State Bank of India (SBI) branches will be closed from May 23 to May 27 due to weekend holidays, a two-day employee strike, and the Bakrid festival. Here is everything you need to know.

New Delhi: Customers of the State Bank of India (SBI), the country’s largest public sector bank, need to plan their branch visits carefully this week. SBI branches across the country will remain closed for up to five consecutive days starting tomorrow, May 23, 2026.

The extended closure is due to a combination of the regular weekend holidays, a nationwide bank strike called by the employees’ union, and the upcoming Bakrid festival.

SBI Bank Holiday Dates: Why Are Branches Closed?

Customers who require services like cash withdrawals from branches, cheque clearances, or other physical banking assistance should take note of the following schedule:

• May 23 (Saturday): Closed due to the Fourth Saturday of the month.
• May 24 (Sunday): Regular weekend public holiday.
• May 25 & 26 (Monday & Tuesday): Closed due to a nationwide bank strike called by the SBI Employees Federation.
• May 27 (Wednesday): Closed on account of the Bakrid festival. (Note: In some regions, Bakrid will be observed on May 28, meaning branches in those specific areas could remain closed for six consecutive days).

Will Online Banking and UPI Work?

While physical branches will be shut, SBI customers do not need to panic. The bank has ensured that all digital and online banking services will remain fully operational. Customers can continue to use:

• UPI services (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, YONO, etc.)
• Internet Banking and Mobile Banking (YONO App)
• ATMs for cash withdrawals
• Fund transfers (IMPS, NEFT, RTGS via online modes)

SBI Announces Record Q4 Results and Dividend

In other major news for the bank, SBI recently announced its financial results for the January-March quarter (Q4) of 2026, reporting a massive profit. The bank posted a net profit of Rs 19,684 crore and a total revenue of Rs 44,380 crore for the March quarter.

For the full financial year 2025-26, SBI has reported a staggering total profit of Rs 80,032 crore. Following this robust performance, the bank has declared a dividend of Rs 17.35 per share for its investors. The dividend amount will be credited to the bank accounts of eligible shareholders on June 4, 2026.

Bangkok: In a significant policy shift that will impact millions of holidaymakers, Thailand has officially cancelled its popular 60-day visa-free entry scheme for all 93 eligible countries and territories, including India. The decision, aimed at streamlining entry processes and tightening national security, was approved by the Thai Cabinet during its session on May 19, 2026.

Under the revised framework, Indian passport holders can no longer enter Thailand without a visa. Instead, Indian travellers must now utilize the Visa on Arrival (VOA) or pre-applied e-Visa pathways. Furthermore, the maximum duration of stay permitted under the Visa on Arrival category has been strictly capped at 15 days, marking a sharp decline from the previous two-month extension.

The New ‘One Country, One Visa Privilege’ Rule

The overhaul comes as part of Thailand’s broader efforts to reorganize, simplify, and standardize its immigration systems. According to the Department of Consular Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the new framework operates on a strict guiding principle: “One country, one Thai visa exemption privilege.”

Under this updated system, Thailand will:

• Allow only one distinct visa exemption category per country or territory.
• Completely scrap the 60-day visa-free scheme (known as Phor 60) for all previously eligible nations.
• Reduce the list of countries eligible for the 30-day visa exemption (Phor 30) from 57 to 54.
• Introduce a brand-new 15-day visa exemption category (Phor 15) for three nations (Seychelles, Maldives, and Mauritius).
• Sharply scale down the Visa on Arrival (VOA) list from 31 countries to just four.

The new regulations will officially come into effect 15 days after they are published in the Royal Gazette.

Why is Thailand Rolling Back the 60-Day Visa Exemption?

The 60-day visa exemption was originally introduced in July 2024 to jumpstart post-pandemic tourism and aid economic recovery. However, the open-door policy quickly drew intense scrutiny from immigration and law enforcement authorities.

