Daily GK Update- 22nd May, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Launches Chenab Hydropower Projects Amid Indus Treaty Freeze: India has started work on two infrastructure projects linked to the Chenab river system with an estimated cost of nearly ₹2,600 crore. The projects include the ₹2,352 crore Chenab-Beas Link Tunnel in Himachal Pradesh and the ₹268 crore sediment-bypass tunnel at the Salal Dam in Jammu and Kashmir. India has fast-tracked four major Chenab hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakal Dul has a planned capacity of 1,000 MW, Kiru has 624 MW, Kwar has 540 MW, and Ratle has 850 MW. The Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project on the Chenab has a planned capacity of 1,856 MW and an estimated cost of ₹5,129 crore. The Dulhasti Stage-II project on the Chenab has a planned capacity of 260 MW and an estimated cost of ₹3,277.45 crore.

 

2. India’s Death Rate Stays Above Pre-Covid Level: The 2024 Sample Registration System report of the Office of the Registrar General of India records a crude death rate of 6.4 deaths per thousand population and a total fertility rate of 1.9 children per woman. The report places the crude death rate above the 2019 and 2020 level of 6 and keeps the total fertility rate below the replacement level of 2.1 for the fifth consecutive year. The Sample Registration System is a large-scale demographic survey system used in India to estimate birth rates, death rates, infant mortality, and fertility indicators. The Office of the Registrar General of India publishes the annual Sample Registration System report for population statistics.

 

3. FSSAI Plans Centralised Food Surveillance System: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is planning a centralised food surveillance system for market sampling, laboratory testing, and digital alert generation. The proposed framework places surveillance sampling under a national mechanism, uses third-party agencies for sample collection, and links test results to a central database for faster regulatory action. Under the proposed system, neutral third-party agencies selected through bidding will buy food samples from the market for surveillance testing. Approved laboratories will upload results to a national database, and unsafe findings will trigger digital alerts with batch numbers to the concerned state food safety commissioner. The new rules require 50% of surveillance samples to come from large organised supply chains. FSSAI headquarters will pay laboratories directly under the proposed arrangement.

 

4. India Launches Operation Ragepill Against Captagon Network: On 16 May 2026, the Narcotics Control Bureau announced Operation Ragepill, which led to the dismantling of an international syndicate involved in Captagon trafficking. The operation resulted in India’s first seizure of about 227.7 kg of Captagon tablets and powder, with an estimated illicit market value of ₹182 crore. Captagon is a synthetic stimulant linked to fenetylline and amphetamine. It has been abused in West Asia and the Middle East, and it is classified as a psychostimulant drug. The substance has been associated with illicit trafficking networks across West Asia, North Africa, and parts of Europe. One Syrian national, Alabras Ahmad, was arrested in connection with the syndicate. He entered India on a tourist visa on 15 November 2024 and remained in the country after the visa expired on 12 January 2025. Overstaying a visa is an immigration violation under Indian law.

 

5. Karnataka to establish 1,000 Karnataka Public Schools: Karnataka plans to establish 1,000 Karnataka Public Schools from 1 June 2026, with the project launch scheduled in Shivamogga. The schools are planned under the School Education Department and the Minorities Department, and the model includes classes from Lower Kindergarten to II Pre-University Course in Kannada and English mediums. The project cost is estimated at Rs 3,900 crore over three years. Funding is planned from the Asian Development Bank for 500 schools, the Kalyana Karnataka Regional Development Board for 200 schools, and Karnataka Mining Environment Restoration Corporation funds for 100 schools. The state has planned 800 schools under the School Education Department and 200 schools under the Minorities Department. Officials have been asked to begin the tender process for the 800 schools and complete the schools within two years.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Rajasthan Receives World No Tobacco Day Award 2026 for Outstanding Tobacco Control Efforts: Rajasthan received the prestigious World No Tobacco Day Award 2026 from the World Health Organisation for its outstanding tobacco control initiatives during 2025-26 in the South-East Asia region.The honour reflects the state government’s strong commitment towards public health and its vision of creating a “Tobacco-Free Rajasthan”.Rajasthan has expanded tobacco cessation treatment and counselling services through more than 500 centres operating up to the block level, with geo-tagged digital access to help people easily locate nearby facilities.

