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May 29th Current Affair

Home / UPSC / Current affairs / UPSC Current Affairs – May 29

Table of Contents

India’s Cow Protection Regime in Focus Ahead of Bakrid 2026

Why in News?

India’s cow protection laws and their enforcement have come under renewed discussion ahead of Bakrid (Eid-ul-Adha) 2026. Recent developments include the Supreme Court declining an urgent plea for stricter nationwide enforcement of cow-slaughter bans, state governments tightening regulations, and debates over balancing religious practices, livelihoods, and animal protection.

What is India’s Cow Protection Regime?

Cow protection in India is based on:

  1. Constitutional Provisions
  • Article 48 (Directive Principles of State Policy) directs the State to prohibit the slaughter of cows, calves, and other milch and draught cattle.
  • Article 51A(g) makes it a Fundamental Duty of citizens to show compassion towards living creatures.
  1. State-Specific Laws
  • Cow slaughter is primarily a State subject.
  • Most states have enacted laws restricting or prohibiting cow slaughter, transportation, and trade of cattle.
  • The extent of restrictions varies across states, with some imposing complete bans while others permit slaughter under specific conditions.

Recent Developments

  • Supreme Court’s Position

    The Supreme Court recently declined an urgent hearing on a petition seeking strict implementation of existing cow-slaughter bans before Bakrid, noting that such laws are already in force in many states.

    State-Level Actions

    • The Madras High Court recently reaffirmed a complete ban on the slaughter of cows and calves in Tamil Nadu.
    • West Bengal has strengthened enforcement by requiring official certification before slaughtering specified animals and prohibiting public slaughter.
    • Several states such as Uttar Pradesh and Haryana continue expanding cattle shelters (gaushalas) and welfare measures for stray cattle.

Key Issues

Positive Aspects          

  • Protection of indigenous cattle breeds.
  • Support for dairy-based rural livelihoods.
  • Prevention of illegal cattle trafficking.
  • Cultural and religious significance attached to cows in India.

Challenges      

  • Economic impact on farmers maintaining unproductive cattle.
  • Burden of stray cattle on agriculture.
  • Livelihood concerns for workers in meat, leather, and cattle-trade sectors.
  • Incidents of vigilantism and law-and-order challenges in the name of cow protection.

Quantum-Safe Thinking: Preparing for the Quantum Threat Before It Arrives

Why in News?

The concept of “Quantum-Safe Thinking” has gained prominence globally due to growing concerns that future quantum computers could break today’s encryption systems. Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) constituted an expert committee to examine the impact of quantum technology on the financial sector and develop a quantum-secure ecosystem.

What is Quantum-Safe Thinking?

Quantum-safe thinking refers to the proactive approach of designing digital infrastructure, cybersecurity systems, and communication networks that remain secure even when powerful quantum computers become available.

It involves:

  • Anticipating future quantum threats.
  • Migrating from traditional cryptography to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC).
  • Building long-term cyber resilience.
  • Protecting critical infrastructure, banking systems, government communications, and defence networks.

Why is it Important?

  • The Quantum Threat

    Current encryption systems such as RSA and ECC rely on mathematical problems that are extremely difficult for classical computers to solve. However, sufficiently powerful quantum computers could break these encryption methods much faster, threatening:

    • Banking transactions
    • Military communications
    • Government databases
    • Digital payments
    • Health records and personal data

    “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later” Risk

    Cyber adversaries may already be collecting encrypted data today with the intention of decrypting it in the future once quantum computers become powerful enough. This is known as the Harvest Now, Decrypt Later (HNDL) strategy.

India's Response

National Quantum Mission (NQM)

India launched the National Quantum Mission with an outlay of over ₹6,000 crore to promote:

  • Quantum computing
  • Quantum communication
  • Quantum sensing
  • Quantum materials and devices

RBI Initiative        

The RBI’s newly formed expert committee will:

  • Assess opportunities and risks of quantum technologies.
  • Examine vulnerabilities in the financial sector.
  • Recommend measures for a quantum-secure banking ecosystem.

Quantum-Safe Migration     

India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST) has also emphasized the need for migration towards post-quantum cryptography to safeguard digital infrastructure.

Challenges

  • High cost of transitioning existing systems.
  • Lack of skilled quantum cybersecurity professionals.
  • Need for international standards and interoperability.
  • Uncertainty regarding the exact timeline of “Q-Day” (the point when quantum computers can break current cryptographic systems).

