MAY 15 , 2026 CURRENT AFFAIRS
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Agriculture Price Support Government approved an increase in MSP for 14 Kharif Crops for Marketing Season 2026-27. MSP » Definition: Mechanism through which government supports farmers by purchasing their crops at a pre-determined price. » Recommendation: The Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices (CACP), Ministry of Agriculture » Final approval: Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by PM. » Legal Status: MSP does not have any statutory (legal) backing. » Crops Covered: 22 crops. In addition, MSP for Toria and De-Husked coconut is also fixed on the basis of MSPs of Rapeseed & Mustard and Copra. o 14 Kharif Crops (e.g., Paddy, Jowar, Bajra, Maize, Ragi, Arhar, Moong, Urad, Groundnut, Soybean, Sunflower, Sesamum, Nigerseed, Cotton). o 6 Rabi Crops (e.g., Wheat, Barley, Gram, Masur/Lentil, Rapeseed/Mustard, Safflower). o 2 Commercial Crops (Raw Jute, Copra). |
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Cybersecurity Compliance Authority India nominated as Chair of CCDB from April 2026 to April 2028, during 1st Quarter Meeting of Common Criteria Recognition Arrangement (CCRA) in Japan. CCDB » Serves as technical core of CCRA, managing international work program for Common Criteria (CC) and Common Methodology for Information Technology Security Evaluation (CEM). o CCRA is foundational international treaty enabling mutual recognition of IT security certificates across borders comprising 20 certificate-authorizing and 18 certificate-consuming nations. » India and CCDB: India has been active member of CCRA since 2013 as Certificate Authorizing Nation. o Through Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY) and STQC Directorate, as the official Certification Body for IT security evaluations in India. |
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Global Health Trends 2026 – WHO It is annual compilation of health and health-related indicators, been published by World Health Organization (WHO) since 2005. Key Highlights » Global progress towards health and health-related SDGs: Remains uneven and too slow to meet 2030 targets. » Infectious Diseases: Global long-term declines for infectious diseases between 2010 and 2024 for HIV infections, tuberculosis, neglected tropical diseases, etc. o However global malaria incidence rose 8.5% since 2015. » High prevalence rates of preventable risk factors: Rising Global anaemia prevalence in women of reproductive age and Violence against women. » Air pollution: Estimated 2.0 billion people worldwide still rely on polluting cooking fuels and technologies in 2024. » Progress towards Universal Health Coverage: About a quarter of global population faces financial hardship due to out-of-pocket health spending. o 1.6 billion people are living in/have been pushed into poverty because of health expenses as of 2022. » Global life expectancy and HALE (Healthy Life Expectancy): COVID 19 pandemic erased nearly decade of progress with both falling to 2011 levels in 2021. Measures to Strengthen Mortality Surveillance for Effective Policy ActionsAgeing: » Sustained investment in robust CRVS (civil registration and vital statistics) systems: Improved medical certification of cause of death. » Investments in digital health infrastructure: Like interoperable platforms, secure data architecture and scalable digital tools, ensuring national data sovereignty. » Adhering to Global Binding Standards: WHO Nomenclature Regulations 1967, integrating International Classification of Diseases, ICD-11 into national systems. » Best Practices: E.g., Morocco transitioned from centralized to decentralized digital cause-of-death reporting platform. |
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Global Security Alert: TATP National Investigation Agency (NIA) highlights the use of rare explosive mixture TATP in the 2025 Red Fort blast. TATP (C9H18O6) » Also known as “Mother of Satan” and acetone peroxide, it is a semi-stable crystalline solid, attractive as a terror weapon as it is relatively easy to prepare. » Key Characteristics: belongs to a class of organic peroxide explosives. o extremely sensitive to impact, friction, static electricity, and heat. o extremely dangerous, and even small quantities (1gram) can cause injury and damage. » Terror Linkages: Used in major terror attacks like Paris (2015), Brussels (2016), Manchester Arena (2017), etc.
