Daily current affairs for 23 May 2026 with exam-focused key facts, connected news context, and revision notes for UPSC, SSC, banking and government exams.
Editorial note for exam revisionLast updated: 23 May 2026. This briefing is structured for current affairs revision, with key updates and related coverage links to help readers connect recurring topics across days.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reports 2.6 times jump in credit card transactions
Key Updates:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) stated in its Payment System Report, December 2025, that credit card transaction volumes increased from 216 crore in 2021 to 570 crore in 2025.
Credit card transaction value rose from ₹8.9 lakh crore in 2021 to ₹23.2 lakh crore in 2025, representing an annual growth rate of approximately 27 per cent.
Private sector banks increased their share in outstanding credit cards to 71.1 per cent in December 2025, while foreign banks' share declined to 3.8 per cent from 9.3 per cent in December 2021.
Digital payment transaction volumes increased 33 times between 2016 and 2025, with UPI QR codes growing to 7,313 lakh in December 2025 from 6,782 lakh in June 2025.
The Clearing Corporation of India Ltd (CCIL) plans to introduce bond forwards and non-deliverable forwards (NDFs), while AMC Repo Clearing Ltd intends to launch repo transactions in municipal bonds.
The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) was launched in April 2016 by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) under the regulatory ambit of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). UPI annual transaction volume increased…
The sixth edition of Digital Payments Awareness Week (DPAW) is being observed during March 9-13, 2026. RBI Governor Shri Sanjay Malhotra launched the pilot program titled 'Awareness Program on Digital Payments'.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued the Digital Payments: E-mandate Framework, 2026, consolidating all existing guidelines on recurring digital payments into a single master framework. The framework applies to…
National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) launches India's first rainfall-based weather derivatives contract RAINMUMBAI
Key Updates:
National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) announced the launch of RAINMUMBAI, a Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)-approved exchange-traded weather derivatives contract, scheduled for May 29, 2026.
The contract was developed in collaboration with IIT Bombay and uses official rainfall data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
RAINMUMBAI is based on a scientifically structured Cumulative Deviation Rainfall (CDR) index, which measures deviation of actual rainfall from the Long Period Average (LPA) for monsoon months (June to September).
The framework is benchmarked against a robust 30-year historical dataset (1991–2020 LPA) to ensure transparency and reliability.
Unlike traditional insurance, these weather derivatives are settled purely on observed data, eliminating the need for loss assessment and enabling faster settlement cycles.
The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), has launched a dedicated Incubation Center for Startups in Weather and Climate. The incubation facility is a core…
National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) and Indian Gas Exchange Ltd (IGX) will introduce exchange-traded derivatives based on natural gas traded on the IGX platform. NSE will launch Indian natural gas derivative contracts…
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has barred authorised dealers from offering non-deliverable derivative contracts involving the Indian rupee to residents or non-residents. Deliverable foreign exchange derivatives allowed only…
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) announced that India will issue its first carbon credits under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) in October 2026. The scheme consists of two primary components: a mandatory…
Bajaj General Insurance Launches MHCP EDGE Plus Health Plan with Coverage up to INR 5 Crores
Key Updates:
Bajaj General Insurance Limited (formerly Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company Limited) has launched 'My Health Care Plan Edge+' (MHCP EDGE+), a comprehensive health indemnity plan.
The plan offers sum insured options ranging from INR 5 Lakhs up to INR 5 Crores with unlimited reinstatement within a policy year.
Key features include a modular design with add-ons such as Consumables Plus, Super Cumulative Bonus, and Major Illness and Accident Multiplier.
The Age Shield rider allows customers to lock their premium at entry age until a claim is made, and Smart Tenure enables pooling of sum insured across the policy tenure.
The plan is available for individual and family floater options with lifetime renewability, policy tenures up to five years, and coverage starting from 3 months of age.
