News 1: Cyclone Brewing in Arabian Sea, Likely to Hit Gujarat on May 29
A low-pressure area is expected to form in the next 12 hours over the central Arabian Sea due to the influence of an active cyclone off the north Karnataka-Goa coast. The system will move northwards and intensify into a depression within 36 hours, according to the Meteorological Department. Weather experts also predict the formation of another cyclone in the central-east Arabian Sea near Maharashtra on May 23, which will gradually strengthen, becoming a severe cyclonic storm by May 27 and likely making landfall on Gujarat’s coast by May 29.
News 2: Monthly Allowance for Disabled Persons and Senior Citizens Raised to ₹3,500
From June 2025, the government will provide a monthly allowance of ₹3,500 to senior citizens above the age of 80 and to individuals with more than 80% disability. This step aims to enhance financial support for vulnerable groups.
News 3: Cabinet Restructure Enhances Ministers’ Powers, Limits Secretary’s Role
The state cabinet has undergone restructuring, reducing the authority of secretaries while increasing the decision-making power of ministers. The Parliamentary Affairs Department has issued new guidelines stating that cabinet meeting dates will be finalized 5 days in advance, proposals will be completed 3 days before, sent to ministers 2 days ahead, and must have the Chief Minister’s approval before submission.
News 4: Panchayat By-elections on June 23 for 43 Sarpanch, 272 Ward Posts
By-elections for 43 Sarpanch and 272 ward member posts will be held on June 23. Nominations can be filed from May 26 to 31, scrutiny will take place on June 2, and withdrawals on June 4. Voting will occur from 7 am to 1 pm on June 23, with counting on June 24.
News 5: New COVID Variant Raises Alarm as Cases Rise in Mumbai, Hong Kong & Singapore
Rising COVID cases in Hong Kong and Singapore have created public fear, with two deaths reported in Mumbai. The new variant causes symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and limb numbness. State Public Health Director Dr. Nilakant Mishra has urged people with serious health conditions to wear masks and take precautions.
News 6: Plus 3 Registration Extended to June 1 for Higher Education Applicants
The Higher Education Department has extended the registration deadline for Plus 3 admissions until June 1. Applicants can upload their marksheets on the SAMS portal by that date. Selection lists for admission will be released later.
News 7: ISRO Played Critical Role in Operation Sindoor Using Satellite Tracking
ISRO was actively involved in Operation Sindoor, assisting the army with satellite tracking to locate terrorists. ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan revealed this during a visit to Bhubaneswar’s CTTC, which also contributed significantly to the mission.
News 8: Supreme Court Upholds Waqf Act, Calls for Concrete Case for Intervention
The Supreme Court has ruled that the Waqf Amendment Act passed by Parliament is constitutional. Chief Justice B.R. Gavai stated that the court cannot intervene without a solid legal basis. The Centre requested the court to limit interim orders on Waqf Act petitions to three specific issues.
News 9: Trump Announces ‘Golden Dome’ Missile Shield Amid Global Military Tensions
Amid escalating military conflicts worldwide — including the Russia-Ukraine war, Israel-Hamas conflict, and India-Pakistan skirmishes — U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a new missile defence initiative named the ‘Golden Dome Missile Defence Shield’ to bolster national security.
News 10: India Launches Global Campaign to Expose Pakistan’s Terror Links
India has launched a major diplomatic initiative to showcase its zero-tolerance policy on terrorism. Seven delegations will visit 33 countries between May 21 and June 5 to highlight Pakistan’s involvement in terrorism, especially in light of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor.