Daily Current Affairs – 28-05-2026

Tamil Nadu News

Madras High Court Orders Ban on Cow Slaughter in Tamil Nadu

The Madras High Court directed the Tamil Nadu Government to immediately implement the Government Order issued on August 30, 1976 banning cow slaughter across the State in the interest of milk production and improvement of the rural economy. The order was passed by a summer vacation Bench comprising Justice G.R. Swaminathan and Justice V. Lakshminarayanan. The Bench instructed the Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu and the Director General of Police/Head of Police Force (DGP/HoPF) to ensure that no cow or calf is slaughtered anywhere in Tamil Nadu during Bakrid or on any other day. The court also directed officials to issue instructions to subordinate authorities across the State for strict enforcement of the order and asked the High Court Registry to relist the case on Friday for submission of a compliance report. The judges observed that the Tamil Nadu Urban Local Bodies Rules, 2023 permit slaughter of animals such as goats and sheep only in designated slaughterhouses holding valid licences. The order was issued while allowing a public interest litigation petition filed by K. Surya alias K. Surya Prasanth, youth wing secretary of Indu Makkal Katchi, regarding temporary sheds allegedly set up in Coimbatore for cow slaughter during Bakrid.

Environment News

New Evergreen Tree Species Discovered in Kerala

Scientists from the Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI) discovered a new evergreen tree species named Humboldtia nairiana in the riparian forests of the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary located in the southern Western Ghats of Kerala. The species belongs to the Humboldtia genus and was named in honour of G.M. Nair, former Director of JNTBGRI and a plant biotechnologist. The discovery began during a floristic survey conducted in 2010 along the Cheenikkala-Pandimotta forest trail inside the sanctuary. Healthy seedlings were later conserved through ex-situ conservation in the JNTBGRI Arboretum, and the cultivated trees started flowering and fruiting in 2022, enabling detailed morphological studies that confirmed it as a new species. The species is endemic to Kerala and is currently found only in the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve. According to IUCN Red List criteria, the species has been classified as Data Deficient due to its fragile wild population and the need for further habitat monitoring and conservation.

National News

Supreme Court Collegium Recommends Five Names

The Supreme Court Collegium headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant recommended the appointment of four High Court Chief Justices and senior advocate V. Mohana as judges of the Supreme Court of India during meetings held on May 22 and May 27. The recommended High Court Chief Justices are Justice Sheel Nagu of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Justice Shree Chandrashekhar of the Bombay High Court, Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, and Justice Arun Palli of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. V. Mohana, a senior advocate practising in the Supreme Court, was also recommended for elevation. At present, Justice B.V. Nagarathna is the only woman judge in the Supreme Court and a member of the Collegium. The recommendations were made after the sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges, including the Chief Justice of India, was increased from 32 to 38. Further vacancies are expected due to the retirement of Justice J.K. Maheshwari and Justice Pankaj Mithal in June.

SARTHAK PDS Scheme Approved

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the SARTHAK Public Distribution System (PDS) Scheme to strengthen food security across India. The scheme has been approved for a period of five years with a total outlay of ₹25,530 crore. The scheme aims to use advanced technologies in Public Distribution System operations, including beneficiary selection, movement of foodgrains, citizen feedback mechanisms, and reduction of transportation distance. Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the approval of the scheme and its implementation measures.

National Health Accounts 2022-23 Released

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare released the National Health Accounts (NHA) Estimates 2022-23, which showed that the share of Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) in total health expenditure declined from 64.2% in 2013-14 to 43.4% in 2022-23. The report stated that government health expenditure as a share of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased from 1.15% in 2013-14 to 1.43% in 2022-23. Health expenditure as a share of general government expenditure also rose from 3.78% to 4.89% during the same period. Per capita government health expenditure increased from ₹1,042 to ₹2,786 between 2013-14 and 2022-23. During the COVID-19 pandemic, government health expenditure increased to 1.84% of GDP in 2021-22, while OOPE declined to 39.4%. More than 1.8 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandir wellness centres are functioning across India, providing free services under 12 expanded healthcare packages, including reproductive and child healthcare, communicable and non-communicable disease treatment, free drugs and diagnostics, teleconsultation, and preventive healthcare. The report was prepared by the National Health Accounts Technical Secretariat (NHATS) under the National Health Systems Resource Centre using the System of Health Accounts (2011) framework. The share of social security expenditure increased from 6% to 9.9%, while private health insurance share rose from 3.4% to 9.2% between 2013-14 and 2022-23.