Tata AIA Life Insurance (TATA AIA) has launched Shubh Health Criti, a unit-linked life insurance plan that combines life cover with a market-linked health fund. The plan provides coverage for over 60 critical illnesses.
The Department of Financial Services (DFS) under the Ministry of Finance launched the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMIP) with a total capacity of USD 1.5 billion. The BMIP is supported by a sovereign guarantee of USD…
The Department of Financial Services (DFS) under the Ministry of Finance launched the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMIP). The BMIP has a total capacity of USD 1.5 billion and a sovereign guarantee of USD 1.4 billion…
Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has constituted a sub-committee under its Insurance Advisory Committee to undertake a comprehensive review of India’s private health insurance ecosystem.…
Delhi Government Reinstates Green Helpline and Proposes ₹5 Crore Themed Forest Project
Key Updates:
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta reinstated the Green Helpline (1800-118-600) and instituted a new standard operating procedure to report tree-related offences.
The Department of Forest and Wildlife floated a tender estimated at ₹5 crore to develop four themed forests named Tirthankar Van, Ritu Van, Rashi Van, and Panchvati Van on the Central Ridge.
The project envisages clearing over 40,000 square metres of forest land and authorises mechanised excavation, earthwork, and canopy pruning within the 1.5-billion-year-old forest area.
Data indicates the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) approved 97 per cent of proposals between 2014 and 2026, clearing 2,121 out of 2,186 reviewed projects.
The Delhi government proposed establishing 13 new gaushalas (cow shelters), one in each district, to be integrated with the ridge and forest areas to address overcrowding.
Varkala in Kerala is among the 20 cities chosen for the inaugural 20 Cities Towards Zero Waste initiative led by the UN Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Zero Waste with support from UN-Habitat and the UN Environment…
Vantara University, the world’s first integrated global university dedicated to wildlife conservation and veterinary sciences, was launched in Jamnagar, Gujarat. Anant Ambani, Reliance Industries Executive Director and…
Joginipally Santosh Kumar, a former Member of Parliament (MP) in the Rajya Sabha, was conferred the title of "Global Green Icon" at the World Climate Leaders Conclave held at the House of Lords in London, United Kingdom…
The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) and Honeywell have partnered to establish the IIT Bombay–Honeywell Centre of Excellence for Future Skills and Innovation at the Powai campus in Mumbai. The…
Delhi Government hikes ration card income limit to ₹2.5 lakh
Key Updates:
The Delhi government has proposed to increase the income limit for ration card eligibility to ₹2.5 lakh per annum.
The current income criterion for ration card eligibility in Delhi is capped at ₹1.2 lakh per annum.
Approximately 7.72 lakh invalid ration cards have been cancelled by the government following an intensive audit.
The cancelled cards comprise 1.44 lakh beneficiaries not fulfilling the income criterion, 35,800 who did not receive ration, 29,580 who died, and 23,394 duplicates.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated that no new ration cards had been issued in Delhi over the past 13 years.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued revised prudential norms for dividend declaration and profit remittance, effective from Financial Year (FY) 2026-27. The revised framework applies to commercial banks, Small Finance…
The Department of Civil Supplies has directed beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY) to complete mandatory e-KYC registration for the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) system. The CBDC system was…
The Government of India will launch a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based Food Subsidy Distribution Pilot under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) in Puducherry on 26 February 2026. Union…
President Droupadi Murmu launched four women-centric welfare schemes of the Delhi government at the Sashakt Nari, Samriddh Delhi programme. The event was held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi.
JEEVAN App and SHATAYU Dashboard for Senior Citizens and Geriatric Care
Key Updates:
The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MSJE) will organise a virtual programme on “Creating a Well-Functioning Care Economy” on 22 May 2026.
Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar will launch the JEEVAN Mobile Application for Senior Citizens.
The SHATAYU Dashboard will be launched to provide information on Geriatric Caregivers.
The care economy includes activities related to childcare, eldercare, disability support, health related home care, and domestic services.
