The Supreme Court's May 27, 2026 judgment on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has sparked significant debate regarding the Election Commission of India's (ECI) powers and conduct. The Court upheld all ECI arguments, despite petitioners' concerns about the SIR's implementation in Bihar, just months before the 2025 Assembly election. Critics argue the SIR was conducted under a wrong provision of law (Section 21(3) instead of 21(2) of RP Act, 1950), leading to the deletion of millions of voters without proper redress. The judgment also grants the ECI broad authority to determine citizenship documents, a role typically belonging to the Home Ministry, raising questions about its constitutional mandate.
The Supreme Court's judgment on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar has raised questions about the ECI's powers and adherence to statutory provisions.
Critics argue that the SIR was implemented under an incorrect legal provision, Section 21(3) of the RP Act, 1950, which is meant for special revision in a constituency, not an intensive revision across a whole state.
The judgment's allowance for the ECI to determine citizenship documents for electoral roll purposes is seen as an overreach into the Home Ministry's domain.
Exam Points
The Supreme Court judgment on SIR was delivered on May 27, 2026.
Relevant legal provisions include Sections 21(2) and 21(3) of the Representation of the People (RP) Act, 1950, and Rule 25 of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960.
Article 325 of the Constitution mandates one general electoral roll for every constituency, prohibiting discrimination based on religion, race, caste, or sex.
The India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), effective June 1, 2026, aims to deepen trade, investment, and economic cooperation. It offers significant opportunities for Indian exporters, with Oman providing duty-free access on 98.08% of its tariff lines, covering 99.38% of India's exports by value. The CEPA streamlines trade procedures, recognizes Indian certifications, and focuses on services and professional mobility. Strategically, Oman's location at the crossroads of the Gulf, Indian Ocean, and East Africa positions it as a gateway for Indian businesses to the wider GCC region and East African economies, strengthening India's global manufacturing and services ambitions.
The India-Oman CEPA, effective June 1, 2026, aims to significantly boost bilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation.
Oman grants duty-free access to 98.08% of its tariff lines, covering 99.38% of India's exports by value, providing a competitive edge for Indian manufacturers.
The agreement includes trade facilitation measures like mutual recognition of certifications (e.g., India's Export Inspection Council, NPOP, Halal) and streamlined customs.
Exam Points
The India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) came into force on June 1, 2026.
Bilateral trade between India and Oman grew from $8.94 billion in FY2023-24 to $11.18 billion in FY2025-26.
Oman offers duty-free access on 98.08% of its tariff lines, covering 99.38% of India's exports by value.
The Great Nicobar Island Development Project, estimated at ₹91,000 crore, faces scrutiny for its strategic rationale and environmental impact. Initially justified as a national security strategy, the Public Investment Board (PIB) found the transshipment port at Galathea Bay 'lacked strategic objectives' in August 2024. The project, including a port, international airport, power plant, and township, threatens vast tracts of tropical rainforest, rare ecological reefs, and nesting beaches of endangered species like the leatherback turtle. Indigenous inhabitants also object, citing lack of full disclosure and concerns over ancestral land. Critics demand transparency, including the release of the High-Powered Committee report and an open account of true costs versus irreversible environmental loss.
The Great Nicobar Island Development Project, costing ₹91,000 crore, is criticized for its questionable strategic justification and severe environmental impact.
The Public Investment Board (PIB) in August 2024 found the transshipment port component to lack strategic objectives, contradicting the government's national security claims.
The project threatens critical ecosystems, including tropical rainforests, rare ecological reefs, and nesting sites of endangered species like the leatherback turtle and Nicobar megapode.
Exam Points
The Great Nicobar Island Development Project is estimated to cost ₹91,000 crore.
The transshipment port is planned at Galathea Bay.
The Public Investment Board (PIB) is a Finance Ministry body.
Over a hundred days into the Tarique Rahman government in Bangladesh, India-Bangladesh relations remain strained, marked by a growing trust deficit. Despite India's initial outreach, Dhaka feels India has not reciprocated with goodwill gestures, such as reversing retributory steps taken during the interim government, including restoring transshipments and visa services. Bangladeshi diplomats express disappointment over India's aggressive rhetoric on illegal immigration and lack of focus on key issues like the renewal of the 1996 Ganga Water Treaty. The delay in renewing the Ganga treaty, coupled with Bangladesh's internal challenges like a measles outbreak and economic crisis, could further destabilize the country, which is not in India's long-term interest.
India-Bangladesh relations have remained strained under the new Tarique Rahman government, despite India's initial diplomatic overtures.
Bangladesh expects India to reverse 'retributory steps' like restrictions on transshipments, visa services, and market access for Bangladeshi goods.
Dhaka is concerned by India's aggressive rhetoric on illegal immigration and desires more focus on substantive issues like the Ganga Water Treaty.
Exam Points
The Tarique Rahman government took charge in Bangladesh.
India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited Dhaka on December 31, 2025.
The 1996 Ganga Water Treaty is a key point of contention.
