27 May 2026 Current Affairs (With PDF)

We bring you the most relevant and important news updates from around the world and India, specially curated for competitive exams and different entrance exams. Today's Current Affairs cover all significant national and international headlines, legal updates, economic news, and environmental highlights to boost your preparation. With our crisp, to-the-point coverage, you can confidently tackle current affairs questions in your exams.

World Health Assembly Adopts New Global Action Plan to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance

Why in News?

79th session of the World Health Organization World Health Assembly (WHA79), held in Geneva, concluded with the adoption of 13 major health resolutions. Among them, the most significant was the approval of the Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (GAP-AMR) 2026–2036.

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Key Highlights of WHA79

• Theme of the Assembly: “Reshaping Global Health: A Shared Responsibility.”
• The Assembly serves as the highest decision-making body of the World Health Organization.
• It convenes annually to frame global public health policies, approve financial and administrative strategies, review international health priorities and appoint the WHO Director-General.

Major Resolutions Adopted

• A global framework for radiation safety and protection,
• A compulsory strategy for reducing stroke-related deaths,
• An Artificial Intelligence-based drug safety monitoring mechanism,
• A 2026–2030 healthcare investment roadmap recognising health as an economic growth driver.

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Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (GAP-AMR) 2026–2036

Background

• The new framework succeeds the 2015 Global Action Plan on AMR.
• It follows the One Health Approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health systems to address antimicrobial resistance comprehensively.

Core Target

• Achieve a 10% reduction in bacterial AMR-related deaths worldwide by 2030.
• The target aligns with commitments adopted during the 2024 United Nations General Assembly discussions on AMR.

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Major Objectives of GAP-AMR

1. Public Awareness and Behavioural Change

• Promote responsible antimicrobial usage.
• Reduce unnecessary demand and self-medication practices.
• Encourage public education on antibiotic misuse.

2. Surveillance and Diagnostic Expansion

• Strengthen global monitoring systems for resistant pathogens.
• Improve laboratory and diagnostic infrastructure across sectors.
• Enhance real-time data sharing among countries.

3. Infection Prevention and Control

• Expand immunisation coverage.
• Improve Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure.
• Strengthen hospital infection-control systems.

4. Equitable Access and Antimicrobial Stewardship

• Ensure affordable and fair access to essential antimicrobial medicines.
• Encourage rational prescription practices.
• Promote safe disposal of pharmaceutical waste.

5. Research and Innovation

• Increase investments in New antibiotics, Alternative therapies, Advanced diagnostics, Vaccine development.

6. Governance and Sustainable Financing

• Build stronger accountability frameworks at national and international levels.
• Encourage multisectoral coordination among governments, health agencies, and research institutions.

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Institutional Coordination Mechanism

Implementation support will be provided jointly by:

• World Health Organization
• Food and Agriculture Organization
• United Nations Environment Programme
• World Organisation for Animal Health

These institutions collectively form the Quadripartite Partnership on One Health.

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Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

What is AMR?

• Antimicrobial Resistance refers to the ability of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites to resist medicines that previously eliminated them effectively.
• As a result, standard treatments become ineffective, infections persist for longer durations, disease transmission risks increase.

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Key Causes of AMR

Human Health Sector

• Excessive and irrational antibiotic consumption,
• Self-medication and incomplete treatment courses,
• Over-prescription of antimicrobials.

Agriculture and Livestock

• Use of antibiotics for animal growth promotion,
• Preventive overuse in poultry and dairy farming.

Environmental Factors

• Pharmaceutical waste contamination,
• Improper disposal of antimicrobial substances.

Global Impact of AMR

• According to the World Health Organization, nearly one out of every six bacterial infections in 2023 showed antibiotic resistance.
• A study published in The Lancet estimated that bacterial AMR contributed to approximately 4.71 million deaths globally in 2021.

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Significance of the New Action Plan

• Strengthen global preparedness against drug-resistant diseases,
• Improve coordination between public health and environmental systems,
• Accelerate innovation in antimicrobial therapies,
• Support sustainable healthcare systems worldwide.

 

India Extends Support for First Geothermal Energy Project in Ladakh

Why in News?