The government raised serious concerns regarding national security, illegal employment, transnational crime, and the proliferation of illicit “nominee businesses” run by foreign nationals.

Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Minister, Surasak Phancharoenworakul, had previously indicated a policy rollback, emphasizing that the country is shifting its focus beyond sheer visitor volume. The government is now placing a heavier emphasis on attracting “quality tourists” while carefully balancing economic benefits with robust national security considerations.

What it Means for Indian Travellers

For Indian tourists, who constitute one of Thailand’s largest visitor demographics, this change is a substantial setback. The July 2024 policy allowed Indians to stay for 60 days visa-free with an option to extend for another 30 days, making Thailand an incredibly flexible destination for long-haul vacations and digital nomads.

With India now relocated to the Visa on Arrival category, travelers must brace for changes:

• Shorter Trips: The 15-day maximum stay means Indian tourists can only plan short holidays under the VOA route. Those planning extended stays must apply in advance through Thailand’s e-Visa system.
• Airport Procedures: Indian tourists must now line up at designated immigration checkpoints upon arrival in Thailand, fill out application forms, and present all necessary documentation.
• Required Documents: To clear the Visa on Arrival desk, travellers must possess valid return flight tickets, confirmed hotel bookings (proof of accommodation), passport-sized photographs, and proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay.

Are Current Travellers Affected?

The Thai government has clarified that the policy change will not apply retroactively. Travellers who are already inside Thailand under the current visa exemption scheme, or those who arrive before the new laws are officially gazetted and enforced, will not be impacted. They will be permitted to stay in the country until their originally granted duration expires.

Thailand’s Updated Visa Categories: At a Glance

Following the comprehensive restructuring, Thailand’s new visa framework stands as follows:

• 30-Day Visa Exemption (Phor 30): Available to 54 countries including the US, UK, Australia, UAE, Malaysia, Singapore, and most European nations.
• 15-Day Visa Exemption (Phor 15): Limited to the Maldives, Mauritius, and Seychelles.
• Visa on Arrival (VOA): Scaled down to just four countries—India, Azerbaijan, Belarus, and Serbia.
• 90-Day Reciprocal Exemption: Covers South Korea, Brazil, Argentina, Peru, and Chile.
• 30-Day Reciprocal Exemption: Includes China, Russia, Hong Kong, Laos, Macau, Timor-Leste, and Kazakhstan.

If you are planning a trip to Bangkok, Phuket, or Pattaya in the coming weeks, it is highly recommended to monitor official Thai embassy advisories to ensure your travel dates do not clash with the transition period.

Thiruvananthapuram: Senior United Democratic Front (UDF) leader Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan has been officially elected as the Speaker of the 16th Kerala Legislative Assembly. The veteran politician secured a commanding victory in a ballot-based election held on the floor of the house.

A Decisive Victory in the Assembly

In the election for the Speaker’s post, Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan garnered a massive 101 votes. The Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidate, A.C. Moideen, managed to secure 35 votes, while the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate, B.B. Gopakumar, received 3 votes.

Following the official announcement of the results, newly elected Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan and Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan jointly escorted Radhakrishnan to the Speaker’s chair, upholding the rich democratic traditions of the Kerala Assembly.

Praise from the Ruling and Opposition Benches

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan congratulated the new Speaker, lauding his lifelong dedication to public service and deep commitment to the state.

Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan also extended his warm wishes, expressing hope that Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan would uphold the highest democratic values and ensure that the voices of the opposition are heard and respected in the house.

“Neutral, But Not Apolitical”: The New Speaker’s Promise

Speaking to the media about his new role, an excited Radhakrishnan stated that he would maintain absolute neutrality while running the house. However, he clarified that stepping into the Speaker’s role does not mean he will become an apolitical person.

When asked about the social media trolls regarding his past “tongue-slips,” the veteran leader brushed them off with his trademark humor, asking playfully, “Who among us has never had a slip of the tongue?”

