1 Centre approves extension of SARTHAK-PDS scheme to modernise Public Distribution System
The Central Government, at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the continuation of the ” Ration Transportation and Handling Support-Income Scheme with Automation in PDS “ (SARTHAK-PDS) as an umbrella scheme . The scheme will be implemented during the 16th Finance Commission cycle , with a central government provision of ₹25,530 crore . The CCEA also decided to revise the central assistance norms for expenditure incurred by states and union territories on intra-state movement and handling of food grains and on margins of fair price shop (FPS) dealers, and to continue the existing financial assistance system. This scheme has been developed by integrating two ongoing schemes : the Scheme for Support to State Agencies for Intra-State Movement of Food Grains and Margins of FPS Dealers under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and the Scheme for Modernization and Reforms through Technology in Public Distribution System (SMART-PDS).
The Assam Assembly passed the Uniform Civil Code Bill . This makes Assam the first state in the Northeast and the third in the country ( after Uttarakhand and Gujarat ) to pass such a law . It aims to establish a uniform civil legal framework for all residents of the state in matters related to marriage, divorce, inheritance, and live-in relationships. The bill excludes Scheduled Tribes from its scope to ensure constitutional protections and preserve traditional practices. The bill also provides for the unification of religion-based personal laws under a uniform framework. It aims to ensure equality and gender justice.
3 The main event of the 3rd International Day of Yoga 2026 will be held in Kolkata; the theme of the event is: “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, announced that the main event of International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 will be held on June 21 in Kolkata, West Bengal . He further informed that the theme of this year’s event is ” Yoga for Healthy Ageing ,” highlighting the role of yoga in promoting physical health, mental well-being, and healthy ageing. The announcement was made during the Yoga Mahotsav 2026 held at the Western Group of Temples, Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, marking the beginning of the 25-day countdown to International Day of Yoga 2026. Organized by the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), Ministry of AYUSH, the event saw thousands of yoga enthusiasts participate in a mass demonstration of the Common Yoga Protocol.
4 India’s first ‘Hydrogen Fuel Cell’ train successfully trialled
On May 27th , the Railway Board approved India’s first hydrogen fuel cell DEMU train . The hydrogen fuel cell DEMU train will operate on the Jind-Sonipat route (Haryana) . This is considered a major step towards environmentally friendly transportation. The Railway Ministry approved this project subject to safety conditions. Hydrogen trains are completely pollution-free as they emit only water vapor. This project will help India achieve its goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions. This technology will reduce diesel consumption and save foreign exchange. India has joined a select group of countries globally to adopt this technology. The train has successfully undergone testing and will soon begin commercial use. The hydrogen fuel cell aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and promote green energy. India aims to achieve zero-carbon railways by 2030. Its maximum speed will be 75 kilometers per hour . Once hydrogen trains begin commercial operation in India, India will join a select group of countries such as Germany, Sweden, Japan, and China .
On May 26th , India launched its first green energy transition battery energy storage system (BESS) . This battery energy storage system has a total capacity of 3.37 gigawatt-hours . Renewable energy company Adani Green Energy Limited commissioned it in Khavda, on the Kutch border in Gujarat . With the BESS system, electricity generated from solar or wind energy stored in batteries can be supplied to any city as needed. This BESS system was commissioned in 10 months . This system can power entire cities like Goa, Indore, and Chandigarh. The BESS system’s storage capacity can keep 12 million LED bulbs burning continuously for 10 hours . India will be the second country in the world, after China, to achieve such a large renewable energy storage capacity . China has installed the world’s largest battery projects in Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang provinces . China’s Chagan Hada project has a capacity of 4,000 megawatt-hours . These batteries operate continuously even in minus 35 degrees Celsius .
6 Supreme Court upholds Election Commission’s decision to conduct special deep revision of electoral rolls
The Supreme Court has upheld the validity of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process of voter lists conducted by the Election Commission . The Supreme Court stated that the SIR process furthers the constitutional imperatives of free and fair elections. The Court ruled that the Election Commission has the power to conduct the SIR under Article 324 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 , and the rules made thereunder. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joy Malya Bagchi delivered the verdict on writ petitions challenging the notification issued by the Election Commission in June last year to conduct the SIR in Bihar. The Court rejected the argument that the process adopted by the Election Commission was contrary to the Representation of the People Act, 1950 , and the Registration of Voters Rules, 1960. The Court also rejected the argument that this process nullifies the presumptive validity of citizenship for individuals already on the voter lists.