 

2. UNDP Partners with Zambia to Adapt India’s eVIN Platform for Medicines Track and Trace System: The United Nations Development Programme and Zambia have launched a joint initiative in Lusaka to adapt India’s Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVIN) for an Essential Medicines “Track and Trace” system.The eVIN platform, originally developed in India, is designed to improve vaccine logistics and ensure real-time visibility of stock levels across the supply chain.

The system enables real-time inventory management, temperature monitoring, and efficient distribution of medicines and vaccines to strengthen healthcare delivery.

 

3. 21 May – World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development : World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is observed every year on 21 May to promote the value of cultural diversity and its role in strengthening peace and mutual understanding among nations.The day highlights the importance of dialogue between different cultures to support social cohesion, tolerance, and sustainable development worldwide.

 

4. India Postpones First International Big Cat Alliance Summit: India postponed the first International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit in New Delhi on 21 May 2026. The summit had been scheduled for 1 June or 1–2 June 2026 and was linked with the Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit. The International Big Cat Alliance is a multilateral initiative for the conservation of big cats. It was formally established on 12 March 2024 and has 25 member countries and five observer nations. The Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit, also called IAFS IV, was deferred along with the IBCA Summit. The two meetings were planned together because several African countries are partners in big cat conservation efforts.

 

5. India to Host Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi: India will host the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi on 26 May 2026. The meeting will be held at the invitation of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and will bring together the foreign ministers of Australia, Japan and the United States. The Quad is a diplomatic grouping of four countries: India, Australia, Japan and the United States. The grouping is associated with cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region and with the concept of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. The ministers are expected to review existing Quad initiatives and discuss regional and global developments of mutual concern. The listed areas of cooperation include maritime security, resilient supply chains, infrastructure development, critical and emerging technologies, climate action, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

 

6. India Records 97 of World’s 100 Hottest Cities: India recorded 97 of the world’s 100 hottest cities on 22 May 2026 during a heatwave across northern, central and eastern India. Balangir in Odisha touched 48°C, while Sasaram in Bihar also reached 48°C and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh recorded 47°C. A heatwave is a period of abnormally high temperature that lasts for several days and is classified in India by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) using temperature thresholds and departure from normal conditions. The IMD uses terms such as heatwave, severe heatwave and extreme heat conditions for weather alerts in different regions. The IMD forecast heatwave to severe heatwave conditions across large parts of northern and eastern India until 27 May 2026. The affected belt included states in northern, central and eastern India, where daytime temperatures remained above seasonal norms in several districts.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Navy Launches Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel “Sanghmitra” at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers, Kolkata: Indian Navy launched Yard 3039 (Sanghmitra), a Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV), at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers in Kolkata.The construction of 11 NGOPVs is being carried out simultaneously at two shipyards—Goa Shipyard Limited and GRSE Kolkata—strengthening India’s naval modernisation efforts.

 

2. Rajnath Singh Inaugurates Indian War Memorial in Seoul : Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and South Korean Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Kwon Oh-eul inaugurated the Indian War Memorial at Imjingak Park near Seoul on 21 May 2026. The memorial marks the 75th anniversary of the Korean War and commemorates the service of the 60 Para Field Ambulance and the Custodian Force of India. During the ceremony, both ministers laid wreaths and paid homage to Indian personnel. They also signed a memorandum of understanding for honouring Korean War veterans and for exchanges related to veterans’ remembrance. The memorial project was funded by India’s Ministry of Defence. The event formed part of Rajnath Singh’s four-day visit to Vietnam and South Korea.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Asian Weightlifting Championships 2026 Held in Gujarat: The Asian Weightlifting Championships 2026 was held at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, and organized by the Indian Weightlifting Federation, marking only the second time India has hosted the event since 1982.India finished third in the women’s team standings (487 points) and fifth in the men’s team standings (379 points), while China dominated both categories as well as the overall medal tally.India won a total of 10 medals (1 silver and 9 bronze), with Gyaneshwari Yadav securing the only silver in the women’s 53kg snatch event and Komal Kohar opening the medal account with bronze in the 48kg category.China topped the overall medal tally with 21 gold medals, while standout performers included Ri Sul (women’s best lifter, 63kg) and HE Yueji (men’s best lifter, 65kg).

