MAY 21,2026 CURRENT AFFAIRS
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Arunachal’s Green Gold: Kiwi Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region and Communications launched Mission on “Arunachal Kiwi: The USP of Arunachal Pradesh. » Mission is within "Brand North East" — one USP for every State: Organic State (Sikkim), Ginger (Mizoram), Queen Pineapple (Tripura), Coffees (Nagaland), Lakadong Turmeric (Meghalaya). Arunachal Organic Kiwi » Major cash crop of Arunachal Pradesh, embedded with indigenous farming practices of Lower Subansiri district. » Favourable Conditions: Temperate climate, well-defined seasons, fertile soil enriched with organic matter. » Organic Certification: Arunachal Pradesh became India’s first state to receive organic certification for kiwi cultivation in 2020 under Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region(MOVCD-NER). |
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Bhagirathi Eco-sensitive Zone Union government informed Supreme Court that is it not in favour of permitting any other new hydro-electric project in Alaknanda and Bhagirathi river basin. Bhagirathi Eco-sensitive Zone » Notified in 2012. » Coverage: 4179.59 sq. kilometre area from Gaumukh to Uttarakashi. » Zonal Master Plan (ZMP): Mandates Uttarakhand Government to prepare ZMP based on watershed approach. » Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ): Serve as “Shock Absorber” for specialized Ecosystem, such as Protected Areas or other natural sites. |
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Boosting Innovation: R&D Ease Report As per the report, India’s Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) stands at around 0.65% of GDP, lower than USA (~3.5%), China (~2.4%), and Republic of Korea (~4.5%). » Further, Global Innovation Index (GII) report 2025, shows the number of Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) researchers in India remains 262 per million, compared to USA (4,821), China (1,585). Key Challenges across India’s R&D ecosystem » Inadequate R&D Funding: Not only GERD in India is low, it is heavily dependent on public funding (~64%), compared to other leading economies having 60% of R&D budget contributed by private sector. » Attracting and Retaining Quality Human Resource: Due to instances of delays in scholarships disbursal, Lack of incentive for researchers to translate their patents/publications into products. » Technology Translation & Commercialization: Few R&D institutions, like CSIR labs, have Independent Business Divisions (IBD) to deal with translational aspect of technologies. » R&D in State Institutions: Poor R&D funding and Infrastructure along with burden of Affiliations which consumes maximum time and energy of faculty. Key Recommendations » Enhance Gross Expenditure on R&D to increase to at least 2% in next four to five years. » Create ‘Vigyan Nidhi’, unified Fellowship system to address fellowship funding and disbursal delays. » Establish State-level RDI Clusters by integrating HEIs, R&D institutions, MSMEs, PSUs, and industry. » National Institute for Science Policy and Governance (NISPG) similar to STEPI (South Korea) and NISTEP (Japan) may be established to bridge policy, implementation and monitoring gaps. |
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Building Stability: US–China Partnership Agreed during the recent Beijing Summit, idea of Strategic Stability as per USA is based on fairness and reciprocity, while for China, it carries an additional tone of keeping competition within proper limits, and respecting China’s core interests. key Highlights of the Summit » Establishing U.S.-China Boards Of Trade And Investment: To manage bilateral trade and investment. » Taiwan question: While China mentions Taiwan as most important issue in U.S.-China relations, USA completed omitted its mention from its Fact Sheet. » Global Security: Both sides reached a consensus on unblocking of Strait of Hormuz. » Framework for Bargaining, Not Clear Settlement: While for USA the summit produced key results on aircraft sales, agricultural purchases, restored market access, etc., China described these outcomes to be pending finalization. Key Irritants in USA-China Relations » Zero-Sum Game Belief: Generally argued that China’s gain corresponds to America’s loss. Ø China’s One Belt Road Initiative, Creation of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), etc., is viewed as counter to USA hegemony. » Ideological Differences: China’s authoritarianism and communist state further forces containment in their approach. » Russian Axis: Russia''s growing closeness with China (post Ukraine invasion) and its policy of strategic pivot eastward, toward Asia serve as an irritant. Ø Recent, USA-China summit was immediately followed by China-Russia meet where two issued strong warnings over US Golden Dome missile defence system. While a relatively stable U.S.-China relationship reduces risks to global growth, the new dynamics of coexistence of competition in calibrated and transactional form requires India to devise a calibrated approach in its policy. |
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Celebrating World Storytelling Yang Shuang-zi, Taiwanese writer and author of ''Taiwan Travelogue'' and translator Lin King win International Booker Prize 2026. International Booker Prize » It is awarded annually for a single book, translated into English and published in the UK or Ireland. » It was established in 2005 as the Man Booker International Prize. » Indian Winners of International Booker Prize: Ø Geetanjali Shree-Tomb of Sand (2022), translated by Daisy Rockwell. It was the first Hindi work to win this prize. Ø Banu Mushtaq- Heart Lamp (2025), translated by Deepa Bhasthi which was the first Kannada work to win this prize. Note: International Booker Prize id different from Booker Prize which rewards work written in English. |
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Currency Swap: USD–INR RBI announced a $5 billion dollar-rupee swap auction for a tenor of three years to inject liquidity. » The swap is in the nature of a simple buy/sell foreign exchange swap from the Reserve Bank side. » A bank shall sell US dollars to the RBI and simultaneously agree to buy the same amount of US dollars at the end of the swap period. Dollar-Rupee Swap » Forex liquidity management tool in which the Reserve Bank of India exchanges US dollars and Indian rupees with an agreement to reverse the transaction at a future date. » Purpose: To manage rupee liquidity, stabilize forex markets and reduce exchange rate volatility. |
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Honoring Excellence in Agriculture FAO honours India’s Prime Minister with its prestigious Agricola Medal. » FAO’s Agricola Medal is the organization’s highest honour, awarded to extraordinary leaders for their commitment and contributions towards FAO’s mission of eradicating hunger, reducing poverty, and ensuring global food security and nutrition. FAO(Food and Agriculture Organization) » Genesis: Established in 1945. » It is a specialized agency of the United Nations leading international efforts to defeat hunger. » Headquarters: Rome, Italy » Members: 193 Member Nations, one Member Organization, and two Associate Members. » Flagship Reports: The State of Food and Agriculture, The State of the World''s Forests etc. |
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India–Italy Upgrade Partnership to Special Strategic Tier During Indian Prime Minister’s official visit to Italy, India and Italy deepened cooperation in elevated bilateral ties from a Strategic Partnership to a Special Strategic Partnership Key Outcomes of the Visit » Trade & Investment Cooperation: India and Italy set a target to expand bilateral trade to €20 billion by 2029, supported by India–EU FTA. » Defence Industrial Roadmapadopted: Focusing on co-design, co-development and co-production of defence platforms. o Maritime Security Dialogue to be launched for increased maritime cooperation. » Connectivity: Reaffirmed commitment to India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Italy''s Mediterranean ports are potential European endpoints for IMEC. o IMEC, announced in 2023, aims to link India, the Middle East, and Europe through an integrated rail and shipping corridor. » Critical Technologies & Innovation: Announced INNOVIT India, an innovation hub in India to bridge startups and university research in AI, semiconductors, quantum computing, and fintech. » Culture: Declared 2027 as the "Year of Culture and Tourism between India and Italy." o MoU for Italy''s participation in developing the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, Gujarat. » Others: Space cooperation, critical minerals, mobility agreement for Indian nurses, Social Security Agreement (SSA). Significance of India-Italy Relations » Economic Importance: Italy is India’s 4th largest trading partner in the EU. » Bilateral trade reached US$13.76 billion in 2024–25. » Diplomatic Significance: Italy is a key partner in India’s Europe and Mediterranean outreach, with cooperation expanding across G20, Indo-Pacific, IMEC and India–EU frameworks. » Diaspora Linkages: ~1.87 lakh Indians reside in Italy, strengthening people-to-people relations. » Joint Strategic Action Plan (2025-2029): Deepening cooperation across strategic, economic, technological and people-centric sectors. |
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Kink Waves: Unlocking Plasma Secrets » Solar Corona: Outermost layer of the Sun’s atmosphere extending millions of kilometres above the surface into space. » Temperature Paradox:Corona temperature reaches about 1 million °C, much hotter than the Sun’s surface/photosphere (~5,500°C). Alfvénic/Kink Waves » Alfvénic/Kink Waves: Transverse magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) waves that travel along magnetic field lines in the Sun’s corona, causing sideways oscillation of coronal plasma structures. » They play a crucial role in understanding coronal heating. |
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Korea’s Global Headlines Republic of Korea (Capital: Seoul) India, South Korea agree to deepen defence ties during the Indian Defence Minister’s visit. Political Features » Location: East Asian country located on the southern part of the Korean Peninsula. » Boundary: Shares a land boundary with North Korea in the north. Ø 38th Parallel: The 38°N latitude broadly separates South Korea from North Korea. Ø Maritime Boundaries: Sea of Japan (East), East China Sea (South) and Yellow Sea (West) Geographical Features » Strait: Korea Strait separates South Korea from Japan’s Tsushima Islands. » Highest Peak: Hallasan on Jeju Island. » Major Rivers: Han, Geum, and Nakdong Rivers. |
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PRAGATI 2026 Military Exercise » PRAGATI stands for Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region. » Multilateral military exercise led by the Indian Army at Umroi Military Station, Meghalaya. » Participating Countries: 12 nations (Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Vietnam) |
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Shortest Stellar Binary System Researchers discovered one of shortest-period stellar binary systems known so far, featuring a blue straggler star paired with rare brown dwarf companion in ultra-compact orbit. » Blue straggler stars: Appear brighter and bluer than other stars of similar age in star clusters, defying standard models of stellar evolution. » Brown Dwarfs: Celestial objects too massive to be planets but too small to sustain nuclear fusion like stars. Details of Binary System Discovered » It lies within “brown dwarf desert”, a region where such companions are considered extremely rare. » Orbital Period: 5.6 hours (0.234 days). » Mass of Companion: Nearly 0.056 times of Sun, placing it below hydrogen-burning limit. |
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Single Election, Stronger Unity The Joint parliamentary committee (JPC) on One Nation One Election held that simultaneous polls could save nearly Rs. 7 lakh crore and boost GDP growth by up to 1.6%. » The JPC is scrutinising two proposed legislations related to simultaneous elections: The Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024 and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024. One Nation One Election » It refers to the idea of conducting simultaneous elections for all three tiers of government- the Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and local bodies (Panchayats and Municipalities). Significance: » Financial Savings & Growth: Simultaneous elections will reduce costs of conducting elections and streamline the time-consuming process, aiding economic growth. » Prevent Policy Paralysis: Frequent elections lead to repeated imposition of Model Code of Conduct, which disrupts developmental activities. Ø Simultaneous elections will promote long-term development and welfare policies. » Resource Preservation and Sustained Governance: Minimizes the frequent diversion of administrative machinery such as teachers and security forces. Expert Institutions recommending Simultaneous Elections » Law Commission of India (170th Report of 1999, 255th Report of 2015, Draft Report 2018) » Parliamentary Standing Committee Report (2015) » Working Paper of NITI Aayog (2017) » High-Level Committee Chaired by Former President Ramnath Kovind (2023) Ø Recommended phased implementation: Elections to Lok Sabha and State Assemblies together and to local bodies within 100 days after that. Challenges in Implementation » Constitutional and Legal Hurdles: Amendments to constitutional provisions (e.g. Articles 83, 172, 327) and changes to the Representation of the People Act, 1951 are required. » Premature Dissolutions: E.g. Managing a "Hung Assembly" or a government falling to a no-confidence motion before completing its term. » Logistical Deficits: Demands a massive infrastructure scale-up, including an estimated Rs 9,300 crore for additional EVMs, VVPATs. (NITI Aayog) » Overshadowing of Local Issues: May lead to "nationalization" of local issues, potentially marginalizing regional parties and local developmental issues. |
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UN-Habitat Urban Report 2026 Titled “The Global Housing Crisis Pathways to Action”, report highlights affordability constraints, pervasive informality, increasing climate-related risks, etc., as interlinked and mutually reinforcing challenges. » Key Highlights of the Report » Housing Crisis: Up to 3.4 billion people worldwide lack access to adequate housing. o Homelessness rate for India stand at 13 per 10,000 as per Institute of Global Homelessness. » Climate-related hazards: Projected to destroy 167 million homes by 2040. o Housing alone is responsible for an estimated 17- 21% of total emissions. » Ineffective National Housing Policies: Fail to fully incorporate key dimensions of adequacy like affordability, tenure security, accessibility, etc. » Housing Prices: Average price-to-income ratios increasing from 9.5 in 2010 to 11.7 in 2023 globally. o India’s Mumbai and Delhi record price-to-income ratios of 14.3 and 10.1. Key Recommendations » Comprehensive Affordability Strategies: Strengthening land governance, expanding rental and non-market housing options, streamlining regulatory processes, etc. » Affordable housing finance: Prioritize vulnerable and low‑income groups, including informal workers, female‑headed households. » Climate-resilient housing policies: Prevent exclusionary outcomes like green gentrification and green grabbing. Measures Towards Addressing Housing Crisis in India » Scheme: Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Urban (PMAY-U) 2.0 ‘Housing for All’ Mission from 2024 supports 1 crore additional eligible beneficiaries in next five years in urban areas. » Supreme Court Judgements: Olga Tellis and Others v Bombay Municipal Corporation (1985), etc. interpreted Article 21 (Right to Life) to encompass housing, livelihood. » Key Best Practices: Yerwada project in Pune (India) implemented strategic construction measures to mitigate environmental risks; Bhubaneswar Affordable Housing Project, a fully structured PPP in India, etc. |