Top News for APSC | 27-28 May 2026
1. Assam Politics
Assam Legislative Assembly Passes Uniform Civil Code Bill 2026
The 126-member Assam Legislative Assembly passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill 2026 by voice vote on May 27, making Assam the third state in India after Uttarakhand and Gujarat—and the first in the Northeast—to enact a common civil law framework. The legislation establishes uniform rules for marriage, divorce, succession, inheritance, and live-in relationships for all residents irrespective of religion, while banning polygamy and setting equal minimum marriage ages for men and women. It mandates registration of marriages and live-in relationships and prohibits practices such as Nikah Halala. Scheduled Tribes have been exempted to respect their customary laws. The Bill was passed amid protests from opposition parties including Congress, Raijor Dal, and Trinamool Congress, who demanded it be sent to a select committee; it now awaits presidential assent.
2. Assam Governance
Assam Government Revises Id-ul-Zuha Public Holiday to May 28
The Government of Assam officially declared May 28, 2026 (Thursday) as a public holiday on account of Id-ul-Zuha (Eid-ul-Adha or Bakrid) instead of the originally scheduled May 27. All government offices, educational institutions, courts, and banks in the state will remain closed on May 28. The decision was taken to align with the actual sighting of the moon and facilitate smooth observance of the festival across the state. This adjustment affects banking, administrative, and transport services in Assam for the day.
3. National Judiciary
Supreme Court Upholds Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Rolls in Bihar
On May 27, 2026, the Supreme Court of India upheld the constitutionality of the Election Commission of India’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise of electoral rolls in Bihar. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi ruled that the SIR is within the statutory mandate of the Representation of the People Act and advances the constitutional imperative of free and fair elections. The exercise involves house-to-house verification to remove deceased voters, duplicates, and shifted residents while adding eligible citizens, addressing challenges posed by migration and urbanization. The court emphasized procedural safeguards including appeal mechanisms and stated that the process is proportionate and legitimate.
4. National Politics and Diplomacy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Holds Key Meetings on Indo-Pacific Stability
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral meetings with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi on May 26, 2026, reaffirming India’s commitment to a free, open, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. Discussions with Australia highlighted the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, while talks with Japan focused on the Special Strategic and Global Partnership aimed at promoting peace and stability. Both meetings underscored multilateral cooperation in the Indo-Pacific amid evolving regional dynamics.
5. National Foreign Affairs
India Rejects Unwarranted References to Jammu and Kashmir by China and Pakistan
On May 26, 2026, the Ministry of External Affairs issued a strong statement rejecting “unwarranted references” to Jammu and Kashmir made in a joint statement issued by China and Pakistan following Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Beijing. India described the references as unacceptable and reiterated its position on the issue.
6. National Economy
Fuel Shortages and Panic Buying Reported Across India After Price Hike
Following the Centre’s fourth fuel price hike aimed at reducing losses of oil marketing companies, several parts of India witnessed fuel shortages at petrol pumps on May 26-27, 2026, due to panic buying and hoarding. Oil marketing companies urged the public to remain calm, assuring that supplies remain adequate despite the price adjustment.
7. International Relations
Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting Ends Without Announcement of Next Leaders’ Summit
The Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting concluded on May 26, 2026, without setting a date for the next Quad Leaders’ Summit originally planned in India. The development has sparked speculation about the grouping’s future trajectory, with possibilities of it reverting to ministerial-level engagements.
8. National Health Alert
Suspected Ebola Case Triggers Health Alert in Bengaluru
A 28-year-old woman from Uganda was hospitalized in Bengaluru on May 26, 2026, after exhibiting mild symptoms including body aches, prompting a health alert for suspected Ebola. The patient, who had traveled via Ahmedabad, was shifted to the State-run Epidemic Diseases Hospital for observation and testing. Officials are monitoring contacts and have initiated standard protocols.
9. State Elections
High Voter Turnout Recorded in First Phase of Himachal Pradesh Panchayat Polls
The first phase of Himachal Pradesh panchayat elections on May 26, 2026, recorded a turnout of 78.53 percent across 1,293 panchayats. Women voters outnumbered men by six percent, and polling was largely peaceful despite a heatwave alert in several districts.