The administration of Ladakh has approved a five-year extension of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Oil and Natural Gas Corporation for the development of the Puga Valley Geothermal Energy Project.
The project is regarded as India’s first geothermal energy initiative in the Himalayan region, and one of the world’s highest geothermal energy projects, located at nearly 14,000 feet above sea level.

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What is Geothermal Energy?

Geothermal energy refers to heat energy naturally stored beneath the Earth’s surface. This thermal energy originates from:

• Radioactive decay within Earth’s interior,
• Residual heat from planetary formation,
• Tectonic and volcanic activities.

It is considered a reliable and renewable source of clean energy.

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Major Applications of Geothermal Energy

Power Generation

• Used to generate electricity through geothermal steam and hot water reservoirs.

Heating and Cooling

• Supports district heating systems,
• Used in space heating and geothermal cooling technologies.

Agricultural Uses

• Greenhouse heating,
• Drying and food-processing applications,
• Aquaculture support.

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Significance of Geothermal Energy

Reliable Renewable Energy

• Provides uninterrupted baseload power unlike solar and wind energy, which depend on weather and daylight availability.

Low Carbon Emissions

• Produces significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels.

Energy Security

• Reduces dependence on imported fuels and diversifies the energy mix.

Sustainable Development

• Supports clean energy transition and long-term climate goals.

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Puga Valley Geothermal Project

Location

• Situated in the Puga Valley region of eastern Ladakh.

Key Features

• India’s pioneering geothermal energy project.
• Located in a high-altitude geothermal zone with substantial underground heat reserves.
• Developed with support from Oil and Natural Gas Corporation.

Strategic Importance

• Enhances renewable energy generation in remote Himalayan regions.
• Can improve energy access and reduce diesel dependence in cold desert areas.
• Holds potential for tourism, local heating systems, and sustainable infrastructure development.

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Geothermal Potential in India

National Scenario

• India possesses around 381 identified geothermal sites and spread across 10 geothermal provinces, with an estimated generation potential of nearly 10,600 MW.

Himalayan Geothermal Province

• One of India’s most significant geothermal belts.
• Extends over 1,500 km along the India–Eurasia tectonic collision zone.
• Contains more than 150 thermal spring systems.
• Major Geothermal Locations: Puga Valley, Chumathang, Manikaran, Tapovan

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National Policy on Geothermal Energy, 2025

• India introduced the National Policy on Geothermal Energy (2025) to accelerate the development of geothermal resources as part of the country’s clean energy transition.

Key Focus Areas

• Electricity generation,
• Heating and cooling applications,
• Agricultural and industrial uses,
• Promotion of geothermal research and investment,
• Development of five pilot geothermal projects.

Broader Goal

• The policy supports India’s commitment to achieving the Net Zero Emissions target by 2070.

 

Dandewala Gas Field Discovery in Jaisalmer Basin

Why in News?

Oil India Limited has reported a new gas-bearing zone in the Dandewala Gas Field, located in the Jaisalmer Basin.
This marks the first confirmed presence of natural gas in the shallow Sanu Formation, opening a new frontier for hydrocarbon exploration in the region.

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New Gas Discovery

• Gas found in the Dandewala field, western Rajasthan.
• First confirmed hydrocarbon presence in the Sanu Formation.
• Expected to expand exploration potential in the Jaisalmer Basin.

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Geological Significance

Sanu Formation

• A sedimentary rock unit within the Jaisalmer Basin.
• Part of the broader Khuiala Formation system.
• Belongs to the lower Eocene epoch (Tertiary period).
• Composed mainly of Sandstone, Shale and Limestone

Khuiala Formation

• Major geological formation in western Rajasthan.
• Known for hydrocarbon-bearing potential.
• Provides reservoir conditions suitable for oil and gas accumulation.

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Jaisalmer Basin: Strategic Importance

Location

• Situated in western Rajasthan, near the India–Pakistan border.

Hydrocarbon Potential

• Considered an emerging onshore sedimentary basin.
• Now gaining importance due to new shallow gas discoveries.

