Daily filter — 29 May 2026
11 exam-worthy stories from the day's PIB releases · interactive view
⚖️ Law & Judiciary · LAW track
Three Additional Judges Appointed to Karnataka High Court
The President appointed three individuals as Additional Judges to the Karnataka High Court under Article 224(1) of the Constitution.
- Smt. Rajeshwari Narayana Hegde appointed till her superannuation on 17.03.2028.
- Smt. Kedambadi Ganesh Shanthi appointed for a period of two years.
- Shri Brungesh Mahadevappa also appointed for a period of two years.
💡 President appoints three Additional Judges to Karnataka High Court under Article 224(1), with varied tenures.
Source: Ministry of Law and Justice · PIB PRID 2266750
⚖️ Law & Judiciary · LAW track
NHRC takes cognizance of Odisha septic tank deaths
The **NHRC** has taken suo motu cognizance of 6 deaths and 1 injury in an Odisha septic tank incident.
- Six persons died and one was injured on 26th May 2026.
- The incident occurred in an under-construction septic tank at Gauda Karlakhunta village, Kalahandi district, Odisha.
- The NHRC issued notices to the Chief Secretary and SP of Kalahandi.
- A detailed report is sought within two weeks, including compensation status.
💡 Remember: NHRC uses suo motu for human rights violations, seeking reports and compensation, as seen in Odisha's Kalahandi incident.
Source: National Human Rights Commission · PIB PRID 2266710
📈 Economy · LAW track
MCA Expands CSR Scope for Zero Coupon Zero Principal Instruments
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has facilitated CSR funding through 'Zero Coupon Zero Principal Instruments' by amending the Companies Act, 2013.
- New item no. (xiii) added to Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013.
- This allows 'Subscription to zero coupon zero principal instruments on Social Stock Exchange'.
- NPOs can raise funds for welfare projects via these instruments, governed by Rule 2 and Rule 4A.
- Expenditure by CSR-mandated companies cannot exceed ten percent of total CSR.
- Amendments notified on 27.05.2026 (G.S.R. 415 (E) and G.S.R 416 (E)).
💡 MCA expands CSR to include funding NPOs via 'Zero Coupon Zero Principal Instruments' on Social Stock Exchange, with a 10% spending cap.
Source: Ministry of Corporate Affairs · PIB PRID 2266792
📊 Reports & Indices · UPSC track
National Family Health Survey – 6 Reveals Health Progress
The **NFHS-6** (2023-24) shows accelerated progress in India's maternal and child health, nutrition, and financial protection.
- Institutional deliveries increased from 88.6% to 90.6%.
- Full vaccination coverage for children aged 12-23 months rose from 83.8% to 87.1%.
- Child stunting declined significantly from 35.5% to 29.3%.
- Health insurance coverage expanded from 41.0% to 60.2% at the household level.
- Women's internet use nearly doubled from 33.3% to 64.3%.
💡 For the exam: Remember NFHS-6 shows improved institutional deliveries, child immunization, nutrition, health insurance, and women's empowerment.
Source: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare · PIB PRID 2266600
칩 Economy · UPSC track
NITI Aayog releases Semiconductor Industry Roadmap for 2035
NITI Aayog launched a 10-year roadmap to transform India from a chip consumer to a key global semiconductor player by 2035.
- NITI Aayog released the 'Future of India’s Semiconductor Industry' roadmap on May 29, 2026.
- It aims for a USD 120–150 billion semiconductor value chain by 2035.
- Focus areas include advanced packaging, compound semiconductors, and over 100 design IPs.
- The roadmap reinforces India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 priorities from Union Budget 2026.
💡 For the exam: Remember the NITI Aayog roadmap for semiconductors, targeting USD 120-150 billion by 2035 with ISM 2.0.
Source: NITI Aayog · PIB PRID 2266727
🏗️ Economy · UPSC track
New Special Economic Zones Notified for Puducherry
Government approves and notifies two new Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Puducherry to boost investment and manufacturing.
- Two new SEZs have been notified in the Union Territory of Puducherry.
- One IT/ITES SEZ is by M/s Oulgaret Municipality in Thattanchavady.
- This is India's first SEZ developed by an Urban Local Body (Municipality).
- A Multi-Sector SEZ is by M/s PIPDIC at Karasur village.
- The approvals were made on 27.02.2026 by the Board of Approval.