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Government Ups Precious Metal Duty The government further imposed a 100 kg cap on gold imports under the Advance Authorization (AA) scheme, which allows jewellery exporters to import raw materials duty-free. » The Advance Authorisation Scheme is a trade facilitation measure by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) that allows duty-free import of raw materials to manufacture export products. » These measures were taken following Prime Minister''s appeal to avoid buying gold for a year to ease pressure on Indian foreign exchange reserves Impact of rising gold demand on Indian Economy » Trade Deficit: India''s merchandise trade deficit reached $333.2 billion in FY26, a significant rise from $284.5 billion the previous year. o India''s gold imports in FY26 totaled $71.98 billion, marking a 24.08% increase year-on-year. » Increased Current account deficit (CAD): Due to rising trade deficit in its April 2026 projections, the IMF said India’s current account deficit could widen in 2026 roughly around 2% of GDP. o Current account deficit refers to the situation where a country''s total imports of goods, services, and transfers exceed its total exports and transfers out. » Depreciates Indian Rupee: As a result imports become costlier and it force RBI to use foreign exchange reserves to stabilize the currency. » Dead Capital: As gold stored privately remains outside the formal financial system and cannot support investment, infrastructure, or job creation. Gold Consumption status » India o India is the world’s 2nd largest consumer of gold, just after China. o Approximately 90% of India’s gold is imported, making domestic prices highly sensitive to international trends. o Gold Ore: The largest resources in terms of gold ore (primary) are located in Bihar (43%), followed by Rajasthan (24.92%), and Karnataka (20%). » Karnataka is the leading producer of gold accounting for 97% followed by Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand. » World o Major Holders of Gold Reserves: United States, followed by Germany and Italy. o Major Exporters: Switzerland, followed by the United Arab Emirates and United Kingdom (World Population Review). |
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India’s Strategic Autonomy in a Changing World Strategic autonomy refers to nation’s ability to make sovereign decisions in foreign policy and defence without being constrained by external pressures or alliance obligations. » It is not synonymous with isolationism or neutrality rather implies flexibility, independence and capacity to engage with multiple powers on one’s own terms. India’s Strategic Autonomy Challenges » Fragmented World Order: American dominance, China’s assertiveness, and Russia’s revisionism. » Western Pressures: Navigating sanctions and diplomatic opposition (by USA) regarding India’s strategic energy and defence ties with Russia. » China Challenge: India’s deepening of strategic partnership with United States being viewed in opposition to China. » Others: Weakened international institutions, use of force replacing rule of law in recent military conflicts, technological, digital and financial fragmentation, shift towards protectionism, etc. India’s Measures to Maintain Strategic Autonomy » Recalibrating Relationships with Major Powers: Deepening relations with United States while balancing strained economic ties due to tariffs and sanctions. » Balancing Act with China: Despite border and diplomatic tensions, India participates in multilateral forums like BRICS, and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, where China plays a leading role. » Firmness in Relations with Russia: Despite Russia’s growing closeness with China and global isolation following Ukraine conflict, India maintains defence and diplomatic ties. » Defence Diversification: BrahMos missiles, jointly developed with Russia, French made Mirage 2000 fighter jets, along with Israeli-made weapons like SCALP-2000 bombs. » Trade Diversification: India is pursuing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) aligning them with geopolitical realities. » Further, measures like Digital sovereignty, energy security, resilient supply chain, inclusive growth with vision of self-reliance (Atmanirbharta) would ensure continued pursuit of strategic autonomy for India. |
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Latvia’s Rising Profile Latvia (Capital: Riga) Latvian Prime Minister announced resignation over government’s handling of multiple incidents involving stray drones suspected from Ukraine. Political Features » Location: Northeastern Europe and middle of the three Baltic states. » Baltic States comprises of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. » Land Boundaries: Estonia (North), Russia (East), Belarus (Southeast), and Lithuania (South). » Maritime Boundaries: Baltic Sea and Gulf of Riga. Geographical Features » Highest point: Gaizinkalns » Major rivers: Daugava, Gauja, Venta |
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MSMEs Boost Grassroots Economies The MSMEs encompasses more than 7.47 crore enterprises and 31 of GDP contribution across manufacturing, services, and trade activities of which large share of these enterprises operates in rural and semi-urban areas providing boost to economy. Role of MSMEs in Rural and Semi-Urban Economies » Labour-Intensive Employment: MSMEs generate high employment with low capital investment, employing approximately 32.8 crore people, primarily in rural areas; second only to agriculture. » Check on Distress Migration: Creates local livelihood opportunities in agro-processing and rural services, reducing distress migration. » Women-led Entrepreneurship: Rural India has higher women-owned MSMEs (22.24%) than urban areas. » Local Resource-Based Development: Utilizes local raw materials, traditional skills promoting decentralized, sustainable production. » Integration in formal economy: Institutions like Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) are integrating rural enterprises with formal credit, and supply chains totaling overall 48.5% export share in economy. Government initiatives : » Digital MSME Ecosystem: Platforms such as Udyam (online MSME registration), GeM (government procurement marketplace), TReDS (invoice financing), SAMADHAAN (delayed payment resolution), etc. » PM Vishwakarma Scheme: Supports traditional artisans through skill, and market linkage support. » CGTMSE: Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises for collateral-free credit. » PMEGP (Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme): A credit-linked subsidy scheme » ASPIRE (A Scheme for Promotion of Innovation, Rural Industries and Entrepreneurship): Promotes rural entrepreneurship. » SFURTI (Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries): Supports cluster-based development of traditional industries. Revision in classification criteria for MSMEs announced in Union Budget 2025-26