The initiative aims to develop a comprehensive framework for care services by leveraging technology and community participation.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Shri Prataprao Jadhav launched the Ayush Anudan Portal in New Delhi on 19 May 2026. The portal, developed under…
The Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) and Bombay Parsi Panchayat organised a Universal Parsi Registration Drive in Mumbai that recorded 300 fresh registrations on the Jiyo Parsi portal. Jiyo Parsi, launched in 2013-14…
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) launched JANANI (Journey of Antenatal, Natal and Neonatal Integrated Care) to unify pregnancy tracking and newborn care under a digital system. Developed as an…
Kerala Health Department launched the MeHEALTH mobile application to help users access information about nearby public health-care facilities and services. Users can view details of nearby hospitals, specialty…
India and African Union (AU) postpone Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit scheduled for May 28-31
Key Updates:
India and the African Union (AU) decided to postpone the Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS IV).
The IAFS IV was originally scheduled to take place in New Delhi from May 28 to 31.
The summit was deferred due to the evolving public health situation in parts of Africa linked to the Ebola scare.
India expressed its readiness to contribute to efforts led by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to address the health situation.
Over 30 heads of state and governments had confirmed their presence at the summit.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The outbreak is linked to the Bundibugyo…
French President Emmanuel Macron invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the G7 Summit during his official visit to India from February 17-19, 2026. The G7 Summit is scheduled to be held in Evian-les-Bains…
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) confirmed an Ebola outbreak in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), recording 65 deaths and 246 suspected cases. Cases in the…
India is no longer inclined to host the COP33 climate meeting in 2028, according to official sources. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had offered to host COP33 during the COP28 meeting in Dubai in December 2023.
India and South Korea jointly inaugurate Indian War Memorial in Seoul on 21 May 2026 to mark 75th anniversary of Korean War
Key Updates:
The Indian War Memorial at Imjingak Park in Seoul was jointly inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and South Korean Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Kwon Oh-eul on 21 May 2026.
The memorial commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Korean War and honours the Indian Army's 60 Para Field Ambulance and the Custodian Force of India for their medical assistance and post-war peacekeeping during the 1950-53 conflict.
The 60 Para Field Ambulance, commanded by Lt Col A G Rangaraj, Maha Vir Chakra, was given the title 'Maroon Angels' by South Korean civilians and soldiers for its humanitarian work under heavy crossfire.
The two ministers signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at cooperation in honouring Korean War veterans and released a memoir dedicated to soldiers who served during the conflict.
The memorial stands at the site where the Custodian Force of India established 'Hind Nagar' in September 1954, housing nearly 22,000 prisoners of war before their peaceful repatriation.
The Commonwealth War Grave Commission (CWGC) introduced digital name panels for the Basra Memorial in Iraq. The digital memorial includes the names of 33,000 Indian Army soldiers who died during the First World War.
India and the Republic of Korea (ROK) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 20 May 2026 to enhance cooperation in defence, cyber, and defence information. The agreement was signed in Seoul by Union Defence…
Retired Lance Havildar K G George, a veteran of the 1965 India-Pakistan War, passed away at the age of 95 in Kottayam, Kerala. He was a recipient of the Vir Chakra, which is the third highest wartime gallantry award in…
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung arrived in India for a three-day state visit, the first by a South Korean leader in over eight years. The visit aims to advance the India–South Korea Special Strategic Partnership, a…
India Fast-tracks Rs 2,600 Crore Hydropower Projects on Chenab River on 21 May 2026
Key Updates:
India has launched two major projects worth nearly Rs 2,600 crore on the Chenab River after putting the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) framework with Pakistan in abeyance.
The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) will execute the projects, including the Rs 2,352 crore Chenab–Beas Link Tunnel Project in the Lahaul-Spiti region of Himachal Pradesh.