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Odisha Mandates Electric Vehicles for Government Use: Odisha made the purchase of electric vehicles mandatory for new two-wheelers and four-wheelers used by the state government from 1 June 2026. The directive also applies to four-wheelers hired for official government work from the same date. The state order was issued on 21 May 2026 by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi as part of an eight-point plan. Petrol and diesel vehicles can be purchased only under special circumstances or specific requirements. Senior officers allotted official vehicles in Odisha must carpool, and fuel allocation for such vehicles will be reduced by half. All government departments in Odisha have been directed to ensure at least a 10% reduction in monthly fuel consumption for government vehicles.

 

2. IN-SPACe Offers Full PSLV Technology Transfer: The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has offered full technology transfer of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) to Indian industry. The offer comes before the first PSLV built under an earlier private-sector contract has completed its launch, and it is linked to India’s launch vehicle industrialisation framework. IN-SPACe has stated that the PSLV transfer is intended to enable Indian industry to realise, operate, and commercialise PSLV launches in the global medium-lift satellite market. ISRO will provide infrastructural and hand-holding support for 30 months or until two PSLV vehicles are realised and launched by the selected party, whichever is earlier. The Expression of Interest is open to Indian-owned non-government entities with at least seven years of operations and five years of space or aerospace experience. Eligible entities must also have either an average turnover above ₹400 crore or a valuation exceeding ₹1,000 crore.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Mahindra & DBS Bank India launch sustainability-linked dealer financing programme: Mahindra & Mahindra and DBS Bank India signed an MoU to launch India’s first sustainability-linked dealer financing programme in the automotive sector.Under the initiative, authorised Mahindra dealers will receive preferential or lower interest rates on vehicle financing based on their environmental performance and sustainability practices.The programme will evaluate dealers on key Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) parameters, promoting sustainable business operations across the automobile dealership network.

 

2. Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Holds APY Annual Felicitation Programme: Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority organised the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) Annual Felicitation Programme in New Delhi to recognise outstanding performance in APY enrolment and implementation.Among Public Sector Banks, State Bank of India achieved 116% of its target, followed by Union Bank of India and UCO Bank. In the Regional Rural Banks category, Jharkhand Rajya Gramin Bank topped with 288% achievement, while IDBI Bank achieved 156% of its target in the Major Private Bank category.

 

Daily GK Update- 22nd June, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. I4C Launches Two New Portals for Cyber Fraud Victims: The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has launched two new portals—Grievance Redressal Mechanism (GRM) and Money Restoration Module (MRM)—to provide faster assistance to cyber fraud victims. The new portals aim to strengthen coordination among police, banks, and the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP), enabling quicker grievance redressal and restoration of funds lost in cyber fraud cases.

 

2. GeM Signs MoU with CSC-SPV to Expand Government Procurement Access: The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CSC Governance Services India Limited (CSC-SPV) to improve access to government procurement opportunities, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Under the partnership, 50 GeM Suvidha Kendras (GSKs) will be established on a pilot basis through the Common Services Centre (CSC) network to assist sellers and service providers in using the GeM portal.  The pilot centres will be set up across Delhi-NCR, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, and West Bengal, expanding GeM’s outreach across the country.

 

3. Dr. Saibal Chattopadhyay Appointed Chairperson of National Statistical Commission: The Government of India has appointed Saibal Chattopadhyay as the Chairperson of the National Statistical Commission (NSC). Other newly appointed members include Prof. Shubhabrata Das, Shri Satyendra Bahadur Singh, and Dr. Madhavan Mukund. The National Statistical Commission (NSC) serves as the nodal body for core statistical activities in India and is responsible for formulating national statistical policies and setting statistical standards.