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Neanderthals - The Lost Humans of Europe A study suggests Neanderthals carried out dental procedure around 59,000 years ago based on a molar found in Chagyrskaya Cave in Siberia, Russia. » Period: from about 400,000 to 40,000 years ago. » Location: Evolved in Europe and southwest and central Asia whereas our species, Homo sapiens - were evolving in Africa. » Appearance: Long and low skull, large nose and brain, strong double-arched brow ridge, relatively short and stocky bodies and didn''t have much of a chin. » Diet: largely carnivore but also ate plants » Features: skilled tool makers, proficient hunters, able to communicate, made fire and jewellery. o However no clear examples of them creating representational art copied from real sources such as animals. |
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Next-Gen Cancer Treatment: CAR-T Technology Development Board entered into an agreement is under the Indo-Singapore collaborative framework to develop treatment for Multiple Myeloma (incurable blood cancer) using CAR- T cell therapy. CAR-T cell therapy » CAR-T cell therapy is called a "living drug" because it uses the patient''s own living immune cells (T-cells). » It is a type of immunotherapy which modifies immune cells, specifically T-cells, by turning them into potent cancer fighters known as CAR-T cells. o T-cells are special cells (types of white blood cells) whose primary function is cytotoxic, meaning killing other cells. o T cells are taken from patient blood and are changed in the lab by adding a gene for a man-made receptor (called CAR) then returned to patient. Ø CARs are proteins that assist the T-cells to recognise and attach to a specific protein present on cancer cells. |
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PMOS: The Hidden Health Issue International panel has renamed polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) as PMOS. » PCOS is a common hormonal condition affecting women of reproductive age. » In this, ovaries produce excess androgens (hormones regulating masculine characteristics), causing irregular menstruation, ovarian cysts, acne, weight gain and fertility difficulties. » “PCOS” was considered misleading because many women diagnosed with it do not have polycystic ovaries; narrowing down both diagnosis and treatment. PMOS » PMOS highlights multiple hormonal pathways, central metabolic dysfunction and broader systemic risks. » Polyendocrine: involvement of multiple hormone-producing systems. » Metabolic: connection with metabolic dysfunction, insulin resistance and cardio-metabolic dysfunctions as central features. » Ovarian: irregular menstruation, infertility and ovulation problems » Syndrome: complex multisystem disorder and not single-organ complication.
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Power Rivalry Trap The Chinese President raised the “Thucydides Trap”and Peloponnesian War in talks with the US president in Beijing. Thucydides Trap: » Origin: The term was coined by Harvard political scientist Graham Allison. o He named it after the ancient Greek historian Thucydides who chronicled the Peloponnesian War. » Peloponnesian War was long war between Athens and Sparta started in 431BC. » Meaning: It describes the danger that emerges when a rising power threatens to displace a dominant one, leading to conflict. » Modern Relevance: it is used to analyze the complex and tense geopolitical relationship such as between the United States (established power) and China (rising global power). |
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Sudden Storms Leave Trail of Tragedy in UP Thunderstorms are severe local storms of short duration, occurring over small area but violent causing significant harm to lives and infrastructure. Thunderstorms » They are well grown cumulonimbus clouds producing thunder and lightning, caused by intense convection on moist hot days. » They fall in category of Meso-gamma weather systems with spatial extent of around 2~20 km and temporal scale of few hours. » Types: Considering their intensity, the thunderstorms in India are categorised as » Moderate: Loud peals of thunder with associated lightning flashes, moderate to heavy rain and maximum wind speed of 29 to 74 kmph. » Severe: Continuous thunder and occasional hailstorm, and maximum wind speed exceeding 74 kmph. » Occurrence: Frequency and intensity are maximum during summer months (March to June) due to intense heating up of atmosphere at surface level. Life Cycle of Thunderstorms » Developing Stage: Marked by cumulus cloud being pushed upward by a rising column of air (updraft); that soon looks like a tower. » This stage has little to no rain but occasional lightning. » Mature Stage: While Updraft continues to feed the storm, precipitation begins to fall out of the storm, creating a downdraft (column of air pushing downward). » Causes hail, heavy rain, frequent lightning, strong winds, and tornadoes. » Dissipating Stage: Eventually, large amount of precipitation is produced and the updraft is overcome by the downdraft beginning the dissipating stage. » NDMA through its Guidelines for Prevention and Management of Thunderstorms, 2018 provide comprehensive measures to tackle it by way of Hazard mapping, structural mitigation measures, etc. |
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Trade Price Index Wholesale inflation jumps to 3.5-year high of 8.3% in April 2026 due to war in West Asia. WPI: » Meaning: It is a measure of the average change of prices of a fixed set of goods at the first point of bulk sale in a commercial transaction in the domestic market over a given period of time. » Released by: Office of the Economic Adviser, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Union Ministry of Commerce & Industry. » Base Year: 2022-23 » Composition of Basket: Categorized into three major groups: o Primary Articles (Weight 22.62%): Consists of 4 sub-groups: Food Articles; Non-Food Articles; Minerals; and Crude petroleum and natural gas o Fuel & Power (Weight 13.15%): Consists of 3 sub-groups: Coal; Mineral Oils; Electricity. » Manufactured Products (Weight 64.23%): Consists of 22 sub-groupsNearly 80% of the human population in the region belongs to Ho, Munda, Oraon and some primitive tribes. |