10. State Elections
Punjab Local Body Polls Witness 61.5 Percent Voter Turnout Amid Reports of Scuffles
Punjab’s local body elections on May 26, 2026, saw approximately 61.5 percent voter turnout by evening. Incidents of scuffles between supporters of various parties were reported, with opposition alleging booth capturing. Polling was conducted using ballot papers. Results are expected on May 29.
11. Environment and Wildlife
Five Asiatic Lions, Including Cubs, Die in Gujarat’s Gir Forest
Five Asiatic lions, including two to five cubs, died in Gujarat’s Gir National Park and surrounding areas in recent days. Two cub deaths were linked to suspected Babesia (tick-borne) infection, while others were attributed to natural causes and territorial infighting. Forest officials confirmed no evidence of a disease outbreak or epidemic and stated the situation is contained, with monitoring intensified.
12. Sports – Cricket
Rajasthan Royals Defeat Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2026 Eliminator
In the IPL 2026 Eliminator played on May 27 at New Chandigarh, Rajasthan Royals defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by 47 runs. Young prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scored a blistering 97 off 29 balls, smashing 5 fours and 12 sixes at a strike rate of 334 and setting a playoff record for maximums. Jofra Archer’s bowling dismantled SRH’s top order. Rajasthan Royals advance to face Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2.
13. International Relations
China and Pakistan Reaffirm Commitment to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
Following Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to China (May 23-26, 2026), both countries issued a joint statement pledging to “unswervingly safeguard” and develop their bilateral relations. Several cooperation agreements were signed across multiple sectors.
14. International Conflict
Iran Accuses United States of Breaching Ceasefire After Strikes
On May 26, 2026, Iran accused the United States of violating the recent truce by conducting strikes on Iranian missile sites and mine-laying boats. Tehran warned of readiness to retaliate. Oil prices surged over 4 percent following the developments. China called on both sides to respect the ceasefire.
15. Science and Technology – Health
New Laser Heat Treatment Developed to Prevent Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Scientists have developed an experimental laser heat treatment that could halt the progression of dry age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness in older adults. The gentle heating technique targets affected retinal tissue without damaging surrounding areas, offering hope to millions worldwide.
16. Science and Technology – Neuroscience
Japan Develops Vitamin K-Based Compounds for Brain Neuron Regeneration
Japanese researchers have created powerful new vitamin K-based compounds capable of helping the brain regenerate lost neurons. The breakthrough holds potential for treating neurodegenerative conditions and could open new avenues in regenerative medicine.
17. Science and Astronomy
NASA’s James Webb Telescope Discovers Exoplanet with Daily Rock Cloud Cycle
NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has identified a giant exoplanet nearly 700 light-years away that exhibits a unique daily weather pattern: mineral (rock) clouds form every morning and vanish by nightfall. The discovery provides new insights into exotic planetary atmospheres.
18. Economy
Adani Power Surpasses Infosys in Market Capitalisation
Adani Power achieved a significant milestone by overtaking Infosys in market capitalisation, with its shares rallying strongly. The development reflects growing investor confidence in the energy sector amid India’s expanding power infrastructure needs.
19. Defence and Technology
Tender Issued for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) 5th-Generation Fighter
The government issued a tender for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) 5th-generation stealth fighter project. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has been kept out, with private sector companies taking centre stage in the strategic programme aimed at enhancing India’s indigenous fighter jet capabilities.
20. Environment and Climate
Severe Pre-Monsoon Heatwave Grips South Asia; PM Modi Urges Precautions
A record pre-monsoon heatwave swept across large parts of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Afghanistan in late May 2026, with temperatures crossing 48°C in several areas and “feels-like” readings of 40-47°C affecting nearly two billion people. Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to citizens to stay hydrated, avoid peak afternoon heat, and extend help to vulnerable groups such as the elderly and outdoor workers. At least 16 heatstroke deaths were reported in Telangana amid power grid strains.