President Droupadi Murmu conferred gallantry awards to armed forces personnel for their exceptional bravery and disregard for personal safety. Seven Kirti Chakras, including two posthumously, were awarded. Air Commodore Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, an Indian Air Force pilot and Gaganyatri, received the Kirti Chakra, India's second-highest peacetime gallantry award. Additionally, 15 Vir Chakras (three posthumously) and 29 Shaurya Chakras (one posthumously) were presented to personnel from defence forces, Central Armed Police Forces, and State and Union Territory police forces. Lt. Commander Dilna K. and Lt. Commander Roopa A. of the Navy received Shaurya Chakras for their devotion to duty in 'Navika Sagar Parikrama 2'.
President Droupadi Murmu conferred various gallantry awards to security personnel for their bravery.
Seven Kirti Chakras, including two posthumous, were awarded, with Air Commodore Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair being a notable recipient.
Kirti Chakra is India's second-highest peacetime gallantry award.
Exam Points
President Droupadi Murmu conferred the awards.
Air Commodore Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, an Indian Air Force pilot and Gaganyatri, received the Kirti Chakra.
Kirti Chakra is India's second-highest peacetime gallantry award.
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) Yearbook 2026 reports that India modestly expanded its nuclear arsenal to around 190 warheads by early 2026, up from 180 in 2025, and continued developing new delivery systems. India's nuclear modernization program focuses on longer-range weapons capable of reaching targets across China, while also addressing rivalry with Pakistan. The report highlighted the May 2025 India-Pakistan military confrontation, 'Operation Sindoor,' where both countries integrated cyberoperations into active military conflict for the first time. India remained the world's fifth-largest military spender in 2025, with an expenditure of $92.1 billion, an 8.9% increase from the previous year.
India's nuclear arsenal expanded to approximately 190 warheads by early 2026, according to the SIPRI Yearbook 2026.
India is modernizing its nuclear program, focusing on developing longer-range weapons to target China and addressing security concerns with Pakistan.
The May 2025 India-Pakistan military confrontation, 'Operation Sindoor,' marked the first time both nations integrated cyberoperations into active military conflict.
Exam Points
SIPRI Yearbook 2026 was released on Monday.
India's nuclear stockpile increased to around 190 warheads by early 2026 (from 180 in 2025).
India's military expenditure in 2025 was $92.1 billion, an 8.9% increase from the previous year.
The Ministry of Defence states that the Great Nicobar Island Development Project, involving an investment of ₹13,000 crore, is a strategic initiative to enhance maritime security, boost regional connectivity, and strengthen India's presence in the Indo-Pacific. The project includes a dual-use airport (for civilian and Navy operations), an International Container Trans-shipment Port (ICTP), a modern township, and a power plant. Located near the Six Degree Channel, a major sea trade route, the project aims to reduce India's dependence on foreign transshipment ports and improve monitoring of Sea Lanes of Communication. Officials assert that extensive environmental assessments have been conducted, and over 81% of the island will remain under forests and conservation zones.
The Great Nicobar Island Development Project is viewed by the Ministry of Defence as a strategic investment to enhance India's maritime security and presence in the Indo-Pacific.
The project, with an investment of ₹13,000 crore, includes a dual-use airport, an International Container Trans-shipment Port (ICTP), a township, and a power plant.
Its location near the Six Degree Channel is crucial for monitoring vital Sea Lanes of Communication and reducing reliance on foreign transshipment ports.
Exam Points
The project involves an investment of around ₹13,000 crore.
It includes an International Container Trans-shipment Port (ICTP) and a joint-user greenfield airport.
Great Nicobar is located just 40 km from the Six Degree Channel.
Amid global pressure on LPG supplies due to the West Asia conflict, the Centre has reduced the number of subsidised refills available under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) from nine to four cylinders per year. Under the scheme, beneficiaries receive a ₹300 subsidy per cylinder. Despite the reduction, Petroleum Ministry officials argue that PMUY consumers still receive a significant 'indirect subsidy,' as the effective price of ₹642 per cylinder is a 60% discount compared to international LPG prices (estimated at ₹1,600). The PMUY scheme has provided around 10.55 crore LPG connections as of May 26 this year.
The government has reduced the number of subsidised LPG refills for PMUY beneficiaries from nine to four cylinders annually.
This decision comes amidst global LPG supply pressures exacerbated by the West Asia conflict.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), beneficiaries receive a direct subsidy of ₹300 per cylinder.
Exam Points
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) now provides 4 subsidised LPG refills per year (down from 9).
A subsidy of ₹300 per cylinder is provided under the scheme.
A 14.2-kg domestic cylinder costs ₹942 in Delhi, with PMUY beneficiaries paying ₹642.
India's strategic Zojila Tunnel, a 13.14-km-long all-weather tunnel, is set to achieve its final breakthrough on June 9, with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari overseeing the event. Located at an altitude of 11,578 feet, the tunnel will connect the Kashmir valley with Ladakh's Kargil, bypassing the Zojila Pass which is prone to landslides and heavy snow. This project, costing over ₹6,800 crore, is the world's longest single-tube bi-directional road tunnel at such an altitude. It will significantly reduce travel time from three hours to 20 minutes between Ganderbal and Kargil, ensuring year-round mobility, economic integration, and strategic resilience, especially for ferrying goods and military stocks to high-altitude bases in winter.
