MAY 23, 2026 CURRENT AFFAIRS
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AIIB – Multilateral Development Bank IIB launched an Energy, Food Security and Economic Resilience Facility to support members whose development may be affected by the conflict in the Middle East. » It offers a time-bound financing envelope of up to USD10 billion over two years. About AIIB » Establishment: Multilateral Development Bank established in 2016. » Headquarters: Beijing, China. » Objective: To promote sustainable infrastructure development, regional connectivity and economic growth in Asia. » Membership: Over 111 approved members worldwide. Ø India is a founding member and the second-largest shareholder after China. » India is also the largest borrower from AIIB. |
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Cyprus: Geopolitical Focus Cyprus (Capital: Nicosia) India and Cyprus elevated their ties to Strategic Partnership, unveiled 5-year roadmap for defence cooperation (2026-2031) and Cyprus announced joining Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. Political Features » Location: An island country in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. » It is a member of the European Union (EU) despite being geographically in Asia. » Geographical Features » It is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea after Sicily and Sardinia. » Mountain Range: Kyrenia and Troodos Mountains. » Highest Point: Mount Olympus. |
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Digital Health Milestone – ABHA ABHA, an initiative under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, serves as a unique consent-based digital health identity that enables citizens to securely link and access their medical records across hospitals, clinics, laboratories, etc. Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) » Launched: In 2021 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare as a Central Sector Scheme. » Implementing Agency: National Health Authority (NHA). » Objective: To develop integrated, interoperable, and citizen-centric digital health infrastructure in India. » Digital Components of ABDM Ø ABHA ID: 14-digit unique digital health ID. Ø Health Facility Registry (HFR): National database of public and private healthcare facilities. Ø Healthcare Professionals Registry (HPR): Database of registered healthcare professionals including AYUSH practitioners. Ø Unified Health Interface (UHI): Open digital platform for tele-consultation, appointments and healthcare services. Ø Health Information Exchange and Consent Manager (HIE-CM): Consent-based Health Information Exchange system for secure sharing of health records. Ø National Health Claims Exchange (HCX): Digital platform for faster and standardised insurance claim settlement. Key Initiatives under ABDM » Scan and Share: QR-based OPD registration system reducing patient waiting time. » Digital Health Incentive Scheme (DHIS): Provides incentives up to ₹4 crore for adoption of digital health ecosystem. » Microsite Project: Cluster-based network to promote ABDM adoption among private healthcare providers. Significance of Digital Healthcare in India » Universal Healthcare Access: Expands healthcare delivery to remote and underserved regions through telemedicine and digital platforms. » Efficient Service Delivery: Reduces waiting time, duplication of tests and administrative burden through integrated digital records. » Strengthening Public Health: Enhances disease surveillance, epidemic monitoring and data-driven policymaking. » Financial Protection: Enables faster insurance claims and targeted healthcare delivery under schemes like PM-JAY. » Boost to Health-tech Ecosystem: Promotes AI-driven healthcare, digital innovation and growth of health-tech startups. |
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Egocentric Data – Wearable Cameras The rapid growth of egocentric data collection has triggered ethical questions around surveillance, consent and labour displacement. Egocentric Data » Egocentric data refers to video and sensor recordings captured from the perspective of the person performing a task. Ø Typically collected using cameras mounted on the head, chest or wrist, the footage shows exactly what a human worker sees while carrying out an activity including hand movements, object interactions, navigating spaces etc. » Significance: Ø Designed to mimic the visual viewpoint a robot itself would have during deployment. Ø Valuable for training Vision-Language-Action (VLA) models, which are AI systems that combine visual understanding, language instructions and physical movement. » Related Issues: Surveillance, privacy, ownership, compensation. |
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Global Recognition in Astronautics India''s Chandrayaan-3 mission was honored with prestigious 2026 Goddard Astronautics Award by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). Award » Significance: Highest honor bestowed by AIAA for notable achievements in the field of astronautics. » Background: Named after Robert H. Goddard, a pioneer in liquid rocket engine development, and received its current widened criteria in 1975. » Chandrayaan-3 Mission » Historic Landing: On August 23, 2023, Chandrayaan-3 made history by becoming the first spacecraft to achieve a soft landing near the Moon''s South Pole. » Mission Life: One lunar day (~14 Earth days). » Components: Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover. |
