WHO Declares Ebola Global Health Emergency: Symptoms, Spread, Treatment, and Vaccine Explained

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) for the latest Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda. This decision comes after a surge in the suspected infections and deaths in the respected country. However, the WHO clarfied that this is not a pandemic emergency like COVID-19.

WHO Declares Global Health Emergency Over Ebola

WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has announced the emergency declaration after the outbreak showed signs of regional spread.

Around more than 300 suspected cases and 88 deaths have raised the major concern among global health agencies.

WHO has also said that international border closures are not necessary at this stage.

Where the Outbreak is Happening

The outbreak is mainly centered in the Ituri Province in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The respected authorities have reported 8 laboratory confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases and 80 suspected deaths.

Uganda has also confirmed the two Ebola cases which includes the one death.

Both the cases involved the travelers who are arrived from Congo.

Health experts believe that the real number of infections could be much higher.

What is Ebola Virus?

Ebola is a highly dangerous viral disease which causes severe haemorrhagic fever in humans.

It belongs to the Orthoebolavirus family.

The current outbreak is linked to the Bundibugyo virus strain which is a rare form of Ebola.

This strain is particularly concerning because the treatment and vaccine coverage remain limited.

How Ebola Spreads

Ebola is a zoonotic disease means that it can spread from animals to humans.

The fruit bats are considered as the natural host.

Humans can get infected througt the contact with infected animals like monkeys, gorillas, chimpanzees or contaminated meat.

Also human to human spread happens through direct contact with infected,

Blood
Vomiting
Saliva
Sweat
Semen
Body fluids

It can also spread through the contaminated bedding or surfaces.

Ebola does not spread through the air like COVID-19.

Symptoms of Ebola

Symptoms of Ebola virus usually appear between 2 and 21 days after infection.

Early signs includes the high fever, weakness, headache, sore throat and muscle pain.

As the disease worsens, patients may develop the vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, rash and organ failure.

In the severe cases, internal and external bleeding can occur.

Some patients also experience the confusion and neurological complications.

Why Ebola is So Dangerous

Ebola is one of the deadliest infectious diseases in the world.

The average fatality rate is around 50 percent though some outbreaks have recorded even higher death rates.

The virus spreads quickly in the healthcare settings if strict precautions are not followed.

Also delayed diagnosis makes the situation even more dangerous.

How Ebola is Diagnosed

As Ebola symptoms look similar to the malaria and other viral infections, testing is essential.

The doctors are uses RT-PCR tests, ELISA tests, antigen detection and virus isolation methods.

Early testing improves the survival chances significantly.

Treatment Options

WHO has recommended the monoclonal antibody treatments like Ansuvimab (mAb114) and Inmazeb (REGN-EB3) for some Ebola strains.

However, the effectiveness depends on the virus variant.

Also supportive care remains the main treatment.

This includes hydration, oxygen support and infection management.

Are Ebola Vaccines Available?

Yes, vaccines for Ebola virus are present.

The currently approved vaccines include the Ervebo, Zabdeno, and Mvabea.

But protection against the current Bundibugyo strain remains uncertain right now.

This is the main reason behind the health agencies are highly alert.

What is a Public Health Emergency of International Concern?

A PHEIC is the WHO’s highest emergency alert under international health regulations.

It means that the outbreak poses a risk beyond one country and needs coordinated global action.

Previously the PHEIC declarations include COVID-19, Mpox, Zika, Polio and earlier Ebola outbreaks.

Background of Ebola Outbreak History

Ebola virus was first discovered in the year 1976 near the Ebola River in present day Democratic Republic of Congo.

Since then, the Africa has witnessed multiple outbreaks.

The deadliest Ebola epidemic occurred between the year 2014 and 2016 in West Africa which have killed 11,000 people.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Creates IPL History with Most Sixes by an Indian in a Single Season

India’s upcoming teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has scripted a history in IPL (Indian Premier league)by becoming the Indian batter with the most sixes hit in the single season. He marked this milestone against the Delhi Capitals on 17th May, 2026 at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Breaks Historic IPL Record

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi achieved the landmark moment during Rajasthan Royals clash against Delhi Capitals.

