“SPORTS”

Apaar Saxena Earns International Master Title After Strong European Performances

Apaar Saxena has earned the prestigious International Master (IM) title after achieving all three required norms through impressive performances in European chess tournaments. The young chess player from Karnataka reached the milestone following consistent performances against strong international opponents. Apaar Saxena has become the latest Indian chess player to achieve the International Master title, one of the major titles awarded by the global chess body FIDE.

“APPOINTMENTS”

Suvendu Adhikari Takes Oath as West Bengal’s First BJP Chief Minister

West Bengal entered a new political phase on May 9, 2026, as senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari took oath as the state’s first Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Chief Minister since Independence. The swearing-in ceremony was held at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several senior NDA leaders. The development comes after the BJP secured a massive victory in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, ending the Trinamool Congress (TMC)’s 15-year rule in the state.

Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan Appointed as New Navy Chief

The government has appointed Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan as the next Chief of the Naval Staff. He will take over on May 31, replacing Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi. Currently heading the Western Naval Command in Mumbai, Vice Admiral Swaminathan brings decades of operational and leadership experience to the top post in the Indian Navy.

Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani Appointed as India’s Next Chief of Defence Staff

The Centre on Saturday appointed Lieutenant General (retd) NS Raja Subramani as the next Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of India. He will take charge on May 30, succeeding General Anil Chauhan. The appointment comes at an important time as the Defence Ministry continues work on military reforms, including theatreisation and greater coordination among the armed forces.

“NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS”

South Korea Introduces First Humanoid Robot Monk Gabi

South Korea’s Jogye Order debuted its first humanoid robot monk, Gabi, derived from references to Siddhartha and the Korean word for Mercy, at Seoul’s Jogyesa Temple. Developed on the Unitree G1 platform, the 130-centimeter-tall robot participated in a precept ceremony ahead of Buddha’s Birthday. Gabi received a Dharma name signifying mercy and pledged to follow five specialized robotic precepts, including energy conservation and robot safety. Replacing traditional incense rituals with symbolic stickers, Gabi will join fellow robots in the upcoming Lotus Lantern Festival. This integration of robotics into Buddhism highlights the evolving role of AI in religious service and public demonstration.

PM Modi Inaugurates 594-km Ganga Expressway

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 594-km-long Ganga Expressway, the longest expressway in Uttar Pradesh, connecting Meerut to Prayagraj. The expressway has been developed by the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) to boost connectivity and regional development. It passes through 12 districts, including Meerut, Hapur, Bulandshahr, Amroha, Sambhal, Budaun, Shahjahanpur, Hardoi, Unnao, Rae Bareli, Pratapgarh, and Prayagraj.