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India’s Natural Gas Distribution

• Natural gas reserves in India are unevenly distributed, concentrated mainly in offshore and sedimentary basins.
• Major Gas-Bearing Basins: Mumbai Offshore Basin, Krishna-Godavari Basin, Cambay Basin, Assam-Arakan Basin, Cauvery Basin

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Significance of the Discovery

Energy Security

• Supports India’s goal of increasing domestic natural gas production.
• Reduces dependence on imported LNG.

Exploration Expansion

• Opens up new shallow formation prospects in the Jaisalmer Basin.
• Encourages further geological surveys in underexplored strata.

Economic Impact

• Potential boost to regional energy infrastructure.
• May attract further investment in upstream exploration.

 

Global EV Outlook 2026: Accelerating Shift Towards Electric Mobility

Why in News?

The International Energy Agency has released its Global EV Outlook 2026, an annual report that tracks global trends in electric mobility, including sales, battery demand, charging infrastructure, and policy developments across major economies.

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About Global EV Outlook

Published by

• International Energy Agency

Purpose

• Global electric vehicle (EV) adoption trends,
• Battery manufacturing and demand,
• Expansion of charging infrastructure,
• Government incentives and regulatory frameworks,
• Market competitiveness across regions.

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Key Findings (2026)

Global EV Sales

• Worldwide EV sales are projected to reach 23 million units in 2026.
• EVs are expected to account for 28% of total global car sales.

China’s Dominance

• China continues to lead the global EV market.
• It accounts for nearly 60% of global EV sales.
• Maintains strong dominance in Manufacturing capacity, Supply chains and Export markets.

India’s EV Growth

• India recorded a 75% increase in EV sales in 2025.
• Total EV sales reached approximately 165,000 units.
• However, EV penetration remains relatively low: EVs account for only around 4% of total car sales.

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Drivers of EV Adoption

1. Declining Battery Costs

• Rapid reduction in lithium-ion battery prices has made EVs more affordable.

2. Charging Infrastructure Expansion

• Growth in public and private charging networks is reducing range anxiety.

3. Government Policy Support

• Incentives, subsidies, and emission regulations are accelerating adoption.

4. Fuel Price Pressures

• High fossil fuel prices are making EVs economically more attractive.

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Global Trends in Electric Mobility

• Manufacturing Shift: Supply chains are increasingly concentrated in Asia, particularly in China.
• Market Expansion: EV adoption is rising in both developed and emerging economies.
• Technology Development: Advances in Battery efficiency, Fast charging, Vehicle range, Smart grid integration.

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Significance of the Report

• Energy Transition: Highlights global shift from fossil fuels to clean transport systems.
• Climate Goals: Supports efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transport sector.
• Policy Guidance: Helps governments design EV incentives and infrastructure strategies.
• Industrial Competitiveness: Identifies leaders and laggards in global EV manufacturing ecosystem.

 

Expiry of U.S. Sanction Waiver on Russian Oil: Implications for India

Why in News?

The United States has announced that its sanctions waiver under General License No. 134C, allowing limited transactions involving Russian crude oil already at sea, will expire on 17 June 2026. The waiver, issued by the United States Department of the Treasury, currently permits trade in Russian oil loaded on or before 17 April 2026.

This development is significant as it may affect global oil flows and major import-dependent economies like India.

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Sanctions Waiver Framework

• The waiver allows restricted transactions involving Russian crude already in transit.
• It is part of broader sanctions imposed by the United States on Russian energy exports following geopolitical tensions.
• The mechanism provides temporary flexibility to avoid sudden supply disruptions.

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India’s Dependence on Russian Oil

• India imports nearly 35%–40% of its crude oil from Russia.
• Discounted Russian crude has generated estimated savings of $20–25 billion in recent years.
• India’s refiners rely heavily on this supply for cost efficiency and stable refining margins.

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Likely Impact of Waiver Expiry

1. Supply-Side Pressure

• Expected shortfall of approximately 400,000 barrels per day (bpd) of Russian crude.
• Refiners may be forced to shift to the volatile global spot market.
• This could tighten global supply availability and increase competition for alternative sources.

2. Fiscal and Economic Impact

• Loss of Russian crude discount (estimated $10–12 per barrel).
• Annual increase in India’s crude import cost estimated at $9–11 billion.
• Higher dollar demand for oil imports may exert downward pressure on the Indian rupee.