- The IT/ITES SEZ has a proposed investment of ₹725 Crore.
- The Multi-Sector SEZ has a proposed investment of ₹1250 Crore.
💡 Puducherry gets two new SEZs, with the Oulgaret Municipality developing the first ULB-led IT/ITES SEZ in India.
Source: Ministry of Commerce & Industry · PIB PRID 2266684
🔌 Economy · UPSC track
Odisha, Intel, 3DGS Partner for Semiconductor Substrate Manufacturing
An MoU has been signed to establish an advanced packaging glass core substrate manufacturing facility in Odisha.
- The MoU was signed between Government of Odisha, Intel Corporation, and 3DGS Inc. USA.
- The facility will be located in the Bhubaneswar–Khurda region of Odisha.
- The project focuses on advanced packaging glass core substrates and high-density interconnect substrates.
- It will be implemented in phases over five-six years, generating high-skilled employment.
- This initiative builds on efforts under the India Semiconductor Mission.
💡 For the exam: Remember Odisha (location), Intel & 3DGS (partners), and Glass Core Substrate Manufacturing (technology) under India Semiconductor Mission.
Source: Ministry of Electronics & IT · PIB PRID 2266614
🌬️ Environment · UPSC track
CAQM Revokes GRAP Stage-I in NCR as AQI Improves
The **CAQM** sub-committee revoked **GRAP Stage-I** measures across **NCR** due to improved air quality in Delhi.
- The CAQM revoked GRAP Stage-I actions in NCR on 29.05.2026.
- Delhi's average AQI improved from 207 on 28.05.2026 to 123 on 29.05.2026.
- Forecasts suggest the AQI will remain in the 'Moderate' category.
- Stage-I was invoked on 19.05.2026 when AQI showed an increasing trend.
💡 The CAQM lifts GRAP Stage-I in NCR due to improved AQI, from 207 to 123, staying 'Moderate'.
Source: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change · PIB PRID 2266802
💳 Economy · UPSC track
India, Vietnam Ink MoU for Cross-Border Digital Payments
RBI and the State Bank of Vietnam signed an MoU on May 5, 2026, to boost cooperation in financial innovation and digital payments.
- The RBI and State Bank of Vietnam signed the MoU on 05.05.2026.
- It aims to strengthen cooperation in financial innovation and digital payments.
- The MoU will enable cross-border QR Code-based merchant payments.
- It will enhance efficiency, transparency, and cost-effectiveness of transactions.
💡 Remember the RBI-SBV MoU (05.05.2026) for QR code-based cross-border payments.
Source: Ministry of Finance · PIB PRID 2266736
💰 Economy · LAW track
Common Landing Portal for Unclaimed Financial Assets Launched
A new unified online platform helps citizens trace unclaimed bank deposits, insurance claims, shares, and mutual funds.
- The Common Landing Portal was launched by the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance.
- It is a unified platform to search for unclaimed bank deposits, insurance claims, shares, dividends, and mutual funds.
- The portal was developed in collaboration with PSB Alliance.
- The initiative supports the “आपकी पूँजी, आपका अधिकार” campaign.
- It was launched on 29th May 2026 by Secretary, DFS, Shri M. Nagaraju.
💡 The DFS launched the Common Landing Portal with PSB Alliance to unify searching for various unclaimed financial assets, supporting "आपका अधिकार" and financial empowerment.
Source: Ministry of Finance · PIB PRID 2266714
🚢 Economy · UPSC track
India Launches Port Performance Index, Digital Maritime Reforms
India unveiled the Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI) for FY 2024-25 and four digital initiatives to boost maritime sector efficiency and global competitiveness.
- The Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI) for FY 2024-25 was launched under the Sagar Aankalan framework.
- The LPPI aligns with PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, Maritime India Vision 2030, and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
- Four digital initiatives include a 24x7 Grievance Redressal Module and a Ship Registration Module.
- A Unified Ship Recycling Portal offers 40 percent credit notes for Hong Kong Convention-compliant recycling.
- India's ranking improved from 44th to 22nd in World Bank's Logistics Performance Index (International Shipments).
💡 The LPPI (Sagar Aankalan) and four digital initiatives for maritime sector were launched, reflecting India's improved World Bank LPI ranking (22nd).
Source: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways · PIB PRID 2266850