Task Force Recommends Quantum-Safe Encryption

A task force constituted by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) recommended that India’s critical sectors, including government, defence, power, telecom, transport, banking and finance, adopt Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) in a phased manner to protect sensitive data from future quantum computer threats. The task force is chaired by Rajkumar Upadhyay, Chief Executive Officer of Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), with Manindra Agrawal, Director of Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, as co-chair. The report was prepared under the National Quantum Mission (NQM), which was approved by the Union Cabinet in April 2023 with an outlay of ₹6,003.65 crore up to 2030-31. The mission operates four thematic hubs at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and various Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) for research in quantum computing, communication, sensing and materials. The report proposed that Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) sectors complete foundational work by 2027, migrate high-priority systems by 2028, and achieve full PQC adoption by 2029.

Supreme Court Upholds GST on Online Gaming

The Supreme Court of India upheld the constitutional validity of bringing organised online gaming activities involving money stakes under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime. A Bench comprising Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice R. Mahadevan rejected challenges against the levy of GST on actionable claims arising from organised online gaming and fantasy sports under the category of betting and gambling. The court held that online gaming activities involving uncertain outcomes and money stakes would be treated as betting and gambling for GST purposes. The Bench also upheld the statutory ban on online games such as Rummy and Poker played for wagers or money stakes. The court stated that State governments have the authority to regulate and prohibit betting on online games in the interest of public health and public order. The judgment also noted that the Tamil Nadu law banning online gaming was based on empirical data collected by a panel headed by a former judge of the Madras High Court. The Supreme Court allowed the appeals filed by the Governments of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, and set aside the earlier decisions of the Madras High Court and Karnataka High Court which had struck down laws banning online gaming activities.

Cabinet Approves ₹25,530 Crore SARTHAK-PDS for Digital Modernisation of PDS

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the continuation of the SARTHAK-PDS scheme for five more years with a central outlay of ₹25,530 crore, aiming to transform India’s Public Distribution System (PDS) into a technology-driven welfare platform. The scheme will be implemented until March 31, 2030 and integrates foodgrain logistics, beneficiary management, and grievance redressal into a single digital framework. It also merges existing programmes including financial support for intra-state foodgrain movement under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and the SMART-PDS initiative, along with fair price shop dealer margins. The scheme proposes the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Natural Language Processing (NLP), and blockchain technology to improve transparency and efficiency. Key features include unified national databases, AI-enabled analytics dashboards, automated grievance redress systems, and state command and control centres for real-time monitoring of distribution networks. The initiative also includes standardised digital processes and ISO-certified operational protocols to enhance accountability and service delivery.

Foodgrain Output in CY 2025-26

In the 2025–26 crop year (CY), the third advance estimates of the Ministry of Agriculture show that total foodgrain production increased by 5.3% to 376.56 million tonnes compared to 357.73 million tonnes in 2024–25. Rice production reached a record 154.02 million tonnes, while wheat output rose to 120.66 million tonnes, both reflecting higher production levels. Among other crops, pulses production increased to 27.41 million tonnes, and maize production rose sharply to 55.09 million tonnes, crossing the 50 million tonne mark for the first time. Oilseeds production was estimated at 43.06 million tonnes, while nutri-cereals declined to 17.58 million tonnes. Cotton production was estimated at 29.02 million bales, lower than the previous year, whereas sugarcane production increased to 500.06 million tonnes. The estimates indicate strong agricultural output despite monsoon variability, and the data form part of the government’s third advance estimates for 2025–26 covering kharif, rabi and zaid seasons.