Ahead of this match, he needed only three sixes to surpass Abhishek Sharma’ss Indian record of 42 sixes in one IPL season.

He completed this feat in style by smashing his third six off Tripurana Vijay.

With this short, Vaibhav officially became the Indian player with the most sixes in a single IPL season.

His tally now stands at the 43 sixes in just 12 matches.

That makes the achievement even more extraordinary.

At the age of Just 15, Vaibhav is dominated against the top bowlers in this edition

Indian Batters with Most Sixes in a Single IPL Season

There are many India’s remarkable players have featured in this list.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (RR) – 43 (2026)*
Abhishek Sharma (SRH) – 42 (2024)
Shreyas Iyer (PBKS) – 39 (2025)
Virat Kohli (RCB) – 38 (2016)
Virat Kohli (RCB) – 38 (2024)
Suryakumar Yadav (MI) – 38 (2025)

To feature in this list at the age of just 15 is truly historic.

Most sixes by a batter in an IPL season

Vaibhav Sooryanvanshi also looking to break the record of most sixes in the single edition of IPL season.

Chris Gayle – 59 (2012)
Andre Russell – 52 (2019)
Chris Gayle – 51 (2013)
Jos Buttler – 45 (2022)
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (RR) – 43 (2026)

Fastest to 100 T20 Sixes

Vaibhav already broken the many records and place his name in many record list.

He recently became the fastest batter in the T20 history to hit 100 sixes.

He also reached the milestone in just 515 deliveries.

Sikkim to Implement Anand Marriage Act, 1909 from June 1, 2026

The state of Sikkim will implement the Anand Marriage Act, 1909 from June 1, 2026. This act will allows the Sikh couples to directly register marriages through the traditional Anand Karaj ceremony under their own legal framework. Until now, many Sikh couples had to register their marriages under the Hindu Marriage Act due to absence of the local rules.

Anand Marriage Act to Finally Come into Force in Sikkim

The Union Law Ministry has officially notified that the Anand Marriage Act will become operational in the state of Sikkim from June 1.

This means that Sikh couples in the state will now be able to register marriages solemnized through the traditional Anand Karaj ceremony without the depending on broader marriage laws.

This is an important legal recognition for the Sikh community.

The implementation became the possible after Sikkim has framed the Sikkim Anand Marriage Registration Rules, 2026, which will establish the state-level registration mechanism.

What Is the Anand Marriage Act?

The Anand Marriage Act, 1909 is a law which legally recognizes the Sikh marriages conducted through the Anand Karaj ceremony.

Anand Karaj is the traditional Sikh marriage ceremony which will be performed according to Sikh religious customs.

Although the Act existed for more than a century and a major practical issue remained.

There was no clear registration framework in the several states.

Because of this issue many Sikh couples registered marriages under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 even though Sikh marriages follow a distinct religious tradition.

Why This Move Matters for Sikh Couples

This implementation is important because it gives the Sikh marriages separate legal recognition within the marriage registration system.

Key benefits includes the,

Direct registration of Anand Karaj marriages
Clear legal identity for Sikh marital customs
Reduced administrative confusion
Easier documentation for official purposes
Better recognition of religious and cultural practices

For the many Sikh families, this is both the practical and symbolic legal step.

Supreme Court’s Role in the Change

A major turning point about this issue was came in September 2025.

In the Amanjot Singh Chadha vs Union of India case, the Supreme Court highlighted that the administrative gaps in implementing the Anand Marriage Act.

Although a 2012 amendment had enabled states to create the registration systems but many states had still not framed the required rules.

The top court also directed such states to take action.

Following this, Sikkim notified the rules regarding this and making the implementation possible.

Understanding Anand Karaj Ceremony

Anand Karaj means the ‘ceremony of bliss.’