The Zojila Tunnel, a strategic all-weather project, is nearing completion with its final breakthrough scheduled for June 9.
The 13.14-km-long tunnel will provide year-round connectivity between Kashmir valley and Ladakh's Kargil, bypassing the snow-prone Zojila Pass.
It is the world's longest single-tube bi-directional road tunnel at an altitude of over 11,500 feet.
Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL), a leading shipbuilding company, is now considering investing over ₹29,000 crore in a mega shipbuilding cluster in Andhra Pradesh, after its plans for a greenfield shipyard in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, faced setbacks. MDL had committed ₹15,000-18,000 crore for the Thoothukudi project, but the Tamil Nadu government allegedly onboarded a foreign company, HD Hyundai, without competitive bidding, raising questions about transparency and adherence to the Shipbuilding Development Scheme Guidelines. This move by Tamil Nadu is seen as undermining efforts to promote indigenisation under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, prompting MDL to explore alternative investment opportunities.
Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) is exploring a ₹29,000 crore investment in a shipbuilding cluster in Andhra Pradesh after issues in Tamil Nadu.
MDL's initial plan for a ₹15,000-18,000 crore greenfield shipyard in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, was reportedly sidelined.
The Tamil Nadu government allegedly signed an 'Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement' with foreign company HD Hyundai for the Thoothukudi shipyard without competitive bidding.
Exam Points
Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) is India's premier shipbuilding company.
MDL planned to invest ₹15,000-18,000 crore in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu.
HD Hyundai signed an 'Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement' with the Tamil Nadu government for a new shipyard.
India's National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) for 2023-24 shows gains in child nutrition, maternal care, institutional births, and women's Internet use. However, its preliminary fact sheet is thinner than NFHS-5, with a net reduction of 30 indicators. Key dropped indicators include anaemia, infant and child mortality, sex ratio at birth, sanitation, and clean cooking fuel use. The removal of anaemia data is attributed to measurement methodology concerns, with future tracking planned through a dedicated Diet and Biomarkers Survey. NFHS-6 introduces new questions on digital literacy and direct benefit transfers, and reintroduces biological HIV testing, while dropping cancer-screening indicators.
NFHS-6 (2023-24) indicates improvements in child nutrition, maternal care, institutional births, and women's Internet use.
The preliminary fact sheet for NFHS-6 is significantly reduced, omitting 30 key indicators present in previous rounds.
Notable dropped indicators include anaemia, infant and child mortality, sex ratio at birth, sanitation coverage, and clean cooking fuel use.
Exam Points
NFHS-6 covers 2023-24.
The Union Health Ministry released the fact sheets on May 29.
NFHS-6 recorded data from nearly 6.8 lakh households.
Census 2027, India's overdue population count, is vital for development, democracy, and accurate representation. After a 15-year gap, this two-phase exercise will gather comprehensive household and demographic data, including caste, which is included for the first time. The Census is crucial for targeted welfare measures, fund devolution, and addressing deprivations. Its findings will underpin new electoral boundaries and women's reservation in legislatures, making it central to representative democracy. The article emphasizes the importance of public participation for an accurate count, especially for marginalized groups, to ensure that policies and resources are guided by reliable data, moving beyond the 2011 Census and informed extrapolations.
Census 2027 is a critical and overdue exercise for India, essential for informed policy-making, equitable development, and democratic representation.
The Census will be conducted in two phases, collecting detailed household and demographic information, including caste for the first time.
Accurate Census data is fundamental for targeted delivery of welfare measures, allocation of funds to states and local bodies, and addressing socio-economic deprivations.
Exam Points
Census 2027 is the eighth Census since Independence.
The previous Census was in 2011.
The caste question is included for the first time in Census 2027.
Indian farmers are set to cultivate imidazolinone-resistant (IMI-resistant) mustard hybrids in the 2026-27 rabi season to combat Orobanche, a parasitic weed that significantly reduces mustard yields. These hybrids, developed through mutation breeding, allow farmers to use IMI herbicides to kill weeds without harming the mustard plants. While welcomed for their immediate benefits and reduced labor demand, experts caution against over-reliance on a single herbicide mode of action. To ensure long-term viability and prevent herbicide resistance in weeds, a diverse farming strategy incorporating crop rotation, different types of herbicides, and continued manual weeding is recommended, moving beyond a quick-fix chemical solution.
New IMI-resistant mustard hybrids are being introduced in the 2026-27 rabi season to combat the parasitic weed Orobanche, which significantly impacts yields.
These hybrids, developed via mutation breeding, allow for the use of IMI herbicides to selectively kill weeds without harming the mustard crop.
While offering immediate benefits by reducing labor demand and protecting oilseeds, experts warn against the long-term risks of over-reliance on a single herbicide.
Exam Points
IMI-resistant mustard hybrids will be cultivated in the 2026-27 rabi sowing season.
Orobanche (also called Phelipanche) is a parasitic weed affecting mustard.
India imported around 16 million tonnes of edible oils in 2024-25, costing about ₹1.6 lakh crore.
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