking over from General Anil Chauhan whose tenure ends on 30th May 2026. Alongside this role, he will also serve as Secretary to the Government of India for the Department of Military Affairs. Subramani’s distinguished service includes awards like PVSM, AVSM, SM, and VSM. Previously, he served as Military Adviser at the National Security Council Secretariat and was Vice Chief of Army Staff and General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Command.

West Bengal Welcomes its First BJP Chief Minister

On 9th May 2026, Suvendu Adhikari took the oath as West Bengal’s inaugural BJP Chief Minister at the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata. The oath was administered by R N Ravi. Alongside him, five cabinet ministers including Dilip Ghosh, Agnimitra Paul, Ashok Kirtania, Nisith Pramanik, and Kshudiram Tudu were sworn in, marking a new political chapter for the state.

India’s First International Ophthalmology Research Conference

The Army Hospital (Research and Referral), in partnership with the All India Ophthalmological Society, hosted India’s first International Ophthalmology Research Conference on 9th and 10th May 2026 at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi. The two-day event drew top defence leaders including the Chief of Defence Staff, the three Service Chiefs, and the Defence Secretary. The conference emphasized advancements in eye care research and fostered collaboration between civilian and military ophthalmology experts.

Archibald Prize 2026 Awarded

Melbourne-based artist Richard Lewer won the prestigious Archibald Prize 2026 on 8th May for his portrait of Iluwanti Ken. The award, which includes a cash prize of 100,000 Australian dollars, is one of Australia’s most esteemed recognitions in portrait painting. The winning piece was selected from over a thousand submissions, and the prize has been presented annually since 1921 by the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

First Indian Institution of Eminence Accredited by DASCA

O.P. Jindal Global University made history by becoming the first Indian Institution of Eminence to earn accreditation from the Data Science Council of America (DASCA). This global recognition ensures that the university’s programmes in data science, AI, and analytics meet international standards, preparing graduates with industry-relevant and future-focused skills. The accreditation came under the World Data Science and AI Initiative led by DASCA.

New Co-Chair for Saudi-India Business Council

Priyanka Mittal, Director at KRBL Limited, was appointed as the Co-Chair of the Indian side of the Saudi-India Business Council by FICCI. KRBL is known for its globally leading basmati rice brand. This leadership change is seen as a boost to the business ties between India and Saudi Arabia.

Leadership Change at Vodafone Idea

Kumar Mangalam Birla has been named the Non-Executive Chairman of Vodafone Idea, succeeding Ravinder Takkar who resigned from the chairman’s position but remains as Non-Executive Vice Chairman. This reshuffle is part of the company’s recent strategic leadership adjustments.