It is the traditional Sikh marriage ritual which is conducted in a Gurdwara in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib.

The ceremony includes the.

Recitation of the Sikh prayers
The couple taking four ceremonial rounds (Laavan)
Spiritual commitment rather than only legal formalities

This ceremony reflects the Sikh values of equality, devotion and the partnership.

Nimapara Patha Utsav 2026 Inaugurated in Puri by Deputy CM Pravati Parida

Respectable Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida has inaugurated the Nimapara Patha Utsav 2026 in the Puri district on 17th May, 2026. This festival showcases the traditional Odia folk arts, youth driven awareness campaigns and development initiatives under the Utkarsha Nimapara 2.0 program.

Nimapara Patha Utsav 2026 Officially Begins in Odisha

The much awaited Nimapara Patha Utsav 2026 has officially started in the state of Odisha.

The event was inaugurated by the Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida in the Nimapara area of Puri district.

The initiative combines the culture, public awareness, sports, youth engagement and regional development into one community focused festival.

The event has witnessed enthusiastic participation from the local residents, students, artists and youth groups.

Traditional Odia Culture Heart of the Festival

One of the biggest highlights of this festival was the celebration of Odisha’s cultural heritage.

Traditional performances included the,

Tribal dances
Horse dances
Sankirtan
Pala
Dasakathia

Also the street theatre and solo acting performances were also organized in the event.

These performances were not just for the entertainment. They were used as creative tools to spread the public awareness messages on social and developmental themes.

Public Awareness Through Art and Performance

A major attraction of the event was the use of traditional storytelling formats for awareness building.

Several students and local artists has delivered impactful messages through the,

Street plays
Folk storytelling
Solo dramatic performances
Cultural narratives

This model also helps to connect public campaigns directly with communities in an engaging and relatable way.

Utkarsha Nimapara 2.0 Unveiled During the Event

The inauguration also marked the major development announcement.

Deputy CM Parida unveiled the,

Official jersey
Cap
Medal
Mascot ‘Utkarsha Ghoda’

These launches are part of the broader the Utkarsha Nimapara 2.0 initiative.

This program is aims to promote the development through public participation and youth involvement.

Sports and Youth Competitions Announced

The festival will also continue with several competitive and youth-focused activities.

Upcoming events includes the,

Marathons in Nimapara and Gop
Sports competitions
Music contests
Dance competitions
University-level Debate on Development

These activities are also intended to encourage leadership, talent and active citizenship among young people.

What is Patha Utsav?

Patha Utsav which is often known in the several Indian cities as a community street festival. This festival is designed to reclaim public spaces for social interaction, culture, wellness and awareness.

Such events typically features the,

Fitness activities
Cultural showcases
Public dialogue
Community art
Citizen participation

The Nimapara edition appears to combine the concept with regional cultural identity and development

Andhra Pradesh Offers ₹30,000 for Third Child, ₹40,000 for Fourth Under New Policy

Respectable Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh N Chandrababu Naidu has announced the major policy to address the state’s declining population growth. Speaking at the public event in Srikakulam district, CM Naidu said that families will receive ₹30,000 for the birth of a third child and ₹40,000 for a fourth child.

Andhra Pradesh New Birth Incentive Scheme

In a significant development, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said the Andhra Pradesh state government will provide the direct financial support to families choosing to have more children.

Under the proposed plan,

₹30,000 incentive for the birth of a third child
₹40,000 incentive for the birth of a fourth child

The government is also expected to release the complete implementation details within the next month.

This decision comes after the earlier proposal which offers around ₹25,000 for the birth of a second child.

Why Andhra Pradesh Is Changing Its Population Policy

For the many years, multiple Indian states promoted the smaller family norms to control population growth.

Now, Andhra Pradesh moving in the opposite direction.

According to the CM Naidu, the state is witnessing the gradual decline in fertility rates.

He also pointed out that rising incomes and changing family preferences are leading the many couples to have only one child.