 

4. Prof. Bimal N. Patel Elected Judge of ITLOS: Professor Bimal N. Patel has been elected as a Judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) for the 2026–2035 term, marking a significant achievement for India in international law. The Government of India thanked the member states for their support and confidence in India’s candidature for the prestigious international judicial body. Govt Forms Search-cum-Selection Committee for National Sports Board Appointments

 

5. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Launches Book on India’s Prestigious IIT Ecosystem: Om Birla, the Lok Sabha Speaker, launched the book “IIT – The Story of India’s Most Prestigious Educational Ecosystem”, highlighting the evolution and achievements of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). India’s IIT journey began with the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, and the country now has 23 IITs spread across different states.

 

6. Functional Urban Settlements Category Under Consideration: India uses administrative and population-based criteria to classify urban areas, and a new category for functional urban settlements is under consideration in 2026. The existing framework includes Census Towns with a population above 5,000 and Statutory Towns with municipal bodies. Urban classification in India is linked to the Census of India and municipal administration. Census Towns are settlements that meet population, density, and workforce criteria, while Statutory Towns are notified urban local bodies under state law. The Degree of Urbanisation framework is a statistical method used by the United Nations and other agencies to classify settlements by built-up density and contiguity. A modified version of this framework has been applied in India to identify urban settlements outside the existing administrative system.

 

7. Moody’s Flags Risks in India’s Water Management Framework: Moody’s Ratings flagged India’s water management framework on 22 June 2026 as fragmented and inflexible. The assessment linked water governance, fiscal stress, and credit risk in a country where state governments control most water policy and administration. Water governance in India is dispersed across more than 28 states, and state governments hold major responsibility for water management. India’s federal structure gives states control over irrigation, drinking water, and many local water-related decisions. Agriculture consumes about 80% of India’s freshwater. Water pricing for agriculture remains limited in flexibility, and subsidies are common in many states. Slow reallocation of water between sectors affects supply management in regions with competing domestic, agricultural, and industrial demand.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Improves Rank in WEF Energy Transition Index 2026: India improved its position by two places to rank 70th in the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Energy Transition Index (ETI) 2026, emerging as one of the strongest performers in the global transition towards cleaner energy. While Sweden, Finland, and Denmark retained the top three positions in the ETI 2026, global readiness for the clean energy transition declined for the first time in over a decade.

 

2. 21 June – World Hydrography Day: World Hydrography Day is observed every year on 21 June to highlight the importance of hydrography in ensuring safe navigation, marine conservation, and sustainable use of oceans and waterways. Theme 2026 – Transforming How Ocean Data Is Shared The day is organized by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), which was established in 1921 and is headquartered in Monaco.

 

3. 22 June – World Rainforest Day: World Rainforest Day is observed every year on 22 June to raise awareness about the importance of rainforests in maintaining biodiversity, regulating the global climate, and supporting millions of people and wildlife. Theme 2026 – The Forest Within You Rainforests cover only about 6% of the Earth’s land surface but are home to more than half of the world’s terrestrial plant and animal species, making them vital ecosystems.

4. 23 June – International Olympic Day: International Olympic Day is observed every year on 23 June to promote the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect, while encouraging people of all ages to participate in sports and physical activity. The day commemorates the founding of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on 23 June 1894 in Paris, marking the beginning of the modern Olympic Movement.

 

5. Canada Acquires Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar System: Canada finalised an agreement on 22 June 2026 with Australia and BAE Systems Australia for the acquisition of an Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar (A-OTHR) system. The contract value is $2.5 billion, and the system is linked to Canada’s NORAD modernisation programme and Arctic surveillance requirements. Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar is a long-range radar system that uses high-frequency radio waves reflected from the ionosphere to detect objects beyond the line of sight. The A-OTHR system is designed to monitor aircraft and missile threats over Canada’s Arctic and Far North. The Australian A-OTHR technology is derived from the Jindalee Operational Radar Network, commonly known as JORN. JORN is Australia’s over-the-horizon radar network and is regarded as the basis of the export version sold to Canada.

