Current Affairs - National

E85 fuel is a high-ethanol blend consisting of approximately 85% ethanol and 15% petrol. Introduced as part of India's efforts to enhance energy security and promote sustainable transportation, the fuel is designed for use in Flex-Fuel Vehicles (FFVs). E85 aims to reduce dependence on imported crude oil, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and support domestic ethanol production. Since ethanol is produced from agricultural feedstocks such as sugarcane, maize, rice, and biomass resources, the initiative is also expected to create additional income opportunities for farmers and contribute to rural economic development while advancing India's clean energy goals.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has introduced a standardised vegan logo to help consumers easily identify certified vegan food products. The logo will become mandatory on all approved vegan food packages from July 1, 2027. This initiative aims to improve transparency, prevent misleading claims, and support informed purchasing decisions. The logo features a green square-framed design with a stylized “V” and a sprouting leaf, symbolising plant-based and sustainable food choices. Food businesses have been given sufficient time to update their packaging and comply with the new regulations before the implementation deadline.

MY Bharat, operating under the Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, earned a Guinness World Records title for the “Most Users to Take an Online Quiz in One Week.” The achievement was accomplished through the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders’ Dialogue (VBYLD) Quiz, which engaged youth from across India in the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. During the assessment period from 25 October to 31 October 2025, over 8.39 lakh quiz participations were recorded, and after extensive verification and audits, 390,812 eligible participants were certified. The record highlights India’s growing digital youth engagement and commitment to nation-building initiatives.

On June 02, 2026, the Ministry of Jal Shakti signed reform-linked MoUs with five States and Union Territories—Arunachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Nagaland, and Puducherry—to strengthen sustainable rural water governance under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0. The agreements promote a Gram Panchayat-led and community-centred approach to rural water supply and long-term operation and maintenance. They also support initiatives such as Sujal Gaon ID creation, Village Action Plans, Jal Arpan Diwas, greywater management, rainwater harvesting, and community participation through Village Water & Sanitation Committees. The mission's implementation period has also been extended until December 2028 to achieve its remaining objectives.

The Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) App was launched by the Union Health Secretary to strengthen the implementation of tobacco-control regulations in educational institutions across India. The application is designed to monitor compliance with rules that prohibit the sale of tobacco products within 100 yards of schools and colleges. Initially introduced as a pilot project in Rajasthan, Meghalaya, and Maharashtra, the app is intended for nationwide rollout. Alongside the app, a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for tobacco sample collection was also launched to ensure scientific accuracy and support legal enforcement. The initiative aligns with broader efforts to reduce tobacco use and protect youth from nicotine addiction.