Surge in Gold Loans in FY26

In Financial Year 2026 (FY26), gold loans in India increased by 50.4%, reaching a record ₹18.6 trillion, outperforming personal loans and credit card segments. The rise was driven by a sharp increase in gold prices, which had surged over 80% in 2025, reaching about ₹18,000 per gram in January and a peak of ₹17,885 per gram on January 29, alongside international gold prices crossing $5,600 per ounce. According to Experian (credit information bureau), Q4 FY26 recorded a 115% year-on-year growth in gold loans, reaching ₹7.6 trillion, with growth led by NBFCs such as Muthoot, Manappuram, and IIFL, whose market share increased from 28% in FY25 to 40% in FY26, while public sector banks’ share declined from 41% to 34%. The total Assets Under Management (AUM) in gold loans rose by 47% to ₹11.9 trillion, and the average ticket size increased from ₹1 lakh (FY24) to ₹1.7 lakh (FY26), while home loans remained higher at ₹33.5 lakh but with slower growth.

30 Years of Suryakiran Aerobatic Team

The Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (Indian Air Force) celebrated its 30th anniversary on May 26, 2026 at Air Force Station Bidar, marking three decades since its formation in 1996. The event highlighted the team’s role in performing precision aerobatics and showcasing Indian Air Force professionalism through over 800 air displays in India and abroad. The celebrations were attended by Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh and Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command Air Marshal S. Shrinivas, who also participated in a commemorative aerial display with the team. A special tribute flight featuring a “Hollow Diamond” formation was conducted in memory of deceased team members. The team operates Hawk Mk-132 aircraft with red and white livery and follows the motto “Sadaiva Sarvottam”, symbolising excellence in precision flying and aerial demonstration.

Launch of NeSDA 2025 Portal for Digital Governance Assessment

The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Government of India, launched the NeSDA 2025 Portal on May 25, 2026, for strengthening digital governance and e-Governance service delivery assessment across India. The portal was introduced during a meeting with nodal officers of Central Ministries and States/Union Territories, chaired by Sarita Chauhan, Additional Secretary, DARPG, and includes framework details, functionalities, submission workflows, reporting mechanisms, and assessment timelines. The National e-Governance Service Delivery Assessment (NeSDA) is a biennial framework developed by DARPG to evaluate the depth and effectiveness of online public service delivery from a citizen-centric perspective, based on the UN e-Government Survey Online Service Index (OSI) and adapted to India’s federal structure. It assesses the availability, accessibility, and maturity of online services across States, Union Territories, and selected Central Ministries/Departments, and serves as a benchmarking mechanism to identify gaps, promote best practices, and improve citizens’ access to digital public services.

Banda in Bundelkhand Records Extreme Heat Above 48°C

Banda in Uttar Pradesh’s Bundelkhand region recorded extreme temperatures reaching up to 48.2°C, becoming one of India’s hottest locations as per reported observations, according to environmental and scientific assessments. The region has been repeatedly noted for severe heat conditions, with contributing factors identified beyond meteorological conditions. Experts and environmental observations highlight that ecological degradation, deforestation, reduction of water bodies, mining activities along the Ken river, and land-use changes in and around Banda have intensified the heat conditions. The region’s topography, consisting of extensive open land, rocky terrain, and exposed agricultural fields with limited green cover, has been identified as a major factor influencing temperature rise. Studies also note that post-harvest periods leave large areas of land exposed, contributing to heat retention, while dried riverbeds and reduced water flow further worsen the situation. Combined with mining zones, brick kilns, and heavy machinery operations, these factors have led to the classification of the region as a human-influenced heat zone.

Personalities, Awards and Events

Veteran Shooter Randhir Singh Passes Away

Randhir Singh, senior sports administrator and India’s first shooting gold medallist at the Asian Games, passed away at the age of 79 after suffering from age-related ailments. He represented India in five Olympic Games between 1964 and 1984 and won the trap shooting gold medal at the 1978 Bangkok Asian Games. He received the Arjuna Award in 1979 for his achievement in shooting. Randhir Singh served as the Secretary-General of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) from 1987 to 2010 and was a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) from 2001 to 2014. In 2003, he also served as the IOC representative in the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for two years.