 

6. Australia Confirms First Mainland H5N1 Case: Australia confirmed its first mainland case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 on 20 June 2026 in a brown skua found dead in Cape Le Grand National Park near Esperance in southern Western Australia. The virus was identified as the clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 lineage after testing by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). Australia had previously detected H5N1 on Heard Island, a sub-Antarctic Australian territory, in late 2025. The mainland detections prompted tightened biosecurity measures at farms, testing of shorebirds, vaccination of vulnerable species, and emergency response exercises. As of 22 June 2026, authorities had not found evidence of mass mortalities in wildlife or spread to poultry or agricultural systems.

 

7. World Bank Approves $1.5 Billion for India Jobs: The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors approved $1.5 billion in financing for India on 18 June 2026. The financing is linked to the Boosting Job Creation in the Private Sector Development Policy Financing (DPF) Operation, which supports structural reforms for private sector-led job creation and economic growth. India consolidated 29 labour laws into four Labour Codes in November 2025. The four codes are the Code on Wages, the Industrial Relations Code, the Code on Social Security, and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code. The reform package also includes tax simplification, trade integration, and regulatory changes related to the ease of doing business. The supported areas include labour market participation for women, reduction of barriers to entrepreneurship, and streamlining of trade and investment procedures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. US Approves Support Package for India’s Apaches and M777 Systems: The United States approved a military support package for India on 22 June 2026 for sustainment services linked to AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers. The total estimated value of the package is USD 482.2 million, and the support covers equipment already in service with the Indian armed forces. The AH-64E Apache is a twin-engine attack helicopter developed by Boeing for anti-armour, reconnaissance, and close air support roles. The sustainment package for the Apache fleet is estimated at USD 198.2 million and includes ancillary items, spare parts, repair and return services, training, technical assistance, field service representatives, and depot-level capability.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. National Sports Board Search-cum-Selection Committee: The Government of India has constituted a Search-cum-Selection Committee to recommend suitable candidates for the posts of Chairperson and Members of the National Sports Board. The committee will be headed by Cabinet Secretary Dr. T.V. Somanathan, who will oversee the selection process for the Board’s leadership.

 

2. India Wins Women’s 4x100m Relay Gold: India won the gold medal in the women’s 4x100m relay at the Asian Relays Championships 2026 in Shangyu, China, on 21 June 2026. The Indian quartet of Srabani Nanda, Sneha SS, Sudeshna Shivankar, and Tamanna clocked 43.85 seconds, which was a season-best timing for the team. India won a silver medal in the mixed 4x400m relay with MR Poovamma, Neeru Pathak, Theerthesh P Shetty, and Barath Sridhar. The team finished in 3:17.06, which placed it behind the gold medallist in the event. India also won a bronze medal in the mixed 4x100m relay through Animesh Kujur, Pranav Gurav, Tamanna, and Sneha Shanuvalli. The quartet finished in 41.47 seconds.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Smart Warehousing System Launched for Foodgrain Storage: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi launched the Smart Warehousing System in New Delhi to enable real-time monitoring of foodgrain stocks and warehouse operations. The system leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to enhance warehouse management, improve efficiency, and ensure better storage of foodgrains. The Smart Warehousing System has already been implemented in 215 warehouses of the Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC), and the Food Corporation of India (FCI) plans to expand it to 150 more warehouses by October 2026.

2. ICAR-CIBA Demonstrates Blue Swimmer Crab Farming: The ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIBA) in Chennai demonstrated Blue Swimmer Crab farming technology for the first time in India on 22 June 2026. The species is scientifically known as Portunus reticulatus, and the trial used institute-produced hatchery seed and a pelleted feed named BSCrabPlus. ICAR-CIBA has standardised a technology package for Blue Swimmer Crab aquaculture. The package includes hatchery seed production protocols, nursery rearing methods, and grow-out farming practices. The institute also developed BSCrabPlus, a scientifically formulated pelleted feed for the species.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. World Bank Approves 4,000 Crore Loan for ‘Jal Sanrakshit Haryana’ Project: The World Bank has approved a ₹4,000 crore loan for the ₹5,714 crore ‘Jal Sanrakshit Haryana’ Project, which aims to make Haryana self-reliant in the water sector through sustainable water management. The project covers 15 water management clusters spread across 48.94 lakh acres, focusing on efficient water conservation, irrigation, and equitable water distribution across the state.

