MAY 26,2026 CURRENT AFFAIRS
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Assam Tables UCC Bill If the bill is passed, Assam will become the first state in the northeast and third state in the country to pass a UCC bill, following the example of Uttarakhand, and Gujarat. » In Goa, a form of common civil code is in practice from pre-independence under the Portuguese Civil Code of 1867. Key highlights of the Bill » Marriage/divorce: Compulsory registration of marriages and divorces within 60 days. » Inheritance: Includes spouse, children, and parents of the deceased for inheritance of properties. » Live-in relationships: Mandatory registration within one month, children born out of a live-in relationship to be considered fully legitimate. » Polygamy: It will be prohibited with imprisonment upto 7 years. » Tribal Exclusion: It will not be applicable to any of the Scheduled Tribes residing in Assam. Need of UCC » To Uphold Secularism: A secular republic like India needs a common law for all citizens rather than differentiated rules based on religious practices. » Gender Justice: It will promote gender justice by removing the inbuilt discriminatory provisions of personal laws. » Supporting National Integration: It realizes "one nation, one law," ensuring religious practices do not obstruct legal uniformity. » Others: To provide equal status to all the citizens, Simplification of Laws, etc. Uniform Civil Code (UCC) » Definition: A UCC refers to a unitary system of personal laws applicable to all irrespective of religion including marriage, divorce, maintenance, inheritance, adoption, and succession. » Article 44 of the Constitution, under the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), directs the state to strive for a UCC for all citizens across India. » Supreme Court (SC) in various cases (such as Sarla Mudgal Case (1995, etc.) highlighted need of implementing UCC for gender justice. |
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Belgorod Region: Between Conflict and Resilience Missile and drone strike on Russia''s Belgorod region caused casualties and damaged critical energy infrastructure. The Belgorod Region » Established: 6 January 1954. » Location: Situated in southwestern Russia, also shares a state border with Ukraine. o lies along the upper Donets River and serves as the administrative capital of the Belgorod oblast. » Climate: moderate continental climate. » Economy: Industrial hub, it produces one-third of Russia''s iron ore and leads in agriculture. |
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Fertilizer Import Concerns Escalate ‘3F’ (Fuel, Fertilizer, Foreign exchange) concerns combined with a depreciating rupee, threatens to push the 2026-27 fertilizer import bill past the $33.4 billion record of 2022-23. Status of India''s Fertilizer Sector » Production: India remains the second-largest consumer and third-largest producer of Fertilizers globally. o The total Fertilizer production has increased from 385.39 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) in 2014–15 to 503.35LMT in 2023–24. » Consumption: India’s total annual consumption of Fertilizer in 2023–24 was around 601 LMT of which 177 LMT came through imports. » India''s fertilizer subsidy: It is projected to exceed in FY26, against the Budget Estimate of ₹1.67 trillion, driven by excessive consumption of urea and DAP. Challenges » Heavy dependence on imported fertilizers: Also inputs such as LNG, rock phosphate, ammonia, and potash due to limited domestic mineral reserves, exposing the sector to global conflicts, price volatility, and foreign exchange pressures. o In FY26, total import bill reached ~$27.2 billion (fertilizers and inputs). » Subsidy vs. Productivity paradox: The Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) warns that removing fertilizer subsidies might reduce crucial fertilizer usage, potentially hurting agricultural yield. » Delayed Disbursals: Delays in the payout of government subsidy claims create critical working capital crunches for private and cooperative manufacturing units. Way forward » (Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP)) in price policy report for the 2026-27 kharif season given some suggestion, » Leveraging digital platforms like AgriStack to promote balanced soil nutrient usage to manage the subsidy burden. » Changing All India Ratio of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) of 4:2:1 should be revisited in view of changing agro-climatic factors, cropping and irrigation patterns. » Promotion of use of micro and secondary nutrients and strategies to improve soil organic carbon. |
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Finance Commission & Transfer Issues » About the 16th FC (2026-31) » Constituted under Article 280; chaired by Dr. Arvind Panagariya. » Recommendations: o States'' share in the divisible pool of central taxes remains unchanged at 41%. o Total grant-in-aid worth ₹9.47 lakh crore for local bodies and disaster management over 5 years. o Revenue-deficit, sector-specific, and state-specific grants have been discontinued. Challenges Related to Devolution and Equity » Shrinking Divisible Pool: Rising non-shareable cesses and surcharges reduce actual funds available to States. » Equity vs. Performance: High income distance weightage heavily favors less developed states. o Developed states feel penalized for their economic and demographic success. » Conditional Transfers: Tied grants may constrain States’ spending flexibility. » Vertical Imbalance: States bear major expenditure responsibilities in health, education, and welfare, but possess limited taxation powers. o E.g. restructuring of National Rural Employment Guarantee programme requires States to bear 40% of programme costs. » Removal of Revenue-deficit Grants: Raises issues of equity and targeting specific state needs, described as “tyranny of the base year”. Way Forward » Rationalise cesses and surcharges to expand the divisible pool and foster cooperative federalism through wider state consultations. » Refine criteria to balance equity with incentives for fiscal discipline. » Ensure predictable, untied transfers to enhance State-level developmental autonomy. |
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Heat Dome Effect: When the Sky Locks Heat Heat dome over Europe scorches UK, France, Spain. Heat Dome » It is a high-pressure atmospheric system that traps warm air near the Earth’s surface for prolonged periods, leading to extreme heat conditions. o Because hot air expands, it creates a bulging dome that traps heat within it. » Mechanism: Descending air gets compressed and heated, while high pressure prevents cloud formation and traps hot air near the surface. » Impacts: Leads to heatwaves, droughts, wildfires, and severe health risks.