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Index‑Based Insurance Model As India faces intensifying heatwaves due to climate change, parametric insurance is emerging as a tool for automatic financial relief during extreme heat events. Parametric Insurance » Parametric insurance is a non-traditional model that pays out a pre-agreed, fixed sum when a specific, measurable event (e.g., temperature, rainfall, wind speed) occurs, rather than compensating for actual physical damages. » Significance: Ensures faster financial relief during disasters like heatwaves, floods and droughts; useful for climate-risk management and vulnerable communities. |
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India’s Smart Border Initiative The proposed Smart Border Project will be equipped with drones, radars, modern cameras, and other advanced technologies, making entire borders with Bangladesh and Pakistan impenetrable. Need for Smart Border Project in India » Vast Land Border: India shares 15,106.7 kilometres of land border with seven countries (Bangladesh, China, Pakistan, Nepal, Myanmar, Bhutan and Afghanistan). » Countering Illegal Activities: To curb illegal infiltration, organized crime, smuggling of narcotics, cattle, weapons and counterfeit currency. » Tackling Emerging Security Threats: Such as cyber threats, hybrid warfare, and drone-based intrusions. » Managing Difficult Terrain and Climate: Varied terrain such as deserts, glaciers, lakes, rivers, snow-covered peaks, swampy marshes, fertile lands, and tropical forests not suitable for sustaining manpower. » Enhancing Efficiency Through Technology: To ensure integrated, real-time, and technology-driven border security management. Initiatives taken for Smart Border Management » Anti-Drone Systems: Integration of jamming and detection tech to counter aerial threats. E.g. IG T-Shul Pulse Anti-Drone System. » Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS): Deployment of smart fencing, sensors, radars, CCTV cameras, and command-control systems for real-time border monitoring. » BOLD-QIT (Border Electronically Dominated QRT Interception Technique) project: It is a high-tech "smart fencing" initiative launched by the Border Security Force (BSF) along the Indo-Bangladesh border. |
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IN‑SPACe – Boosting Space Startups The Department of Space (DoS) has approved establishment of Common Technical Facilities (CTFs), to be built with the support of IN-SPACe, in Gujarat (Khoraj) and Tamil Nadu (Thoothukudi). » These CTFs will be located within plug-and-play manufacturing clusters exclusively designated for space activities (spacecraft, payload systems, etc.). IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre) » It is an autonomous body under the Department of Space (DoS). » Established as part of Space Sector Reforms (2020) to enhance private sector participation and strengthen India’s space economy through public-private collaboration. » Key Functions: Ø Promotion: Drives the private space ecosystem via funding and technology transfers from ISRO. Ø Enabling: Reduces startup costs by providing access to ISRO’s infrastructure and laboratories. Ø Authorization: Serves as the primary regulator for clearing private launches and ground operations. Etc. |
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Mental Health Burden 1990–2023 Lancet study estimates nearly 1.17 billion cases of mental disorders globally in 2023. » Key Findings of the Study » Disability Burden: Mental disorders is a leading cause of disability, accounting for over 17% of total Years Lived with Disability (YLDs) worldwide. » Major Contributors:Anxiety and depression emerged as the leading contributors to rising mental health burden. » Gender Impact:Women were disproportionately affected, especially by anxiety and depressive disorders. Ø Neurodevelopmental and behavioural disorders such as ADHD, conduct disorder and autism were found to be more common in males. » Age Group Impact: Highest mental disorder burden observed among the 15–19 years age group, highlighting need for early intervention. » India Scenario: The prevalence rate increased from 2,591.9 cases per lakh in 1990 to 5,792.8 per lakh in 2023. » Drivers of Rising Mental Disorders » Economic Insecurity: Poverty, unemployment, inequality and financial stress aggravating psychological distress. » Social Isolation: Declining social connectedness, loneliness and weakening family/community support systems. » Violence & Abuse: Domestic violence, child maltreatment and gender-based violence contributing to trauma and mental disorders. » Digital & Lifestyle Stress: Excessive social media use, cyberbullying, FOMO and performance pressure increasing anxiety and depression among youth. » Climate & Conflict Stress: Climate change, disasters, wars and displacement increasing anxiety and PTSD, e.g., Gaza conflict and refugee crises. |
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Pregabalin – Controlled Drug Pregabalin » Medical Uses: Pregabalin (or Lyrica) is primarily prescribed to treat nerve pain, chronic pain, neuropathies, fibromyalgia, and manage seizures in people with epilepsy. » Health Risks: Suicidal thoughts and central nervous system (CNS) depression. Schedule H1 » About: Schedule H1 is a highly restrictive category under the Drugs Rules, 1945 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. » Strict Prescription Rule: Under Schedule H1 medicines can only be sold against a valid prescription issued by a Registered Medical Practitioner (RMP). » Retailer Accountability: Chemists and retailers have to maintain a separate register that records all details. » Mandatory Warning Labels: Manufacturers must prominently display a “Schedule H1 Drug Warning” label on the packaging. |
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RBI Intervenes in Forex Market Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recorded a total net sale of $53.1 billion in FY26, an increase of $12 billion, compared to net sales of $41.1 billion in FY25. » Other measures taken by RBI to prevent Rupee Depreciation » Liquidity Injections & Swaps: RBI has initiated a $5 billion USD/INR buy/sell swap to boost rupee liquidity and enhance market stability. » Offshore NDF & Derivative Limits: The central bank is restricting domestic banks from rupee Non-Deliverable Forward (NDF) contracts to decouple from volatile offshore markets. Ø It has capped net open forex positions for banks at $100 million to curb speculative trading. » About Currency Depreciation » Definition: Depreciation of a currency occurs when its value declines relative to foreign currencies in the open market. » Factors Driving Depreciation of Indian Rupee Ø Other: Gold import bill has almost doubled to $72 billion in 2025-26 in two years; Outflow under LRS for foreign travel accounted for $15 billion in FY26, etc. » Global economic factors: Such as high crude oil prices (past $100 per barrel) due to the Strait of Hormuz crisis, US Federal Reserve interest rate hikes, etc. have led to higher demand for foreign currency, weakening the rupee. » Capital Outflows: For e.g. total outflows by Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) from the equity market have crossed ₹2 lakh crore in 2026. |
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RBI Surplus Transfer to Govt RBI approved its highest-ever surplus transfer of ₹2.86 lakh crore to the Central Government for the Financial Year 2025–26. RBI Surplus » Surplus implies excess of income over expenditure. Ø RBI''s Income Source: Interest on holding of rupee securities, liquidity adjustment facility (LAF), marginal standing facility (MSF), loans & advances and foreign sources. Ø RBI is not liable to pay income-tax or super-tax on any of its income, profits or gains. Ø RBI’s Expenditure: Printing of notes, agency charges which includes commission to banks, primary dealers etc. and employee cost. Provisions regarding transfer of RBI surplus to the government » Sections 47 of RBI Act, 1934: Allocation of surplus profits to the Central Government is mandatory after making provisions for bad/doubtful debts, depreciation in assets, and other standard banking cushions. » Following the Malegam Committee (2013) and Bimal Jalan Committee (2019) recommendations, surplus transfers to the government have increased significantly. |
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Saudi Arabia Becomes 26th IBCA Member International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) was first proposed by Indian Prime Minister during Global Tiger Day celebration in July 2019 to form an alliance of global leaders to curb poaching, eliminate demand, and halt illegal wildlife trade. » About IBCA » Establishment: Launched in 2023 by India. » Headquarter: New Delhi, India. » Objective: Global conservation of seven big cat species - Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma. » Organizational Nature: IBCA is a multi-country, multi-agency coalition comprising of 95 big cat range countries, non-range countries, conservation partners, scientific organizations, business groups and corporates with an interest in big cat conservation. Ø Presently, it consists of 26 member countries and 5 observer nations. » Nodal Agency: Established by the Government of India through the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC). » Need for Conservation of Big Cats » Ecosystem Balance: Loss of apex predator can set off trophic cascade in which the disrupted food chain sends the ecosystem spiralling out of control. » Conservation of Other Species Habitat: For instance, more than 30% of Asian elephant populations live within tiger landscapes, Snow leopards share their home with Tibetan Gazelle, Argali and Chiru etc. » Climate Change Mitigation: Forest landscapes safeguarded for tigers store more carbon than other forests in Asia. » Support to Economy: Alternative sources of income for people who cohabit the space like tourist homestays, dairy enterprises, and fruits and vegetable farming. |
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WTO Dispute Settlement System India blocked China’s first request to set up a dispute panel at the World Trade Organization (WTO) claiming Indian tariffs and incentives (IT and solar energy products) discrimination. » A country can block the first request for a panel. However, at the next DSB meeting, the panel’s establishment is automatic unless there is a unanimous consensus against it. » About WTO Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) » DSB is the institution responsible for resolving trade disputes between member countries. Key Features Ø Composition: It consists of representatives of all WTO member countries. Ø Main Function: It administers the WTO’s dispute settlement mechanism under the Dispute Settlement Understanding (DSU). Ø Functions of the DSB: Establishes dispute settlement panels; Adopts panel and Appellate Body reports; Authorizes compensation or trade sanctions if rulings are not followed, etc. » Since 2019 WTO’s Appellate Body has been non-functional due to a lack of quorum (judge appointments blocked by the US). |