This trend if continued it could create the long term economic and social challenges.

What Is Replacement-Level Fertility Rate?

Replacement-level fertility rate refers to the average number of the children a woman needs to have to maintain a stable population over time.

Globally, this level is generally considered as the 2.1 children per woman.

If fertility falls below this level for the long period,

Population begins to shrink
Elderly population increases
Workforce size declines
Economic productivity may slow
Social welfare pressure increases

Why Population Decline Is Becoming a Concern

Population decline is increasingly becoming a policy issue in the several parts of the world.

Countries such as the,

Japan
South Korea
Italy
China

have faced the demographic challenges due to falling birth rates.

Common impacts of the population includes the,

Labor shortages
Increased pension burden
Higher healthcare costs
Slower economic growth

Andhra Pradesh appears to be proactively responding to the similar long-term concerns.

A Big Shift from Earlier Population Control Thinking

Interestingly, CM Chandrababu Naidu acknowledged that he once supported the population control measures.

However, he now believes that the demographic situation has been changed.

This reflects a broader policy shift where the governments are beginning to focus not just on controlling population numbers, but also on to maintaining demographic balance.

This is becoming specially important in regions experiencing the declining fertility.

President Approves Increase in Supreme Court Judge Strength from 34 to 38

Honorable President Droupadi Murmu has approved the increasing the Supreme Court’s judge strength from 34 to 38. This decision is expected to improve the efficiency of the top court and faster disposal of pending cases. This expansion is cleared via the ordinance method and can be looking as a significant judicial reform step.

Supreme Court Judge Strength Officially Increased

The Centre has formally increased the total strength of the Supreme Court. After this ordinance, new strength will now be 38 judges, including the Chief Justice of India.

This means that the number of judges excluding the CJI rises from 33 to 37.

Respectable Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal confirmed the development.

The change has been made via The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026.

This ordinance has amends the existing Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956.

Cabinet Approval Came Earlier This Month

The decision was not suddenly taken, On 5th of May 2026, the Union Cabinet chaired by Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the proposal.

The Cabinet had cleared the introduction of The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026 in Parliament.

However, instead of waiting for the full legislative route via Parliament, the government has moved through an ordinance mechanism.

This allowed has immediate the implementation.

Why the Increase in Judge Strength Matters

Over the years India’s Supreme Court has witnessed the steady rise in the number of pending cases. As the increasing litigation and complex constitutional matters the workload of judges has grown day by day. After the addition of four more judges is expected to strengthen judicial capacity and improve the speed of justice delivery.

Also the larger bench strength will help in quicker constitution of benches, faster hearings and timely disposal of cases. It will also reduce the work load pressure on existing judges and improve the overall functioning of the judiciary.

The government has stated that this move will allow the Supreme Court to function more efficiently and effectively along with ensuring speedy justice for citizens.

Constitutional Provision Behind Supreme Court Strength

Under the Article 124(1) of the Constitution of India have the provision about the composition of the Supreme Court. It states that Supreme Court shall consist of the Chief Justice of India and such number of judges as Parliament may prescribe by the law.

Initially the Constitution had allowed a maximum of seven judges apart from the Chief Justice. After time by time with the growth of population, legal disputes, and constitutional responsibilities and Parliament has amended the law several times to increase the court’s strength.

How SC Judge Strength Has Increased Over Time?

Earlier, the original Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956 fixed the number of judges at 10 excluding the Chief Justice.

In the year 1960 the strength was increased to 13 judges. It was further expanded to 17 in 1977.

Later strength was rose to 25 via 1986 amendment and then 30 through the 2008 amendment. The last major increase came in 2019 when the strength was raised from 30 to 33 judges.

The latest proposal of 2026 will increase the number to 37 marks another important step in judicial reforms.

Expenditure of Judges

The expenditure related to the salaries, infrastructure, staff and other facilities for the additional judges will be met via the Consolidated Fund of India. The Consolidated Fund of India is the principal financial instrument of the Government of India. It acts as the central repository for all revenues received by the government, all loans raised by it and all repayments of loans made by the government.