The Chenab–Beas Link Tunnel involves constructing an 8.7-km tunnel and a 19-metre-high barrage to divert water from the Chandra river into the Beas river system.
The Dulhasti Stage-II project in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir aims to increase hydropower generation capacity near Koskar village.
The Centre has also fast-tracked other Chenab basin projects, including the 1,856-MW Sawalkote project in Ramban district, alongside Kiru, Kwar, Ratle, and Pakal Dul.
Border Roads Organisation (BRO) celebrated the 47th foundation day of Project Chetak on Saturday in Bikaner, Rajasthan. Project Chetak was launched on 4 April 1980 and operates in northern Rajasthan, Punjab, and Gujarat.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved a total investment of ₹40,175.33 crore for the construction of two hydropower projects in Arunachal Pradesh. The 1,720 MW Kamala Hydro Electric Project (HEP) will…
Uttar Pradesh has more than 20 expressways operational, under construction, or in the planning stage. Yamuna Expressway spans 165.5 km with six lanes, completed in 2012 at an estimated cost of ₹13,300 crore.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved two railway multitracking projects worth ₹4,474 crore. The projects will add fourth lines on the Sainthia–Pakur and Santragachi–Kharagpur routes, adding about 192…
India and Sweden Upgrade Bilateral Ties to Strategic Partnership
Key Updates:
India and Sweden have upgraded their bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership.
The two nations launched the Joint Innovation Partnership 2.0 and the India-Sweden Technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Corridor.
India and Sweden have set an ambitious goal to double their bilateral trade in the next five years.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the Royal Order of the Polar Star, Degree Commander Grand Cross.
The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) was highlighted as a connectivity project adding value to the India-Europe business partnership.
Collaboration areas identified include telecom and digital infrastructure, electronics, deep tech manufacturing, AI, green energy, infrastructure, mobility, urban transformation, healthcare, and life science.
Swedish companies were invited to participate in the Make in India initiative, the National Green Hydrogen Mission, and the National Critical Mineral Mission.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima at the Huis ten Bosch Palace in the Netherlands. Bilateral trade between India and the Netherlands was valued at USD 27.8 billion in 2024-25…
India and Sweden agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. Prime Minister Modi was awarded the 'Royal…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the Royal Order of the Polar Star, Degree Commander Grand Cross, by Sweden. The award is the highest honour granted to a Head of Government by the Scandinavian nation and…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the Royal Order of Polar Star by Sweden. The Royal Order of Polar Star is the highest honour awarded to a Head of Government by the Scandinavian nation.
Tata Power and Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) Sign Pact for Clean Energy Training in Bhutan
Key Updates:
Tata Power and Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) signed an initial pact to build a training framework for developing 5,000 MW clean energy capacity in Bhutan.
The training programmes will be delivered through the Tata Power Skill Development Institute (TPSDI) to bridge the skill gap in the power sector.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Praveer Sinha, CEO and Managing Director of Tata Power, and Dasho Chhewang Rinzin, Managing Director of DGPC.
TPSDI operates a robust training network across India, offering hands-on training in thermal, hydel, and renewable energy technologies.
The collaboration focuses on technologies including solar, wind, and green hydrogen to strengthen local capabilities for the clean energy sector in Bhutan.
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) organised Prakriti 2026 under the patronage of the Ministry of Power and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The Indian Carbon Market Portal serves as the central…
A delegation led by Tirupati Urban Development Authority (TUDA) Chairman C. Divakar Reddy presented the Andhra Pradesh Integrated Clean Energy Policy at the World Climate Cities Forum in Yeosu, South Korea. The World…
The maiden Bharat Electricity Summit (BES) concluded at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, with over 35,000 exhibition attendees, 28 States/Union Territories, 200+ exhibiting companies including 80+ Start-ups, 6,000+ delegates…
Indian Navy launches Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel Sanghmitra on 21 May 2026
Key Updates:
The Indian Navy launched 'Sanghmitra', a Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV), at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata.