Royal Society Fellowship Election of Indian Scientists

The UK’s national academy of sciences, Royal Society, has elected Soumya Swaminathan and Manindra Agrawal (Director, IIT-Kanpur) as Fellows among 90 international researchers, with India represented by two scientists in the current selection. Soumya Swaminathan, former Chief Scientist of the World Health Organization (WHO) and Chairperson of the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation, has been elected to the Fellowship more than 50 years after her father, MS Swaminathan, was also elected as a Fellow, making them a rare father-daughter duo associated with this recognition, and she is linked to a historical signature record from 1973. The Royal Society Fellowship includes scientists who will participate in a signing ceremony scheduled on July 10, where Fellows sign a register historically associated with figures such as Charles Darwin and Isaac Newton, and they are permitted to view an earlier page of the register. Manindra Agrawal is recognised as a computer scientist known for contributions to Complexity Theory and Cryptography, and other Indian scientists previously associated with the Royal Society include Gagandeep Kang and R.A. Mashelkar. The Fellowship list places the selected scientists among globally recognised figures such as Stephen Hawking, Albert Einstein, Lise Meitner, Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar, and Dorothy Hodgkin, and the current cohort also includes a palaeontologist who has named multiple dinosaur species and a biologist who developed the field of oncofertility.

President Confers Police Colour to Sikkim Police

The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, presented the ‘President’s Police Colour’ to the Sikkim Police at Gangtok on May 28, 2026, recognising the force established in 1897 for its role in maintaining peace, security, and justice in Sikkim. The President highlighted the historical evolution of India’s policing system, noting that it carried the imprint of colonial rule, where policing primarily focused on control and enforcement of the ruling regime’s directives rather than public service, resulting in a colonial mindset within the police system. She stated that this approach is now undergoing transformation and emphasized the need to fully remove the colonial outlook to enable citizens to contribute to the national goal of Viksit Bharat.

Sports News

Esha Singh Wins ISSF World Cup Gold

Esha Singh won the gold medal in the women’s 25m pistol event at the ISSF World Cup with a world record score of 43 on the second day of the competition. The 21-year-old shooter secured India’s first medal in the tournament. Former world champion Doreen Vennekamp won the silver medal, while Miroslava Mincheva secured the bronze medal. This was Esha Singh’s fourth individual World Cup medal. Manu Bhaker scored 582 points and finished 12th, while Rahi Sarnobat scored 581 points and finished 14th in the women’s 25m pistol event. In the women’s 50m rifle 3-positions event, Ashi Chouksey finished 10th in qualification and missed the final by one point.

India’s Performance at U-23 Asian Wrestling Championship 2026

At the Asian U-23 Wrestling Championship 2026 held in Da Nang, Vietnam (May 27), India secured the championship title in the freestyle category and finished with a total of 27 medals including 11 gold, 7 silver, and 9 bronze across freestyle, women’s wrestling, and Greco-Roman categories. On the final day, Akshay Neere (57 kg), Vicky (97 kg), Kumar Mohit (65 kg), and Chandramohan (79 kg) won gold medals, while Deepak Rathi (61 kg), Puneet Kumar (92 kg), and Lacky (125 kg) secured silver medals, and Deepak (74 kg) and Mor Sachin (82 kg) won bronze medals. India achieved first place in the overall standings, finishing ahead of wrestling strong nations Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.

States’ News

Assam Assembly Passes UCC Bill

The Assam Legislative Assembly passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill two days after it was introduced in the House under the government led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The Bill aims to regulate laws related to marriage, divorce, succession and live-in relationships. Key provisions of the Bill include prohibition of child marriage and polygamy, compulsory registration of marriages and divorces, uniform grounds for divorce, and gender-equal inheritance rights among Class-1 heirs. The Bill also mandates registration of live-in relationships with a sub-registrar and applies to residents of Assam living in live-in relationships outside the State. The Bill provides exemption for members of Scheduled Tribes (STs). According to the 2011 Census, the ST population in Assam is 12.44%. The State has three Sixth Schedule Autonomous District Councils — Bodoland Territorial Council, North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council, and Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council. Opposition members demanded wider public consultations and referral of the Bill to a select committee before its passage. The Bill was debated for more than five hours before being passed by the Assembly.