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IIP Trends in Focus The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the Report of the Technical Advisory Committee on Base Year Revision of the All-India Index of Industrial Production (TAC-IIP). IIP » Composite indicator that measures the short-term changes in the volume of production of a basket of industrial products during a period with respect to a base period. » Released By: National Statistics Office (NSO) under MoSPI. » Coverage: Three sectors- Manufacturing (77.63%), Mining (14.37%), Electricity (7.99%) » Base Year: 2011-12 (in new series it will be 2022-23) » Major Changes in New Series of IIP: o Broadens coverage: Includes Minor Minerals, Rare Earth Minerals, Gas Supply, Water Supply, and Sewerage & Waste Management o Separate indices for electricity generated from renewable and non-renewable sources. o Mining and Quarrying sector is split into three sub-indices: Fuel Minerals, Metallic Minerals, and Non-Metallic Minerals. |
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India Notifies New Sports Rules 2026 These rules are notified under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025. » The Act aims to promote sports, ensure athlete welfare, strengthen good governance and fair play, and provide an effective mechanism for resolving sports disputes. As per the Act, National Sports Board (NSB) is designed as an apex regulatory body empowered to grant, renew, suspend, or cancel recognition of National Sports Bodies. Details of National Sports Governance (National Sports Board) Rules, 2026 » Composition: Chairperson and two Members appointed by the Central Government based on recommendations of a Search-cum-Selection Committee. » Term of Office: 3 years or until attaining 65 years of age, whichever is earlier. o Eligible for reappointment for one additional term. » Powers and Functions of the Board o Maintaining records of the National Sports Election Panel and National Sports Bodies. o Frame model guidelines for sports governance and committee functioning in National Sports Bodies. » Audit:CAG is empowered to audit the accounts of the Board. Details of National Sports Governance (National Sports Tribunal) Rules, 2026 » Term of Office o Chairperson: 5 years or until the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier. o Members: 5 years or until the age of 67 years, whichever is earlier. o Eligible for re-appointment for one additional term. » Techno-legal measures for digital implementation through a dedicated portal. National Sports Tribunal (NST) Under the Act, NST is established for the independent, speedy, effective and cost-efficient disposal of sports-related disputes. » Composition: Chairperson and two other members appointed by the Central Government. » Eligibility Criteria: o Chairperson: Current/former Supreme Court Judge or a former Chief Justice of a High Court. o Members: Eminent persons with expertise in sports, public administration and law. » Jurisdictional Exclusions: Cannot hear disputes related to major sporting events (Olympics,Asian Games etc.), doping, or matters under the exclusive jurisdiction of sports bodies, international federations etc. » Powers and Functions o It possesses powers vested in a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908. o Appeals against Tribunal orders lie with the Supreme Court within 30 days. |
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India’s Fight Against Child Labour SC issued notice to Government seeking stricter child labour prohibition in entertainment and hospitality sectors. » Provisions Against Child Labour » Constitutional o Article 24: Prohibits employment of children below 14 years in factories, mines, or hazardous occupations. o Article 39: It directs the State to ensure health and strength of workers and the tender age of children are not abused. o Article 23: Prohibits traffic in human beings, begar (forced labour) etc. » Legal o The Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 (amended in 2016): Prohibits employment of children below 14 years in all occupations and adolescents (14-18 years) in hazardous occupations. o Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 |
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MachFin Mart: Smart Finance, Strong Future The Union Finance Minister recently launched key SIDBI initiatives on its 37th Foundation Day to strengthen the MSME ecosystem. » SIDBI is a statutory body that serves as the principal financial institution responsible for the promotion, financing, and development of the MSME sector. About MachFin Mart » This digital platform enables MSMEs to easily purchase modern machinery. » It integrates equipment discovery with faster, digitized loan processing. » About The Modernization of Rural Enterprises (MoRE) » The initiative provides targeted financial assistance to local grassroots businesses. » Aims to modernize 10,000 rural and handicraft enterprises over the next three years. |