PRAGATI: PM Reviews ₹30,000 Crore Infrastructure Projects, Pushes Mission-Mode Governance

Why in News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 51st PRAGATI Meeting on 27 May 2026 and reviewed seven major infrastructure projects worth around ₹30,000 crore across the Railways, Roads and Power sectors covering nine states. He also reviewed the Ken-Betwa River Linking Project and Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0.

What is PRAGATI?

  • PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) is an ICT-enabled multi-modal platform launched in 2015 to improve governance through real-time monitoring and coordination between the Centre and States.

    Objectives              

    • Ensure timely implementation of infrastructure projects.
    • Resolve inter-ministerial and inter-state bottlenecks.
    • Monitor flagship government schemes.
    • Improve transparency, accountability and cooperative federalism.

    Reduce delays and cost overruns in public projects.

Key Features of PRAGATI

ICT-Based Governance Platform

Uses:

  • Digital data integration
  • Video conferencing
  • GIS-based project monitoring
  • Real-time interaction among Central and State governments

Three-Tier Integration

PRAGATI integrates:

  • PMO
  • Central Ministries
  • State Governments

This enables direct review of projects by the Prime Minister and immediate resolution of issues.

Major Highlights of the 51st PRAGATI Meeting

  1. Review of Infrastructure Projects

The PM reviewed:

  • Railway projects
  • Power projects
  • Road connectivity projects

Total investment involved:

₹30,000 crore

across nine states.

2. Rooftop Solar Mission

The PM directed states to:

  • Expand rooftop solar coverage in urban areas.
  • Focus on residential colonies and public institutions.
  • Implement rooftop solar in mission mode.

Significance             

  • Reduces electricity bills.
  • Enhances energy security.
  • Promotes renewable energy.
  • Supports India’s climate commitments.

3. Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0

The PM emphasized:

  • Moving beyond mere infrastructure creation.
  • Achieving measurable outcomes.
  • Strengthening citizen participation.

States were asked to expedite:

  • Waste processing plants.
  • Solid waste management facilities.
  • GOBARdhan plants.

GOBARdhan Scheme

4. Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan

It converts:

  • Cattle dung
  • Organic waste
  • Agricultural residues

into:

  • Biogas
  • Bio-CNG
  • Organic manure

5. Ken-Betwa River Linking Project

The PM stated that the project should become a model for resolving inter-state water disputes through:

  • Cooperation
  • Technology-based monitoring
  • Timely clearances
  • Mission-mode implementation.

About the Project

  • Links the Ken River (Madhya Pradesh) with the Betwa River (Uttar Pradesh).
  • Aims to provide irrigation and drinking water in the drought-prone Bundelkhand region.

Importance

  • Water security
  • Irrigation expansion
  • Drought mitigation
  • Agricultural productivity

6. Vadhavan Port Development

The PM emphasized that Vadhavan Port should be developed as a multi-modal logistics hub connected with:

  • Highways
  • Railways
  • Inland waterways
  • Coastal shipping
  • Airports

This aligns with India’s vision of becoming a global logistics and manufacturing hub.

Innovative Use of Canal Infrastructure

The PM suggested:

  • Installing solar panels over canals and along canal networks.

Benefits

  • Renewable energy generation.
  • Reduced water evaporation.
  • Efficient land utilization.

Additional revenue generation.

Significance of PRAGATI for Governance

  1. Good Governance

    • Faster decision-making.
    • Real-time monitoring.
    • Better accountability.

    Cooperative Federalism

    • Brings Centre and States on a common platform.
    • Facilitates coordination and dispute resolution.

    Economic Growth                          

    • Accelerates infrastructure creation.
    • Reduces project delays and cost escalation.

    Public Welfare

    Faster delivery of services and benefits to citizens.

Challenges

    • Delays in land acquisition.
    • Environmental clearances.
    • Inter-state disputes.
    • Funding constraints.
    • Administrative bottlenecks.

Strength of Supreme Court Increased to 38 Judges: A Major Step to Reduce Pendency

Why in News?

The Union Government has increased the sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court from 34 judges (including the CJI) to 38 judges (including the CJI) through the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026. Subsequently, the Supreme Court Collegium recommended several High Court Chief Justices for elevation to fill the newly created vacancies.

What is the New Strength of the Supreme Court?

