20 May 2026 | Daily Current Affairs

India-Nordic Summit 2026: Green Partnership & Arctic Cooperation

Context: India-Nordic Summit
India–Nordic Summit in Oslo upgraded ties into a Green Technology & Innovation Strategic Partnership focused on sustainability, clean technology and Arctic cooperation.

Nordic Countries

  • Denmark
  • Finland
  • Iceland
  • Norway
  • Sweden

Green Technology & Innovation Strategic Partnership

Focus areas:

  • Clean energy
  • Green hydrogen
  • Sustainable technology
  • Digital innovation
  • Maritime & Arctic cooperation

Aim:

  • Low-carbon growth
  • Climate-friendly technology collaboration

Key Outcomes

Nordic countries backed India’s:

  • Permanent UNSC membership bid
  • NSG membership bid

Cooperation expanded in:

  • Renewable energy
  • Green shipping
  • Critical minerals
  • Semiconductor & digital technologies
  • Polar / Arctic research

Other key points:

  • Push for resilient supply chains and stronger India–Europe economic partnership
  • India–Nordic trade: nearly $19 billion
  • Next Summit: Finland
India-Nordic Summit
India-Nordic Summit
India-Nordic Summit
India-Nordic Summit

SC Euthanasia of Dangerous Dogs: Supreme Court Upholds Public Safety

Context: SC euthanasia of dangerous dogs
Supreme Court refused to modify its November 7, 2025 order on stray dogs; upheld removal of stray dogs from high-footfall public spaces while strengthening public safety measures.

SC’s Core Observation

  • Article 21 includes citizens’ right to live without fear of dog attacks / rabies.
  • Public safety and human life take precedence in cases involving dangerous stray dogs.

Key Directions

  • Removal of stray dogs from schools, hospitals, railway stations, bus depots, etc.
  • Dogs cannot be re-released into such high-footfall zones even after sterilisation / vaccination.
  • At least one Animal Birth Control Centre in every district.
  • Adequate anti-rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin in government hospitals.

Euthanasia Allowed For

  • Rabid dogs
  • Incurably ill dogs
  • Demonstrably dangerous / aggressive dogs

Important Laws / Rules

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960

  • Section 11(3): Permits destruction of incurably ill or mortally wounded animals in prescribed manner.

Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023

  • Rule 8: Sterilisation and vaccination of stray dogs.
  • Rule 10: Euthanasia allowed only for terminally ill / rabid dogs as certified by veterinarian.

Important Judgment

Animal Welfare Board of India vs A. Nagaraja, 2014

  • Supreme Court recognised animal welfare and dignity principles under Articles 51A(g) and 48A.
SC euthanasia of dangerous dogs
SC euthanasia of dangerous dogs

Petrol Diesel Price Hike 2026 Due to Rising Crude Oil Prices

Context: Petrol diesel price hike
State-owned Oil Marketing Companies increased petrol and diesel prices by about 90 paise per litre — second hike within a week after a ₹3 per litre increase on May 15, 2026.

Reason

  • Rising Brent crude prices amid West Asia tensions.

Recent Hikes

  • ₹3 per litre hike on May 15 after nearly four years.
  • Additional around 90 paise per litre hike on May 19.

Government Stand

  • No bailout package for Oil Marketing Companies currently.
Petrol diesel price hike
Petrol diesel price hike

India Norway Ukraine Truce Talks During Modi Norway Visit

Context: India Norway Ukraine truce
During PM Modi’s Norway visit, Norwegian PM Jonas Gahr Støre hoped India would use its channels with Russia to push for a Ukraine ceasefire. During the visit, PM Modi was also conferred Norway’s “Order of St. Olav” — his 32nd international civilian honour.

India’s Position on Russia–Ukraine War

  • India maintained strategic autonomy and continued Russian oil imports for energy security.
  • Norway said it respects India’s energy needs.

Norway’s Stand

Called for:

  • Ceasefire in Ukraine
  • Greater pressure on Russia for negotiations

Other point:

  • Norway supports sanctions and aid to Ukraine.

Key Diplomatic Points

  • India–Norway agreed to deepen cooperation despite differences on Ukraine.

Focus areas:

  • Green energy
  • Arctic research
  • Maritime cooperation
  • Climate and technology partnership

Arctic Council

  • Established: 1996 through Ottawa Declaration

Members:

  • Canada
  • Denmark
  • Finland
  • Iceland
  • Norway
  • Russia
  • Sweden
  • USA

India:

  • Observer since 2013

Important Data

  • Russian oil share in India’s imports rose from below 1% before 2022 to nearly 40% at peak.
India Norway Ukraine truce
India Norway Ukraine truce
India Norway Ukraine truce
India Norway Ukraine truce

Places of Worship Act 1991 and Bhojshala Dispute Explained

Places of Worship Act 1991
Places of Worship Act 1991

Context: Places of Worship Act 1991
Editorial argues that courts should avoid reopening historical religious claims and allow shared use of disputed religious sites, citing the Bhojshala–Kamal Maula dispute and concerns over dilution of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991.

Bhojshala–Kamal Maula Dispute

  • Located in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh.
  • Madhya Pradesh High Court held Bhojshala was originally a Hindu temple.
  • Relied on archaeological evidence and Ayodhya judgment principles.

Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991

  • Freezes religious character of places of worship as on 15 August 1947.

Section 3

  • Prohibits conversion of religious character.

Section 4

  • Bars fresh suits on religious character disputes.

Section 5

  • Ayodhya dispute exempted.

Important Exception

Editorial’s Concern

  • Archaeological surveys and Public Interest Litigations may bypass the spirit of the 1991 Act.
  • Could trigger disputes over Gyanvapi and Shahi Idgah sites.
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