Return of Dholes in Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Landscape

In Assam, efforts to protect and expand forest cover, strengthen habitat connectivity, and remove encroached forest lands have resulted in the return of endangered Asiatic wild dogs (Dholes) to the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong landscape, an area known for rhino conservation in Kaziranga. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that Dholes, which are efficient predators and once freely roamed across Assam’s forests, have been recorded again in the region, with confirmation of a pack in 2026 based on conservation monitoring that began with a camera trap image in 2022 and progressed to direct sightings.

Ladakh Extends ONGC Agreement for India’s First Geothermal Power Project

The Ladakh administration, under Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, approved a five-year extension of the agreement for the proposed geothermal power project in Puga Valley, enabling continued development of what is expected to become India’s first geothermal power plant. The project is being developed by Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) in eastern Ladakh at an altitude of over 14,000 feet, under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Ladakh administration, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, and ONGC Energy Centre, with the earlier agreement having expired in February 2026. The extension was granted after ONGC sought additional time due to delays caused by difficult terrain and extreme weather conditions in the Himalayan region. Under the revised MoU, ONGC will establish a 1-MWe pilot geothermal power plant in Puga Valley and prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for large-scale commercial development of geothermal energy resources, while India currently does not have any commercial-scale geothermal power plant, making this project the first of its kind in the country.

Babesia Infection Suspected in Gir Lion Cub Deaths

In Gujarat’s Gir National Park region, two Asiatic lion cubs are suspected to have died due to Babesia infection, a tick-borne parasite, while three other lions died in separate incidents linked to natural causes and territorial conflict, according to the State Forest Department. Forest Minister Arjun Modhwadia stated that these deaths are isolated cases and there is no evidence of a widespread disease outbreak in the Gir landscape, the only natural habitat of Asiatic lions. The forest department confirmed that veterinary teams have been deployed for monitoring, sample collection, treatment, and control of tick infestation. The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Head of Forest Force (additional charge) Jaipal Singh stated that the deaths are part of natural ecological dynamics, with one lion dying due to infighting and two due to natural causes, and confirmed there is no evidence of an epidemic. The report also references the 2018 lion mortality event, when 11 lions died due to canine distemper virus and protozoal infection, and notes that the 2025 census recorded 891 Asiatic lions in Gujarat.

International News

Oxford–SII Ebola Vaccine Development for Clinical Trials

Researchers from the University of Oxford, working with global partners including the Serum Institute of India (SII), are developing vaccines and treatments for the current Ebola strain linked to outbreaks in Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan. According to Professor Teresa Lambe (Oxford Vaccine Group, Pandemic Sciences Institute), clinical-grade Ebola vaccine doses are expected to be ready for trials within two to three months with support from SII. The research aims to develop a single-dose vaccine similar to the licensed Ebola Zaire vaccine, using the ChAdOx platform previously used for the Oxford COVID-19 vaccine. The project is supported by the Oxford Biomanufacturing Facility, Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), and SII, and includes development of the ChAdOx1 BDBV candidate vaccine targeting Bundibugyo Ebolavirus for outbreak scenarios. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reported that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda is fast-moving, with suspected deaths rising to 220, indicating rapid spread beyond containment efforts.

Hong Kong Becomes Leading Global Cross-Border Wealth Hub (BCG Report)

According to the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Global Wealth Report 2026, Hong Kong has overtaken Switzerland to become the world’s top cross-border wealth booking centre for the first time, with offshore wealth of $2.95 trillion, narrowly ahead of Switzerland’s $2.94 trillion. The report states that wealth inflows from China and a surge in IPO activity in 2025 contributed to Hong Kong’s growth as a major offshore financial hub. It highlights Hong Kong’s role as a gateway to global markets for China, while linking its growth closely to mainland China’s economic and regulatory developments. The report projects that Hong Kong and Singapore will grow at around 9% annually until 2030, compared to Switzerland’s expected 6% growth. Global cross-border wealth increased by 8.4% to $15.7 trillion, concentrated largely in the top 10 booking centres. The report also notes that geopolitical uncertainty continues to support Switzerland’s role as a safe-haven financial centre, attracting wealth inflows from volatile regions, including the Middle East.

India–China Rice Trade Issue over GMO Rejection

China has continued to reject consignments of Indian non-basmati rice, alleging the presence of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), despite India stating that no GM rice is cultivated in the country. According to trade and official sources, around 70 consignments have been rejected and about 200 containers have been held back, affecting exporters. In March, Chinese authorities also rejected three shipments and later suspended import licences of three Indian firms over similar allegations. The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) under the Ministry of Environment and Forests confirmed that no GM rice is approved in India, and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) also clarified that India does not cultivate GM rice. Indian officials held discussions with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) regarding rejection procedures, while exporters reported continued uncertainty in shipments and trade disruptions.

INS Sudarshini Completes Trans-Atlantic Passage Under Lokayan 26

The Indian Navy Sail Training Ship (STS) INS Sudarshini arrived at Antigua on May 27, 2026, after completing a historic trans-Atlantic passage as part of the Lokayan 26 expedition. The vessel was received by Vijay Tewani, Honorary Consul General of India to Antigua and Barbuda, and Brigadier Telbert Benjamin, Chief of Defence Staff of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF). This marks the first Atlantic crossing of INS Sudarshini, with the previous Indian Navy sail training ship crossing recorded by INS Tarangini in 2007. The longest segment of the voyage was from Mindelo, Cape Verde to Antigua, lasting 19 days, during which the ship sailed entirely under sail navigation, covering a milestone of 10,000 nautical miles since departure from Kochi on January 20, 2026. The Lokayan 26 mission focuses on maritime outreach, international goodwill, and promotion of India’s seafaring traditions, reflecting the Indian Navy’s commitment to maritime cooperation under the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. The voyage also includes planned participation in SAIL 250 events in the United States and continuation of port calls across the Caribbean and Americas.

Sanchi Stupa Relics Sent to Mongolia under PM Modi Initiative

On the initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sacred relics from the UNESCO World Heritage Site Sanchi Stupa are being sent to Mongolia. The relics belong to the disciples of Lord Buddha, Sariputra and Maudgalyayana. The relics are being transported from Raja Bhoj Airport, Bhopal to Delhi with full state honours, and will be placed for public display at the National Museum, New Delhi before being carried to Mongolia on May 30 by an Indian Air Force aircraft. From May 31, the relics will be kept for public viewing in Ulaanbaatar, capital of Mongolia, with an expected footfall of over 10 lakh devotees and tourists. The initiative aims to strengthen cultural and spiritual ties between India and Mongolia and enhance global interest in Buddhist pilgrimage sites such as Sanchi.

Economy News

SAIL–EdCIL CSR MoU for Smart Digital Classrooms and Ladakh Geothermal Project Extension

The Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), a Maharatna PSU under the Ministry of Steel, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with EdCIL (India) Limited, a PSU under the Ministry of Education, on May 26, 2026, to establish Smart Digital Classrooms under SAIL’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative to promote inclusive education in schools located around SAIL operational areas. The initiative aligns with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG-4) focusing on inclusive and quality education. In a separate development, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena approved a five-year extension of the MoU for India’s first proposed geothermal power project in the Puga Valley, eastern Ladakh, being developed by the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) in collaboration with the Ladakh administration, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, and ONGC Energy Centre. The project at an altitude of over 14,000 feet includes establishment of a 1-MWe pilot geothermal power plant and preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for large-scale geothermal energy development, with the earlier agreement expiring in February 2026.

Reports and Indices

India’s Fertility Rate Falls Below Replacement Level – Registrar General Report

According to the Sample Registration System Statistical Report 2024 released by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has fallen below the replacement level for the first time, declining from about 4.6 in 1985 to 1.9 in 2024, indicating a widening demographic divide between ageing southern states and younger northern states. The report shows major interstate variation, with Bihar recording the highest fertility rate at 2.9 and Delhi the lowest at 1.2, while Delhi also recorded a 29.4% decline in the last decade compared to 9.4% in Bihar. The General Fertility Rate (GFR), measuring births per 1,000 women aged 15–49, declined nationally by 12% from 78.8 (2012–14) to 64.6 (2022–24), with rural GFR falling from 86.2 to 71.9 and urban GFR from 61.2 to 51.0. The report also highlights regional disparities in child survival, with under-five mortality at 9 in Kerala, 41 in both Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, and a rural-urban gap of 32 in rural areas compared to 19 in urban areas, showing continued geographical inequalities in demographic and health indicators.