 

2. ADB Partners with Schoolnet India to Boost Digital Learning: The Asian Development Bank has partnered with Schoolnet India Limited through a USD 10 million financing package to strengthen digital learning infrastructure in 30,000 government schools, benefiting around 4.5 million students. The Schoolnet Digital Learning Project aims to bridge India’s digital education gap by establishing computer laboratories in at least 1,000 schools and setting up 58,000 digital classrooms, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. According to ADB, only 26% of K–12 schools in India currently have computer laboratories, while just 29% have smart classrooms, highlighting the need for improved digital infrastructure in education.

 

3. BITS Pilani and Axis Bank Partner for Innovation Park: BITS Pilani and Axis Bank have signed an agreement to establish the Axis Bank–BITS Industry Research, Technology and Innovation Park at the BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus. The project will be developed with a ₹100 crore Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) grant from Axis Bank, aiming to promote industry-academia collaboration, research, technology development, and innovation.

 

Daily GK Update- 21st May, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. BHIM Records 301% Surge in Transactions During FY 2025-26: BHIM recorded a massive 301% growth in transaction volumes during Financial Year 2025-26, highlighting the rapid rise in digital payment adoption in India.According to data released by NPCI BHIM Services Limited, monthly transactions on the BHIM app increased from 5.93 crore in April 2025 to 21.6 crore in March 2026.In April 2026 alone, the BHIM app processed 22.49 crore transactions with a total transaction value of ₹26,040 crore.

 

2. Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Holds APY Annual Felicitation Programme : Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority organised the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) Annual Felicitation Programme in New Delhi to recognise outstanding performance in APY enrolment and implementation.Among Public Sector Banks, State Bank of India achieved 116% of its target, followed by Union Bank of India and UCO Bank.In the Regional Rural Banks category, Jharkhand Rajya Gramin Bank topped with 288% achievement, while IDBI Bank achieved 156% of its target in the Major Private Bank category.

 

3. 21 May – National Anti-Terrorism Day: National Anti-Terrorism Day is observed every year on 21 May in India to spread awareness about the threat of terrorism and promote peace, unity, and harmony among citizens.The day commemorates the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991 and reinforces the nation’s commitment to fight terrorism in all its forms.

 

4. Tata Semiconductor Plant in Assam: Tata Electronics’ semiconductor assembly and test facility is located at Jagiroad in Morigaon district of Assam. Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the commencement of the greenfield project on 13 March 2024. The project involves an investment of ₹27,000 crore, or about USD 3.6 billion. A semiconductor assembly and test facility carries out packaging, assembly, and testing of chips before their use in electronic systems. The Tata Electronics unit in Assam has been planned as a greenfield project, which means it is being developed on a new site rather than expanded from an existing plant. The facility is projected to produce up to 48 million semiconductor chips per day. The project is expected to generate more than 27,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities. Jagiroad is in Morigaon district, which is part of central Assam. Semiconductor projects in India are linked with the India Semiconductor Mission, which was approved in 2021 with a financial outlay of ₹76,000 crore.

 

5. Bihar Approves Direct Gaya-Bangkok Flight: Bihar approved a proposal on 20 May 2026 for direct international flights between Gaya and Bangkok. The Bihar cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, cleared the route for operation by InterGlobe Aviation Limited, which runs IndiGo Airlines. The service will run twice a week and will connect Gaya in Bihar with Bangkok in Thailand. InterGlobe Aviation Limited was selected as the sole bidder for the Gaya-Bangkok route. IndiGo Airlines will operate the bi-weekly service under the approved arrangement. Gaya Airport will handle the international connection, and Gaya will become the only town in Bihar with a regular direct international flight.