Particulars

Earlier

Present

Chief Justice of India

1

1

Other Judges

33

37

Total Strength

34

38

The ordinance increased the number of Supreme Court judges by four, taking the sanctioned strength to 37 judges plus the Chief Justice of India.

Constitutional Basis

    • Article 124               

      Article 124(1)Article\ 124(1)Article 124(1)

      • Establishes the Supreme Court of India.
      • Empowers Parliament to determine the number of judges in the Supreme Court through legislation.
      • Parliament enacted the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956 for this purpose.

Evolution of Supreme Court Strength

Year

Strength (excluding CJI)

1956

10

1960

13

1977

17

1986

25

2008

30

2019

33

2026

37

Thus, the total strength has now become 38 including the CJI.

Why Was the Strength Increased?

  1. Rising Case Backlog

The Supreme Court is dealing with a very large number of pending cases. Increasing judicial strength is expected to improve disposal rates and reduce delays in justice delivery.

2. Speedy Justice

More judges mean:

  • More benches can function simultaneously.
  • Faster hearing of cases.
  • Reduced pendency.
  • Better access to justice.

3. Expanding Constitutional Litigation

The Court is increasingly handling:

    • Constitutional disputes
    • Federal issues
    • Fundamental Rights cases
    • Public Interest Litigations (PILs)
    • Economic and technology-related disputes

Significance

Judicial Efficiency

  • Faster disposal of cases.
  • Reduced burden on existing judges.

Better Access to Justice

  • Timely adjudication.
  • Reduced waiting period for litigants.

Strengthening Rule of Law

    • Improves citizens’ faith in the judicial system.
    • Enhances judicial capacity in a rapidly growing economy.

Challenges That Remain

  • Vacancies must be filled quickly.
  • High Courts also face significant vacancies.
  • Need for judicial reforms and technology adoption.
  • Case management and procedural delays still require attention.
  •  

India’s First Indigenous Hydrogen Train Gets Approval: A Green Milestone for Indian Railways

Why in News?

    • Indian Railways has approved the operation of India’s first indigenous Hydrogen Fuel Cell-based train on the Jind–Sonipat section in Haryana under Northern Railway. The project marks a significant step towards clean, sustainable, and zero-emission rail transport in India.

What is the Hydrogen Train?

India’s first hydrogen train is a 10-coach Hydrogen Fuel Cell trainset powered by a 1200 kW hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system. Instead of diesel, it uses hydrogen to generate electricity through a fuel cell, with water vapour as the only emission.

Key Features     

Feature

Details

Type

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Train

Coaches

10 Coaches

Route

Jind–Sonipat (Haryana)

Maximum Speed

75 km/h

Propulsion

1200 kW Hydrogen Fuel Cell

Emission

Only Water Vapour

Status

Approved for operation

How Does a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Work?

    • Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction:

      Process                 

      1. Hydrogen is supplied to the fuel cell.
      2. Oxygen from the atmosphere combines with hydrogen.
      3. Electricity is generated to power the train.
      4. Water vapour and heat are released as by-products.

      Advantages

      • Zero carbon emissions.
      • Low noise pollution.
      • Higher energy efficiency.

      Reduced dependence on fossil fuels.

Infrastructure Developed

To support the project, Indian Railways has established:

  • An indigenous hydrogen storage facility at Jind.
  • Hydrogen compression and refuelling systems.
  • Safety systems such as:
    • Hydrogen leak detectors.
    • Flame detectors.
    • Emergency monitoring mechanisms.

The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) has granted the required licence for hydrogen storage and dispensing.

Significance for India

  1. Green Transportation         
  • Supports India’s transition to low-carbon mobility.
  • Reduces dependence on diesel-powered trains.

2. National Green Hydrogen Mission

The project complements the objectives of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which aims to make India a global hub for green hydrogen production and utilization.

3. Net-Zero Goals

Contributes to India’s commitment of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070.

4. Technological Self-Reliance

Demonstrates indigenous capability in:

      • Hydrogen propulsion systems.
      • Clean-energy rail transport.
      • Advanced railway engineering.

Global Context

With this project, India joins countries such as:

  • Germany
  • Japan
  • China
  • United States

which are actively exploring hydrogen-powered railway systems.         

Challenges

  • High cost of hydrogen production.
  • Need for extensive refuelling infrastructure.
  • Storage and transportation safety concerns.
  • Availability of green hydrogen at scale.
  • Technology still at a pilot stage.
  •  

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