India’s Gems and Jewellery Exports Fall Sharply in April 2026

In the month of April 2026 India’s gems and jewellery export sector started on a weak note as exports fall sharply as global geo political tensions and global trade uncertainty has disrupted the international demand. This sector in which India is major export earners has witnessed the decline the the gold jewellery and diamond shipments but the silver jewellery exports delivered the surprising jump.

India’s Gems and Jewellery Exports Decline in April 2026

India’s total gems and jewellery exports fell by the 9.07% in April 2026.

Total exports stood at the $2.23 billion (which is ₹20,825 crore).

In the April 2025, exports were at around $2.45 billion (₹20,952 crore).

The decline reflects the growing pressure on the India’s export-oriented jewellery industry.

This latest figures were released by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC).

West Asia Conflict Emerges as a Major Trigger

One of the major reasons behind the export slowdown is the current West Asia conflict. This geopolitical crisis has disrupted the global shipping routes, supply chains, insurance costs and buyer sentiment.

In the economical terms International trade often reacts to sharply in the times of geopolitical uncertainty.

For the India’s jewellery exporters, delays in the shipments and market disruptions have directly affected the business volumes.

The West Asia region remains strategically important for the global trade movement.

Gold Jewellery Exports Take a Sharp Hit

Also the Gold jewellery exports saw one of the steepest declines.

Overall the gold jewellery exports dropped to 21.77%.

And the exports fell to $841.54 million.

Last year during the same period, exports value stood at $1.08 billion.

This reflects the weaker international gold demand and trade disruptions.

Plain Gold Jewellery Faces Severe Fall

The Plain gold jewellery exports were hit especially hard.

Exports dropped by the 47.06%.

April 2026 exports stood at $341.08 million.

In April 2025, this figure was at the $644.33 million.

Diamond Exports Also Under Pressure

India’s diamond export sector also witnessed the weakness.

Cut and Polished Diamonds exports fell by 19.65%. and export value of April stood at $890.91 million.

It saw the dip in the export value as compare to $1.11 billion last year.

This signals the softer international demand for the diamonds.

Silver Jewellery Exports Rise

As most of the jewellery sector segments declined, silver jewellery stood out dramatically.

The silver jewellery exports surged by an extraordinary to 444%.

Exports rose to around the $268.38 million.

This is one of the most big shifts in the latest export data.

Why Indian Gur Is Becoming a Global Alternative to Refined Sugar

India’s traditional sweetener jaggery which is popularly known as gur is rapidly gaining the global recognition as a healthier alternative to refined sugar. As India is producing over 70% of the world’s jaggery, also this sector supports nearly 2.5 million rural livelihoods while exports are continue to rise sharply.

India Leads the Global Jaggery Market

India has firmly established itself as the world’s largest jaggery producer.

More than 70% of the global jaggery production comes from India.

This dominance is backed by the country’s strong sugarcane production level.

Nearly 20 to 30% of India’s sugarcane output is diverted towards the jaggery production instead of refined sugar manufacturing.

This makes jaggery as India;s one of the most important agro-processing sectors.

Compare to the large industrial sugar mills, the production of jaggery is largely decentralized.

Why India’s Jaggery Industry Matters So Much

The jaggery sector is just beyond the sweetener production. It directly supports the approximately 2.5 million livelihoods and mainly in rural India.

The industry benefits the,

Sugarcane farmers
Small processing units
Rural labourers
Transport operators
Micro-enterprises
Women-led food businesses

Because the production happens closer to farms, transportation costs remain low and local economies benefit more directly.

Rapid Export Growth of Indian Jaggery

Export of the Indian jaggery has witnessed the strong growth over a time period. As in the year 2015-16 the jaggery exports stood at USD 197 million and by the 2024-25 cycle this exports have surged to 406.8 million.

This represents a growth of approximately 106.5% in export value.