The vessel, designated as Yard 3039, was launched by Sarita Vatsayan, Vice President of the Navy Welfare and Wellness Association (NWWA).
'Sanghmitra' is part of a programme to build 11 NGOPVs simultaneously at two shipyards, namely GRSE and Goa Shipyard Limited.
The ship is named after the daughter of Emperor Ashoka and its crest features the constellation Ursa Major and a red-and-white lighthouse motif.
The vessels are designed for maritime surveillance, coastal and offshore defence, search and rescue operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), anti-piracy patrols, and protection of offshore assets.
Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE) delivered three frontline platforms to the Indian Navy. The delivered vessels include the guided missile frigate INS Dunagiri, the survey vessel INS Sanshodhak, and the…
The Indian Navy inducted three indigenously built vessels — Dunagiri, Sanshodhak and Agray — from Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. Dunagiri is the fifth Nilgiri-class stealth frigate under…
The keel laying ceremony of Yard 16402 and 16403, the second and third of six Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), took place at YMPL, Ratnagiri on 17 March 2026. The vessels are being constructed under the…
Indian Navy took delivery of fourth Survey Vessel (Large) INS Sanshodhak on 30 March from Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. Contract for four survey vessels was signed in October 2018 and project…
NIBE Limited tests Suryastra rockets with 300 km range off Odisha on May 18 and 19, 2026
Key Updates:
NIBE Limited (NIBE) successfully conducted firing demonstrations of EXTRA (150 km range) and Predator Hawk (300 km range) "Suryastra" rockets.
The trials were carried out on May 18 and 19, 2026, at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha.
The rockets achieved a circular error probable (CEP) of 1.5 m and 2 m respectively, validating long-range precision strike capabilities.
The Indian Army issued a purchase order in January for the supply of Suryastra rockets and the universal rocket launcher under emergency procurement.
Suryastra is India's first indigenous, universal multi-calibre rocket launcher system featuring a modular launcher and shoot-and-scoot capabilities on an all-terrain tactical truck chassis.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully carried out the maiden flight-trial of the Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation (TARA) weapon system off the coast of…
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully completed final development trials of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 in air-to-ground and air-to-air modes.…
OmSpace Rocket and Exploration (OSRE) successfully launched a 4.2-metre sounding rocket from Bavaliyari near Dholera, becoming the first entity to launch a rocket from Gujarat. The single-stage sub-orbital rocket reached…
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted the maiden test of a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) off the coast of Odisha. The Agni-6 missile possesses a strike range of over…
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) develops world's first AI-designed gene editor for crops
Key Updates:
Scientists at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Central Rice Research Institute developed the world's first AI-designed genome-editing tool for plants.
The tool functions as a molecular scalpel to rewrite plant DNA to develop traits such as disease resistance, climate resilience, and higher yield.
Unlike existing CRISPR systems that rely on naturally occurring microbial proteins, this tool uses artificial intelligence to design entirely new enzymes from scratch.
The research team was led by scientist Kutubuddin Ali Molla.
The AI-designed enzymes enable gene knockout, base editing, and prime editing in crops.
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar has launched India’s first fully integrated agricultural intelligence system. The system was developed by the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in AI for Agriculture, ANNAM.AI.
Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced the implementation of a new Seed Act and a revised Pesticide Act. The announcement was made during a press conference in…
East Bengal FC wins Indian Super League (ISL) title
Key Updates:
East Bengal FC (EBFC) secured their first Indian Super League (ISL) title by defeating Inter Kashi 2-1 at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.
The victory ended a 22-year-old top-tier title drought for the club, which last won the domestic league during the 2003-04 season of the National Football League (NFL).
EBFC finished the campaign with 26 points from 13 matches, winning the championship on a superior goal difference of 19 compared to the 13 of Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG).
Striker Youssef Ezzejjari won the Golden Boot award after finishing as the highest goal-scorer of the league with 11 strikes from 13 matches.