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National Honours – Padma 2026 The President of India presented Padma Awards for the year 2026 in Civil Investiture Ceremony-I at Rashtrapati Bhavan, while remaining awardees will be honoured in the second round of the ceremony later. » This year total 131 awards will be given including 19 women, 6 persons from Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI category, and 16 posthumous awardees. There are 2 Duo cases (counted as one). » About Padma Awards » Instituted: In 1954, they are one of the highest civilian Awards of country. » Conferred by: President in three categories, namely: o Padma Vibhushan: For exceptional and distinguished service. o Padma Bhushan: For distinguished service of high order. o Padma Shri: For distinguished service in any field. » Announced: Every year on the occasion of Republic Day except during the years 1978 and 1979 and 1993 to 1997. » Activities/ Disciplines: All fields such as Art, Social Work, Public Affairs, Science, etc. involving public service. » Eligibility: All persons without distinction of race, occupation, position or sex are eligible. However, Government servants including those working with PSUs, except doctors and scientists, are not eligible. o Normally not conferred posthumously. However, in highly deserving cases, it is awarded. » The total number of Awards which can be given in a year (excluding posthumous cases and Foreigners/NRIs/OCIs) is 120. » Padma Awards Committee: (headed by the Cabinet Secretary), constituted annually by the Prime Minister select awardees. » A higher category: Can be conferred only after at least five years than earlier Padma award. |
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Nine Suns of Nautapa: Climate in Crisis Northern India has entered the hottest stretch of the season during the Nautapa. About Nautapa » It is a traditional nine-day weather phase in the Hindu calendar that marks the peak of the summer heatwave. » Derived from the words Nau (nine) and Tapa (heat) that begins when the Sun enters Rohini Nakshatra in late May. » This year, Nautapa is expected to last from May 25 to June 2 and coincides with the lingering effects of a strong El Niño. » Nautapa are found in ancient astrological texts like Surya Siddhanta. o El Nino refers to the warming of surface waters in the tropical Pacific Ocean, which often leads to hotter summers in India. |
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PAIMANA Portal: Powering Policy Access PAIMANA (Project Assessment Infrastructure Monitoring and Analytics for Nation-Building) Portal strengthens monitoring of Central Sector Infrastructure Projects » The Portal Tracks 1,981 Infrastructure Projects worth ~ ₹43 lakh crore as of April 2026. » About PAIMANA Portal » Purpose: A centralized web-based portal for monitoring of Central Sector Infrastructure Projects worth ₹150 crore and above. o Operationalised by the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI). o Replaces the OCMS-2006 (Online Computerized Monitoring System). » Key Feature: Operates on the “one data, one entry” principle for streamlined monitoring. » Integration: Linked with DPIIT’s Integrated Project Monitoring Portal (IPMP/IIG-PMG) through APIs for automatic updation of over 70% project data. » Significance: Serves as a national repository to standardize infrastructure monitoring and support informed decision-making. |
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Stroke: Silent Killer, Loud Warning World Health Assembly recognizes stroke as a public health priority for the first time. Stroke » Definition: Stroke is a medical emergency caused by interruption of blood flow to the brain due to blockage or bleeding, leading to brain cell death. » Types: Includes ischemic stroke (blood clot), hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in brain), and transient ischemic attack (temporary blockage). » Symptoms: Sudden dizziness, vision loss, facial droop, arm weakness, and slurred speech. » Treatment: Requires immediate CT/MRI diagnosis, thrombolytic therapy, and rehabilitation. » Prevention: Lifestyle changes and effective management of high blood pressure can significantly reduce the risk of stroke. |
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Wi‑Fi 7: The Future of Connectivity India enters Wi-Fi 7 Era as TP-Link has started local manufacturing of Wi-Fi 7 devices. Wi-Fi 7 » Wi-Fi 7 (officially IEEE standard 802.11be) represents the next generation of wireless networking technology. » Aim: Enhance performance, speed, and efficiency compared to its predecessors, Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E. » Key Features of Wi-Fi 7: o Speeds 4.8× faster than WiFi 6 (accelerates throughput up to 46 Gbps) o Multi-Link Operation (MLO) across 2.4/5/6 GHz bands, o 4× lower latency than Wi-Fi 6/6E, o Wider channel bandwidth (more data transmitted simultaneously) and o enhanced Target Wake Time (TWT) reducing power consumption and improving battery life, o Advanced interference management: ‘Preamble Puncturing’ to keep traffic moving even when part of a channel has interference. |