Also the export volume also rose significantly.

Major importing countries include,

Indonesia
United States
UAE
Nigeria
Nepal

This growing international demand showcases how the traditional Indian products are finding global acceptance.

Why the World Is Choosing Jaggery Over Refined Sugar

Around the world more people are now looking for natural, minimally processed and chemical free food products.

Unlike the white sugar, jaggery is produced without any intensive chemical refining.

It also retains important nutrients which refined sugar loses in production process.

And the health conscious consumers increasingly see jaggery as a natural sweetener rather than empty calories.

Nutritional Benefits of Jaggery

Jaggery is much more nutrient rich compare to the refined sugar.

It contains essential minerals such as,

Iron
Calcium
Magnesium
Potassium
Phosphorus
Zinc
Copper
Manganese

Also the presence of Iron content in jaggery helps improve haemoglobin levels.

Potassium also supports heart function.

Magnesium helps to strengthen muscle health.

Traditional jaggery also contains the trace vitamins and natural antioxidants.

Nutritional profile of jaggery is so strong thats why it is called ‘medicinal sugar’.

Ancient Indian Roots of Jaggery

Jaggery is deeply connected with the India’s cultural and agricultural history.

Its roots can trace back to the Vedic period, making it one of the oldest traditional sweeteners in the world.

Historical records showcases the sugarcane cultivation in India as early as 1400-1000 BCE.

The word ‘sugar’ itself comes from the Sanskrit word ‘sarkara.’

Ancient Indian knowledge of the sugarcane processing even spread internationally.

Government Support For The Jaggery Ecosystem

The Indian government has strengthened the jaggery sector through multiple schemes.

Important support initiatives include the,

PM Kisan SAMPADA Yojana
PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME)
One District One Product (ODOP)
AGMARK Certification
GI Tagging

Famous GI-Tagged Jaggery Varieties in India

Several jaggery varieties now carries the Geographical Indication recognition.

These includes the,

Kolhapur Jaggery (Maharashtra)
Muzaffarnagar Gur (Uttar Pradesh)
Marayoor Jaggery (Kerala)

GI tagging also improves the branding, premium pricing and consumer trust.

Chola Copper Plates Return to India: History and Significance Explained

Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to India as also achieved the cultural milestone. As Netherlands has formally returned the historic 11th century Chola Copper Plates which is one of the most important surviving records of the Chola dynasty of South India. This will marks the end of successful effort of 14 years and brings the priceless artefacts return to India.

Historic Chola Copper Plates Set To Return India

In a landmark cultural restitution, India has successfully secured the return of the Anaimangalam Copper Plates which is known internationally as the Leiden Plates.

These priceless artefacts had remained in the Netherlands for nearly three centuries.

This formal handover took place during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Netherlands and making this a major diplomatic and cultural achievement.

The Chola Copper Plates are among the most valuable surviving historical records of the South India’s glorious Chola dynasty.

What Are the Chola Copper Plates?

The Chola period’s returned artefacts includes the,

21 large copper plates
3 smaller copper plates

These inscriptions are date back to the reign of Emperor Rajaraja Chola I (From 985-1014 CE) and his son Rajendra Chola I.

The plates contains the inscriptions in both Tamil and Sanskrit, and it offers the rich details about governance, religious grants, land revenue rights and royal decisions.

One of the major inscription records Rajendra Chola I formalising a commitment originally made by his father.

These records are considered as the highly valuable because as they provide direct evidence of medieval India’s administrative systems.

Why These Ancient Artefacts Matter So Much

The Chola Empire remains one of India’s most remarkable historical civilizations.

Its influence has also extended beyond India into Southeast Asia via trade, naval strength and cultural expansion.

The copper plates are historically significant because they documents the,

Royal administrative decisions
Land revenue arrangements
Religious institution rights
Tamil linguistic heritage
Chola governance systems
Medieval diplomatic and cultural history

For the historians, these plates are not just artefacts but they are original archival records.