7 Government offers to sell its 1% stake in Coal India Limited
On May 27th , the central government will sell up to 2% of its stake in Coal India through an Offer for Sale (OFS). This stake will be sold at a minimum price of ₹412 per share . The sale of 2% of Coal India’s stake, or approximately 123.2 million shares, at a price of ₹412 per share will generate approximately ₹5,000 crore for the government. The OFS also includes a “green shoe” option, where the government will first sell 1% of its shares, followed by a further 1%. Investors in Coal India began bidding on May 27th, and the sale will open for non-retail investors on May 29th. The government’s objective in selling Coal India shares through the Offer for Sale is to use the proceeds from the sale to meet its disinvestment targets. The government sets a target for disinvestment revenue in its annual budget. The Government of India holds a 63.13% stake in Coal India Limited (CIL). Coal India Limited (Coal India Ltd.), a major ‘Maharatna’ sector company, wholly owned by the Ministry of Coal, Government of India, is headquartered in Kolkata, West Bengal. It is the world’s largest state-owned coal producer and contributes approximately 82% of India’s total coal production.
8 Russian scientists develop new vaccine against the newest strain of Ebola virus
The Russian Embassy in South Africa has stated that Russian scientists have developed a new vaccine against the newest strain of the Ebola virus . Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko announced the achievement. Scientists stated that the vaccine may also be effective against the rare Bundibugyo strain that recently spread in the Democratic Republic of the Congo . On the 17th of this month , the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a global public health emergency under the International Health Regulations . Ebola is a serious viral disease with a high mortality rate. Currently, there is no officially approved vaccine or treatment specifically designed for the Bundibugyo strain.
Nepal has launched a mobile app called ” Mofa Mitra ” to provide online consular services to Nepali citizens living abroad . According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through this app, Nepali citizens and their families will be able to register consular-related complaints and problems online and track the status of their applications. Available on Android and iOS platforms, this app will help protect the rights and interests of Nepali citizens living abroad in emergencies and difficult situations. It will also provide assistance in services such as rescue, compensation, and insurance claims.
10 Amit Shah issues directives for 360° security grid for border districts
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah chaired a security review meeting in Bikaner, Rajasthan . The meeting comprehensively reviewed security issues related to the districts along the India-Pakistan border . The meeting was attended by the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, senior state government officials, and the District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police of Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Sriganganagar, and Phalodi . The meeting emphasized strengthening and comprehensive border management by establishing better coordination with the state government. It was decided to develop a 360-degree security framework for each border district. This integrated effort will ensure the active participation of local citizens, the state government machinery, and all relevant security agencies, thereby strengthening and making border management more effective.
11 Shooter and sports administrator Raja Randhir Singh passes away at 79
Renowned shooter and sports administrator Raja Randhir Singh passed away at the age of 79. Mr. Singh, an Asian Games gold medalist and former Arjuna Award winner , represented India at the Olympics five times during his illustrious career. He was a five-time Olympian from 1968 to 1984. In 1978, Randhir won the gold medal in trap shooting at the Asian Games . In 1979, Randhir was awarded the Arjuna Award for excellence in shooting . Randhir served as the General Secretary of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) from 1987 to 2012. He served as President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) from 1991 to 2015. In 2004, Randhir was awarded the Padma Shri for his services . In 2024, Randhir became the first Indian to become President of the Olympic Council of Asia .
12 Actor Ramakant Dayama passes away
TV and film actor Ramakant Dayama passed away on May 26. He was 69 years old. Ramakant started his acting career in the year 2006 with the Sanjay Dutt starrer film Tathastu . As an actor, Ramakant Dayama got the most popularity from the Pratik Gandhi starrer web series Scam 1992. Ramakant Dayama had a long journey in films and TV and played many memorable characters in his career. Apart from this, he was also seen in Akshay Kumar’s film ‘Ram Setu’ and Siddharth Malhotra’s ‘Brothers’ .