 

6. 12th-Century Hoysala Veeragallu Found in Karnataka: A 12th-century Veeragallu, or hero stone, from the reign of Hoysala ruler Vishnuvardhana was discovered in Maniyur village in Nagamangala taluk of Mandya district, Karnataka, on May 21, 2026. Veeragallu are memorial stones found across parts of southern India and are associated with warriors, cattle defence, and local conflicts in the medieval period. Veeragallu are stone memorials erected in memory of people who died in battle, while protecting cattle, or during other acts of valour. Such stones are found in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, and many examples belong to the Hoysala, Yadava, and Vijayanagara periods.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Exits Entire Stake in Microsoft After Selling $3.2 Billion Worth Shares in 2026: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has completely exited its investment in Microsoft after selling its remaining shares in Q1 2026.The foundation sold around 7.7 million Microsoft shares worth approximately $3.2 billion (about ₹26,500 crore), ending its long-standing equity holding in the company.Earlier, the foundation held nearly 28.5 million Microsoft shares before gradually reducing its stake over time, marking a significant shift in its investment portfolio.

 

2. UNDP Partners with Zambia to Adapt India’s eVIN Platform for Medicines Track and Trace System: The United Nations Development Programme and Zambia have launched a joint initiative in Lusaka to adapt India’s Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVIN) for an Essential Medicines “Track and Trace” system.The eVIN platform, originally developed in India, is designed to improve vaccine logistics and ensure real-time visibility of stock levels across the supply chain.

The system enables real-time inventory management, temperature monitoring, and efficient distribution of medicines and vaccines to strengthen healthcare delivery.

 

3. 21 May – International Tea Day: International Tea Day is observed every year on 21 May to highlight the global importance of tea in culture, economy, and sustainable livelihoods.Theme 2026 – “Sustaining Tea, Supporting Communities” and “Fostering Growth and Inclusion”The day recognises the contribution of tea growers, workers, and small farmers, especially in major tea-producing countries like India, China, Sri Lanka, and Kenya.

 

4. 21 May – World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development: World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is observed every year on 21 May to promote the value of cultural diversity and its role in strengthening peace and mutual understanding among nations.The day highlights the importance of dialogue between different cultures to support social cohesion, tolerance, and sustainable development worldwide.

5. UK Announces Free Bus Travel Scheme for Children in England: The UK government announced a free bus travel scheme for children in England on 20 May 2026. The measure is part of the “Great British Summer Savings” package and applies to participating local bus services during August 2026. The scheme allows children aged five to 15 in England to travel free on participating local buses. No registration is required, and the offer covers unlimited journeys at no cost to families. The scheme applies during the school holiday period in August 2026. The government has committed over £100 million for the free fares scheme and for continued support to bus services. The initiative is linked to cost-of-living support and is designed for use on local bus networks that join the scheme. The policy is administered in England under the UK government’s transport and family support framework.

 

6. India-Africa Forum Summit Postponed Over Ebola Outbreak: The Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit was scheduled for New Delhi from 28 May to 31 May 2026. India and the African Union postponed the summit on 21 May 2026 because of an evolving public health situation in parts of Africa. The health situation refers to an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. The India-Africa Forum Summit is a diplomatic platform between India and African states. The first summit was held in 2008, and the third summit was held in New Delhi in 2015 after a delay from its original 2014 schedule. The summit process is linked to India’s engagement with the African Union and African regional priorities. Ebola virus disease is a severe viral haemorrhagic fever caused by viruses of the genus Ebolavirus. The disease spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, contaminated materials, or infected animals. The current outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda involves the rare Bundibugyo strain, and no vaccine is currently available for this strain.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. DRDO Successfully Completes ULPGM-V3 Final Trials, Paving Way for Indigenous Missile Production: Defence Research and Development Organisation successfully completed final development trials of the ULPGM-V3 (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile), marking a major milestone in India’s indigenous defence capability.The trials were conducted in air-to-ground and air-to-air modes at the DRDO test range near Kurnool, demonstrating high precision strike capability, reliability, and operational effectiveness using an advanced integrated Ground Control System.For production, DRDO has partnered with Bharat Dynamics Limited and Adani Defence and Aerospace, with successful trials clearing the path for serial production of the system.