How Did the Chola Plates Reach the Netherlands?

The historical records suggest the copper plates were taken to the Netherlands around the year 1712.

They were reportedly transported by the Mr. Florentius Camper who was associated with Christian missionary activity during the Dutch colonial control in Nagapattinam.

Later, in the 1862, the plates were donated to the Leiden University, where they remained preserved in the university library.

However the exact legal circumstances of how these artefacts left India is remain unclear.

The 14 Year Journey to Bring Them Back

To return the artifacts of Chola empire began in the year 2012. This process has gained the momentum in October 2023 when India formally raised this matter before the UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for Promoting the Return of Cultural Property to its Countries of Origin (ICPRCP).

The UNESCO committee has acknowledged the India’s valid historical claim.

This opened the path for constructive discussions with Dutch authorities related to this matter.

V. D. Satheesan Takes Oath as Kerala Chief Minister

VD Satheesan from Indian national Congress has taken the oath as the new Chief Minister of Kerala on May 18 in Central Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram. He will leading the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) which came back to power after a decade. In the historical political transition as entire 21 member Cabinet taking oath along with the Chief Minister.

VD Satheesan Becomes Kerala’s New Chief Minister

Senior Congress leader VD Satheesan was sworn in as the Kerala’s new Chief Minister at the Central Stadium in theThiruvananthapuram.

His appointment marks the return of the United Democratic Front (UDF) after the ten years of Left rule in the state.

The Congress-led alliance has secured a decisive victory in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections and ended the the LDF’s two-term government.

Historic Cabinet Swearing-In in Kerala

The major highlight of the ceremony was the simultaneous swearing in of the full Cabinet.

For the first time in nearly the six decades, the Chief Minister and the entire Council of Ministers took oath together.

This made the event politically historic beyond just the routine transfer of power.

Senior Congress leaders likk Leader of opposition Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Telangana’s CM Revanth Reddy and Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Sukkhu also present.

Full List of Kerala Cabinet Ministers 2026

The 21-member Kerala Cabinet includes experienced politicians as well as several first-time ministers.

Chief Minister

VD Satheesan

Senior Congress Leaders in Cabinet

Ramesh Chennithala
K Muraleedharan
A P Anil Kumar
Sunny Joseph

IUML Leaders in Cabinet

P K Kunhalikutty
N Shamsuddin
K M Shaji
P K Basheer
V E Abdul Gafoor

Other Alliance Partners

Shibu Baby John (RSP)
Mons Joseph (Kerala Congress)
Anoop Jacob (Kerala Congress-Jacob)
C P John

First-Time Congress Ministers

P C Vishnunadh
Roji M John
Bindu Krishna
T Siddique
K A Thulasi
O J Janeesh

Who Is VD Satheesan?

VD Satheesan brings the long political experience, this will be his first executive leadership role as the Chief Minister of State.

Profile highlights of VD Satheesan

Practicing lawyer at Kerala High Court
First elected to Kerala Assembly in 2001
Represents Paravur constituency
Six consecutive assembly election victories
Former student political leader
Senior Congress organizational figure

Despite his long career, he has never previously served as the minister.

Kerala Assembly Results 2026

In the Kerlam the United Democratic Front(UDF) won with a clear majority and ended the decade long rule of the Left Democratic Front(LDF). They have won more than 100 seats in the southern state of India. This is the first time in 50 years as there is no left government in any state of India as Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s LDF has lost the election.

Here is Part Wise Breakdown (Total Seats: 140)

Indian National Congress (INC) – Won: 63
Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) — Won: 26
Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) – Won: 22
Communist Party of India (CPI) – Won: 8
Kerala Congress (KEC) – Won: 7
Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) – Won: 3
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) – Won: 3
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) – Won: 1
Revolutionary Marxist Party of India (RMPOI) – Won: 1
Kerala Congress (Jacob) (KEC(J)) – Won: 1
Communist Marxist Party Kerala State Committee (CMPKSC) – Won: 1