3. Inflationary Spillovers

• Increased crude prices may lead to Higher wholesale inflation, Cost escalation in transport and logistics, Secondary price pressures on consumer goods.
• Inflation in India is already at a multi-year high, increasing vulnerability to external shocks.

4. Refining Margin Compression

• Indian refiners may face shrinking profit margins due to Higher feedstock costs, Reduced availability of discounted crude and Increased dependence on spot purchases.

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Strategic Implications for India

Energy Security Concerns

• Greater dependence on diversified oil sources such as Middle East suppliers, African crude markets, Latin American exports.

Policy Adjustments

• Likely push for Strategic petroleum reserve optimisation, Long-term supply contracts, Expansion of alternative energy investments.

Geopolitical Balancing

• India may face increased diplomatic complexity balancing Energy security interests and Compliance with Western sanctions regimes.

 

Draft Rules for VB-GRAMG: Replacement of MGNREGA from 2026

Why in News?

Government of India has notified draft rules under the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 (VB-GRAMG). The scheme is set to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act from July 1, 2026, marking a major restructuring of rural employment guarantee mechanisms.

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About VB-GRAMG

Full Form

• Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin)

Objective

• Provide rural employment guarantee framework
• Strengthen livelihood security in rural areas
• Improve governance through technology-enabled systems
• Ensure smoother coordination between Centre and States

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Key Institutional Framework under Draft Rules

1. National Level Steering Committee (NLSC)

• Role: A proposed apex body to oversee mission implementation.

Functions

• Supervise overall execution of VB-GRAMG
• Recommend fund allocation to states
• Coordinate between multiple ministries
• Ensure policy convergence and monitoring

2. Central Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Council

• Role: A dedicated implementation and oversight body.

Functions

• Monitor programme execution
• Evaluate performance outcomes
• Assist in reporting and accountability mechanisms
• Support grievance tracking and corrective actions

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Financial and Administrative Provisions

The draft rules define clear responsibility for expenditure:

• Expenses borne entirely by the Centre
• Costs shared between Centre and States
• Certain components fully borne by States

Objective

• Ensure financial clarity
• Improve fiscal discipline and accountability
• Reduce ambiguity in fund-sharing mechanisms

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Grievance Redressal Mechanism

Technology-Enabled System

• Digital Public Infrastructure-based platform
• Online complaint registration and tracking

Multi-Tier Structure

• Local level resolution mechanisms
• District-level escalation
• State-level oversight authority

Time-Bound Resolution

• Defined timelines for grievance disposal
• Focus on faster service delivery and accountability

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Transitional Provisions

Purpose

• To ensure smooth shift from Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act to VB-GRAMG.

Key Measures

• Continuation of ongoing employment works
• Settlement of pending liabilities
• Transfer and digitisation of records
• Protection of existing worker rights during transition

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Significance of VB-GRAMG Reform

1. Institutional Modernisation

• Strengthens governance structure through new councils and committees

2. Digital Governance Push

• Integrates technology-based grievance and monitoring systems

3. Fiscal Clarity

• Clearly defined Centre–State financial responsibilities

4. Continuity with Reform

• Ensures smooth transition without disrupting rural employment guarantees

 

Public Accounts Committee (PAC): Reconstituted for 2026–27 Term

Why in News?

The reconstituted Public Accounts Committee (PAC) for the 2026–27 term held its first meeting under the chairmanship of K. C. Venugopal, marking the beginning of its new parliamentary oversight cycle over government expenditure.

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About Public Accounts Committee (PAC)

Origin

• Established in 1921
• Created under the Government of India Act, 1919
• One of the oldest parliamentary financial committees in India

Total Strength

• 22 Members: 15 from Lok Sabha + 7 from Rajya Sabha

Key Features

• Members are elected annually
• Selection through Proportional Representation via Single Transferable Vote (STV)
• Tenure of members: 1 year
• No sitting Minister can be a member

Chairperson of PAC

• Appointed by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha
• Since 1967, the Chairperson is traditionally selected from the Opposition

Functions of PAC

• PAC examines reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India on government expenditure.

