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Deeply concerned: India on drone strike near UAE's Barakah nuclear plant
A drone strike targeted a generator near the perimeter of the Barakah nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), sparking a fire. India's [Ministry of External Affairs] has expressed deep concern, calling the attack a dangerous escalation in the broader West Asia conflict and urging restraint and a return to diplomacy.
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Must ReadIndia, Sweden agree to elevate ties to Strategic Partnership
India and Sweden have elevated their bilateral relationship to a **Strategic Partnership** during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Gothenburg. The two nations launched a Joint Action Plan (2026-2030) and various initiatives focusing on emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, and doubling bilateral trade.
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Must ReadRevisiting India’s entry onto the nuclear stage
India's entry as a nuclear power was marked by its first successful nuclear test, codenamed 'Smiling Buddha' (Pokhran-I), conducted on May 18, 1974. Developed secretly by a team led by Raja Ramanna at the [Bhabha Atomic Research Centre] using plutonium from the Canadian-supplied [CIRUS reactor], the test was officially termed a 'peaceful nuclear explosion' (PNE) to mitigate international backlash, though its strategic intent was undeniable in the face of China's nuclear capability.
Read on The HinduDive Into Study Notes![Illustration about Bilateral Relations: Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming visit to Oslo for the third [India-Nordic Summit] highlights a strategic shift in India’s](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstorage.googleapis.com%2Fprepdose-article-images%2Fdaily-read%2F2026-05-18%2Foslo-summit-must-mark-indias-northward-turn-f677c9be.png&w=1200&q=75)
ImportantOslo summit must mark India’s northward turn
Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming visit to Oslo for the third [India-Nordic Summit] highlights a strategic shift in India’s engagement with Northern Europe. Originally focused on climate and innovation, the partnership is now acquiring deeper strategic and economic significance due to the war in Ukraine, changing [NATO] dynamics, and the increasing geopolitical contestation over the [Arctic] region's resources and shipping routes.
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ImportantDiversification gains: On India and its export competitiveness
An analysis of India's merchandise export performance in April 2026 reveals a nearly 14% growth to $43.6 billion, despite global trade disruptions. This growth is driven by market diversification, resilience in key sectors, and rising service exports, though challenges remain due to the West Asia crisis and a surge in gold imports.
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Must ReadOne-horse races are no triumph for democracy
This editorial, written by former Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa, critiques the growing trend of uncontested elections and the potential compromise of the [Election Commission of India] (ECI)'s neutrality. He uses recent issues concerning electoral rolls in West Bengal to argue that a lack of political competition and a seemingly partisan electoral referee undermine the foundational principles of a democratic mandate.
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Must ReadEl Nino spells trouble for kharif harvests across India
A 2023 study published in Climate Services emphasizes the detrimental impact of El Niño on India's Kharif crop harvests, specifically highlighting significant yield reductions in key crops like rice, sorghum, and pearl millet. Analyzing historical El Niño years (2002, 2004, 2009), the research underscores the urgent need for climate-resilient agricultural strategies at the district level to mitigate the effects of the anticipated El Niño phenomenon.
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Must ReadET Graphics: BoP stability tested by outflows & Rupee fall
India's Balance of Payments (BoP) stability is currently facing stress due to significant foreign capital outflows and a depreciating Rupee. Economists suggest the [Reserve Bank of India] may need to deploy unconventional policy measures, beyond standard interest rate adjustments, to stabilize the currency and attract foreign inflows.
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