The ISL season followed a shortened, single-leg round-robin format consisting of 13 matches where the league table topper was crowned the outright champion without post-season playoffs.
Jammu and Kashmir secured their first Ranji Trophy title by taking a 291-run first innings lead and ending the final in a draw against Karnataka at KSCA Stadium, Hubballi. Qamran Iqbal scored 160 not out and Sahil Lotra…
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) was acquired for $1.78 billion (around ₹16,600 crore) by a consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group and The Times of India Group, along with Bolt Ventures and Blackstone. The franchise…
India defended their T20 World Cup title by beating New Zealand by 96 runs in the final at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. India posted 255 for 5 in 20 overs; Sanju Samson top-scored with 89 off 46 balls.
International Biodiversity Day theme Acting Locally for Global Impact
Key Updates:
The theme for International Biodiversity Day is Acting Locally for Global Impact.
The Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT (Alliance) houses Future Seeds, a conservation and research hub containing 67,000 samples of beans, cassava, and tropical forages.
The 3rd International Agrobiodiversity Congress was convened in Kunming, China, by the Alliance, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), and Yunnan University.
The Kunming Manifesto on Agrobiodiversity was adopted as a guide for decision-makers to better incorporate agrobiodiversity in food and land systems.
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) established the initiative on Biodiversity for Food and Nutrition to collect scientific examples for national strategies and action plans.
World Bee Day is observed every year on May 20 to create awareness about the importance of bees and other pollinators. The theme for World Bee Day 2026 focuses on protecting pollinators and promoting sustainable…
India has risen from the ninth to the second-largest honey exporter globally in five years, exporting over one lakh metric tonnes last year. The National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) is supported by an investment…
The Union Government notified two institutional clusters as designated repositories under Section 39 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) enabled the notification in…
The United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/76/265 in May 2022 proclaiming 1 March as World Seagrass Day. Seagrasses cover only 0.1% of the ocean floor yet store up to 18% of the world’s oceanic carbon.
World Fair Play Day observed on 19 May
Key Updates:
World Fair Play Day is celebrated on 19 May every year to highlight fair play in the world of sport.
The day was officially designated through a resolution passed by the United Nations (UN) in July 2024.
The International Fair Play Committee (CIFP), headquartered in Paris, was founded in 1963 by French tennis player Jean Borotra.
Italian bobsledder Eugenio Monti became the first winner of a Fair Play Award in 1964.
The CIFP announced the launch of the Fair Play Academic Circle, a research and educational resource led by Dr Sigmund Loland.
International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) is observed annually on April 6. The 2026 theme is 'Sport: Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers'.
World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People is celebrated annually on March 20. The day was established by the International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People (ASSITEJ) in 2001.
World Theatre Day is celebrated annually on March 27 to honour the art of theatre and its impact on society. The International Theatre Institute (ITI) established World Theatre Day in 1961.
Alex Zanardi, a former Formula One (F1) driver and Paralympic champion, died at the age of 59 on 1 May. He made his F1 debut in 1991 and won back-to-back championships in the CART series in the United States in 1997 and…
Phil Campbell passed away peacefully at the age of 64 after a long stay in intensive care following a complex major operation. He served as the guitarist for the heavy-metal band Motörhead from 1984 until the group…
George Russell (No. 63 Mercedes) won the season-opening 2026 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. Russell secured pole position and led a Mercedes 1-2 finish with teammate Kimi Antonelli (No. 12) in second place.
Yáng Shuāng-zǐ and Lin King Win International Booker Prize 2026
Key Updates:
Yáng Shuāng-zǐ and translator Lin King won the International Booker Prize 2026 for the novel Taiwan Travelogue, which was originally published in Mandarin Chinese in 2020.
The £50,000 prize money is divided equally between the author and the translator, and the award was presented at a ceremony held at the Turbine Hall in London’s Tate Modern, United Kingdom (UK).