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Key Roles

1. Financial Accountability

• Reviews whether public funds are used efficiently and responsibly

2. Economy, Efficiency, and Propriety

• Evaluates Cost-effectiveness of expenditure, Administrative efficiency, Ethical and procedural correctness

3. Examination of CAG Reports

• Scrutinises annual audit reports submitted by CAG

4. Independent Inquiry

• Can take up additional issues related to public expenditure

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Limitations of PAC

1. Non-Binding Recommendations

• Its findings and suggestions are advisory in nature
• Government is not legally bound to implement them

2. Post-Facto Scrutiny

• Examines expenditure after funds have already been spent

3. Policy Restrictions

• Cannot review government policies in general
• Focus limited to execution of policies, not policy formulation

4. Limited Enforcement Power

• Lacks direct executive authority to enforce accountability

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Significance of PAC

• Strengthening Parliamentary Oversight: Acts as a key instrument of legislative control over public finances
• Ensuring Accountability: Promotes transparency in government spending
• Complementing CAG: Works in tandem with the audit findings of the CAG
• Democratic Oversight: Opposition-led chairmanship enhances credibility and neutrality

 

Sakura Science Programme: India–Japan Youth Science Exchange Initiative

Why in News?

The Ministry of Education has flagged off Indian school students for an educational and scientific exchange visit to Japan under the Sakura Science Programme 2026, strengthening India–Japan collaboration in science education and youth engagement.

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About Sakura Science Programme

• Launched in 2014
• Implemented by the Japan Science and Technology Agency

Objective

• Promote scientific exchange among youth,
• Provide exposure to Japan’s advanced science and technology ecosystem,
• Foster global collaboration in research and innovation,
• Strengthen international understanding through education.

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India’s Participation

Engagement Timeline

• India has been participating in the programme since 2016.
• 2026 delegation includes Indian school students selected under National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme

Nature of Participation

• Exposure visits to Japanese research institutions
• Interaction with scientists and academicians
• Learning-oriented scientific demonstrations and workshops

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Key Features of the Programme

1. Youth Science Exchange

• Focuses on school and young university students
• Encourages early interest in science and innovation

2. Hands-on Learning Exposure

• Visits to laboratories, universities, and R&D centres
• Practical exposure to cutting-edge technologies

3. Cross-Cultural Engagement

• Promotes cultural understanding between India and Japan
• Builds long-term academic and scientific linkages

 

India’s Largest Biomedical Innovation Platform: I2I Connect Initiative

Why in News?

The Indian Council of Medical Research (Indian Council of Medical Research) organised the “Medical Innovations Patent Mitra: Innovators-to-Industry (I2I) Connect” programme in New Delhi, marking India’s first structured platform dedicated to showcasing biomedical innovations and enabling technology transfer for healthcare commercialisation.

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About the Initiative

Name

• Medical Innovations Patent Mitra: Innovators-to-Industry (I2I) Connect

Implementing Body

• Indian Council of Medical Research

Objective

• Accelerate commercialisation of indigenous biomedical technologies,
• Bridge the gap between innovators and industry,
• Strengthen India’s healthcare innovation ecosystem,
• Promote self-reliance in medical research and production.

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Key Highlights of the Event

1. First Structured Biomedical Innovation Platform

• India’s first organised system for Biomedical innovation display, Patent facilitation, Industry collaboration, Technology transfer.

2. Technology Transfer to Industry

• A total of 41 public health technologies were transferred to industry partners.
• Focus on scaling up manufacturing and clinical deployment.

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Notable Technologies Transferred

Vaccines and Immunological Innovations

• Glycoconjugate vaccines for typhoid and paratyphoid
• Recombinant vaccine platforms for infectious diseases

Diagnostic Technologies

• Diagnostic tools for diseases such as Japanese Encephalitis

Viral Disease Research Materials

• Inactivated biomaterials for Kyasanur Forest Disease and Chandipura virus

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About Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)

• Apex national body for biomedical research in India
• Established in 1911
• Located in New Delhi

Functions

• Formulation of biomedical research policies
• Coordination of medical research across institutions
• Promotion of innovation in public health and clinical sciences
• Implementation of disease control research programmes

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Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD)

• Also known as Monkey Fever
• A tick-borne viral hemorrhagic disease
• Primarily found in the Western Ghats region of India

 

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