Newspaper-based news digest for the RPSC RAS exam, dated 28 June 2026.
International Relations
PM Modi hands 'Made in India' patrol vessel PS LESPWAR to Seychelles
During his State Visit, PM Modi handed over a Made-in-India Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV), PS LESPWAR, to Seychelles.
The vessel was built by Goa Shipyard Limited; India also gave 6 ambulances, 10 utility vehicles and 5 laser radial boats.
The ceremony was held with Seychelles President Patrick Herminie at the Coast Guard Base, Victoria, to boost EEZ surveillance.
Source: The Hindu / MEA, 28 June 2026
Polity & Governance
ECI's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls underway
The Election Commission of India is carrying out a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, with Booth Level Officers (BLOs) verifying crores of electors.
SIR Phase-III, announced on 14 May 2026, covers 16 states including Karnataka and Maharashtra.
In May 2026 the Supreme Court had upheld the SIR as consistent with the Representation of the People Act.
Source: The Hindu / ECI, 28 June 2026
Environment & Ecology
Protecting the Asiatic elephant safeguards India's forest carbon stores: study
A new scientific study finds that protecting the endangered Asiatic elephant indirectly safeguards India's forests, which act as powerful carbon stores.
A linked modelling study projects India's vegetation carbon could rise about 35%, 62% or 97% by 2100 under low, medium or high emission pathways, driven by higher rainfall and CO2.
The Asiatic elephant is listed as 'Endangered' on the IUCN Red List and is India's National Heritage Animal.
Source: The Hindu, 28 June 2026
National
Ram Janmabhoomi Trust: general secretary Champat Rai resigns amid donation case
Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai and member Anil Mishra submitted resignations amid a donation-embezzlement case.
Champat Rai is also a vice-president of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP).
Trust treasurer Govind Dev Giri said the trust would ensure a fair investigation; the Ram Temple is at Ayodhya.
Source: The Hindu, 28 June 2026
Economy
Amit Shah criticises app-based cab aggregators over 'unfair' model
Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah criticised private app-based cab aggregators such as Uber and Ola, alleging their model exploits drivers and commuters.
He pitched cooperative-based mobility as an alternative; the Ministry of Cooperation was created in 2021.
Amit Shah holds both the Home and the Cooperation portfolios in the Union Cabinet.
Source: The Hindu, 28 June 2026
Education
Delhi University opens UG admissions for ~71,600 seats
Delhi University opened the first phase of its three-phase undergraduate (UG) admission process for the 2026-27 session.
Admissions are for nearly 71,600 seats across 67 colleges.
Admission is through the Common University Entrance Test (CUET-UG) based CSAS portal.