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The newly formed United Democratic Front (UDF) government in Kerala has finalized its cabinet portfolio allocation. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan officially submitted the completed list of ministers and their respective departments to the Raj Bhavan.

In a significant move, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has taken charge of the crucial Finance portfolio, along with General Administration and Planning. Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has been allocated the Home and Vigilance departments.

IUML leader P.K. Kunhalikutty will handle Industries, IT, and Artificial Intelligence (AI), while K. Muraleedharan has been appointed as the new Health and Devaswom Minister.

Here is the complete list of Kerala UDF Ministers and their Portfolios:

1. V.D. Satheesan (Chief Minister)

• Portfolios: Finance, National Savings, Stores Purchase, Commercial Taxes, Agricultural Income Tax, Treasuries, Lotteries, State Audit, KSFE, State Insurance, KFC, Stamps & Stamp Duties, Ports, Law, Planning and Economic Affairs, General Administration, All India Services, Science & Technology, Pollution Control, Scientific Institutions, Personnel & Administrative Reforms, Election, Integration, Military Welfare, Relief & Disaster Management, State Hospitality, Civil & Criminal Justice Administration, Airports, Metro Rail, Inter-State River Waters, Coastal Shipping & Inland Navigation, KSNIC, Information & Public Relations (I&PR), Printing & Stationery, Minority Welfare, all major policy affairs, and subjects not allocated to other ministers.

2. Ramesh Chennithala

• Portfolios: Home, Vigilance, Fire & Rescue Services, Jails, and Coir.

3. Sunny Joseph

• Portfolios: Electricity, Environment, and Parliamentary Affairs.

4. K. Muraleedharan

• Portfolios: Health, Medical Education, Medical University, Indigenous Medicine (including AYUSH), Drug Control, Food Safety, and Devaswom.

5. A.P. Anil Kumar

• Portfolios: Revenue, Survey and Land Records.

6. P.C. Vishnunadh

• Portfolios: Tourism, Culture, KSFDC, Chalachitra Academy, and Cultural Activists’ Welfare Fund Board.

7. M. Liju

• Portfolios: Co-operation and Excise.

8. Roji M. John

• Portfolios: Higher Education, Entrance Examinations, and National Cadet Corps (NCC).

9. T. Siddique

• Portfolios: Agriculture, Soil Survey & Soil Conservation, Kerala Agricultural University, and Warehousing Corporation.

10. K.A. Thulasi

• Portfolios: Scheduled Castes (SC) Welfare, Scheduled Tribes (ST) Welfare, and Backward Classes Welfare.

11. Bindu Krishna

• Portfolios: Labour, Dairy Development, Milk Co-operatives, and Women & Child Welfare.

12. O.J. Janeesh

• Portfolios: Sports, Youth Affairs, Zoo, Museum, Registration, Archaeology, and Archives.

13. P.K. Kunhalikutty

• Portfolios: Industries & Commerce, Information Technology (IT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Startups, Mining & Geology, and Handloom & Textile Industry.

14. N. Shamsuddeen

• Portfolios: Public Education, Literacy Movement, Haj, Wakf, and Minority Development.

15. K.M. Shaji

• Portfolios: Panchayat, Municipality, Corporation, Town Planning, Rural Development, Regional Development Authorities, and KILA.

16. P.K. Basheer

• Portfolio: Public Works Department (PWD).

17. V.E. Abdul Gafoor

• Portfolios: Fisheries, Harbor Engineering, and Social Justice.

18. Mons Joseph

• Portfolios: Water Resources, CADA, Groundwater Department, Water Supply & Sanitation, and Housing.

19. Anoop Jacob

• Portfolios: Food & Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs, and Legal Metrology.

20. Shibu Baby John

• Portfolios: Forests, Wildlife Protection, and Skill Development (KASE).

21. C.P. John

• Portfolios: Transport, Motor Vehicles Department (MVD), and Water Transport.