Taiwan Travelogue is the first book translated from Mandarin Chinese to win the prize, making Yáng Shuāng-zǐ the first Taiwanese author and Lin King the first Taiwanese and American translator to receive the honour.
The 2026 judging panel was chaired by author Natasha Brown and included Marcus du Sautoy, Sophie Hughes, Troy Onyango, and award-winning novelist and columnist Nilanjana S. Roy.
The winning title was published by the Sheffield-based independent press And Other Stories, which also published the 2025 winner Heart Lamp, the first collection of short stories to win the prize and the first translated from Kannada.
The International Booker Prize 2026 shortlist was announced on 31 March, featuring six books translated from five different languages. The winner of the prize will be announced on 19 May at the Tate Modern in London.
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) Thomas & Uber Cup 2026 was held in Horsens, Denmark. The Republic of Korea won the Uber Cup by defeating the People's Republic of China 3-1 on 3 May 2026.
The United Nations (UN) Chinese Language Day virtual forum is scheduled for 20 April. The theme for the event is “Fluent Futures Forum: Chinese Learning and Youth Engagement for a Multilingual UN 2.0 World”.
Vairamuthu has been conferred the 60th Jnanpith Award, India’s highest literary honour, announced by Bharatiya Jnanpith on Saturday. He becomes the third Tamil writer to receive the Jnanpith Award after Akilan and…
Tripti Mukherjee to Receive Padma Shri for Contribution to Kantha Stitch Embroidery
Key Updates:
President Droupadi Murmu will confer the Padma Shri on Kantha stitch artist Tripti Mukherjee at a ceremony scheduled for 25 May.
Mukherjee has over 37 years of experience in Kantha stitch embroidery and is recognised for preserving the traditional craft and creating livelihood opportunities for marginalised women.
She established a training centre in Suri, West Bengal, to teach women the art of Kantha stitch embroidery for products including sarees, wall hangings, bed sheets, stoles, and dupattas.
She represented India at a project in Birmingham, United Kingdom, in 2017 and at the 14th India Trend Fair in Tokyo in 2025, which was organised by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH).
Her previous honours include the National Award Certificate in 2010, the Shilp Guru Award in 2016 from the Ministry of Textiles, and the Bangashree Award from the West Bengal government in 2017.
Rituparna Sengupta was honoured with the Women Empowerment Award for Art and Culture at the House of Commons, Westminster Parliament, UK. The award was presented by Seema Malhotra and Virendra Sharma at an event…
Krishnan Raghavan, pen-name 'Kitna', was posthumously awarded the Padma Shri for 2023. He belonged to the Alu Kurumba tribal community, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) of the Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu.
Gp Capt. K.K. Venugopal named Fellow of Society of Experimental Test Pilots (SETP)
Key Updates:
Gp Capt. K.K. Venugopal has become the first Indian test pilot to be elected as a Fellow of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots (SETP).
Gp Capt. Venugopal is the Executive Director and Chief Test Pilot (Fixed Wing) of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
The SETP is a global community of test pilots and aerospace professionals based in Lancaster, California, USA.
The honour was conferred in recognition of his contributions as an Experimental Test Pilot (ETP) throughout a career spanning over 25 years.
Gp Capt. Venugopal has been involved in indigenous programmes including Saras LTA, LCA Mk I, HTT 40, HJT 36, and LCA Mk IA.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) committee on astronaut selection and management has recommended including four civilian specialists from science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) backgrounds…
Manindra Agrawal, Director of the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur), has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Society. The Royal Society is the national academy of sciences of the United Kingdom, founded…
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is hosting the 35th Plenary and Working Groups meetings of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Technical Committee 20/Subcommittee 14 in New Delhi. The…
Kuljeet Kaur Marhas became the first Indian woman to be elected as a Fellow of The Meteoritical Society for 2026. She is a professor in the Planetary Science Division at the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in…