 

2. Indian Navy Launches Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel “Sanghmitra” at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers, Kolkata: Indian Navy launched Yard 3039 (Sanghmitra), a Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV), at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers in Kolkata.The construction of 11 NGOPVs is being carried out simultaneously at two shipyards—Goa Shipyard Limited and GRSE Kolkata—strengthening India’s naval modernisation efforts.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Asian Weightlifting Championships 2026 Held in Gujarat: The Asian Weightlifting Championships 2026 was held at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, and organized by the Indian Weightlifting Federation, marking only the second time India has hosted the event since 1982.India finished third in the women’s team standings (487 points) and fifth in the men’s team standings (379 points), while China dominated both categories as well as the overall medal tally.India won a total of 10 medals (1 silver and 9 bronze), with Gyaneshwari Yadav securing the only silver in the women’s 53kg snatch event and Komal Kohar opening the medal account with bronze in the 48kg category.China topped the overall medal tally with 21 gold medals, while standout performers included Ri Sul (women’s best lifter, 63kg) and HE Yueji (men’s best lifter, 65kg).

 

2. India Appoints New Archery Coaches for Asian Games: India’s archery coaching set-up for the Asian Games and the Los Angeles Olympics 2028 includes foreign and Indian coaches for compound and recurve events. The Sports Authority of India centre at Sonepat is one of the main national training venues for archery in India. Former World No. 1 American Dave Cousins has been appointed as the head foreign coach for India’s compound archery team. He is expected to join the national camp at the Sports Authority of India centre in Sonepat, and his contract is set to continue until the Los Angeles Olympics 2028. His reported monthly salary is $12,000. Kisik Lee, a South Korean coach, has been linked with the recurve team for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic cycle. His reported financial terms include 22,000 for each seven-day coaching stint and a monthly retainer of 5,000. Baek Woong Ki, another South Korean coach, had earlier resigned after being denied accreditation for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. New worm-eating snake species named after Mizoram herpetologist : Trachischium lalremsangai is a new worm-eating snake species described in the journal Herpetozoa on 19 May 2026. The species was named after Professor Hmar Tlawmte Lalremsanga of Mizoram University, and the type material was linked to specimens from Mizoram and Myanmar. Trachischium is a genus of slender snakes in the family Colubridae. The genus includes worm-eating snakes found in north-east India and the Himalayas, and Trachischium lalremsangai is the eleventh recognised species in the genus. The first specimen was found during an expedition to Murlen National Park in Mizoram near the India-Myanmar border. A second specimen, collected in 2007 from Chin State in Myanmar, was identified in September 2025 in the collections of the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco.

 

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI Announces $5 Billion Dollar-Rupee Swap Auction to Boost Banking Liquidity: Reserve Bank of India announced a $5 billion dollar-rupee buy/sell swap auction for a three-year tenor to inject durable liquidity into the banking system amid tight liquidity conditions.The swap auction, scheduled for May 26, aims to support the rupee, which has weakened beyond the 96-mark against the US dollar due to global uncertainties, geopolitical tensions, and strong dollar demand.

Under the arrangement, banks will sell US dollars to the RBI and repurchase them after three years, allowing banks to receive immediate rupee liquidity without permanently impacting India’s foreign exchange reserves.

 

2. United Nations Cuts India’s 2026 Growth Forecast to 6.4% : The United Nations has lowered India’s economic growth forecast for 2026 to 6.4% from its earlier estimate of 6.6%, citing global economic uncertainties.According to the revised outlook released by United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), India’s economy is projected to grow by 6.6% in 2027.

 

3. Mahindra & DBS Bank India launch sustainability-linked dealer financing programme: Mahindra & Mahindra and DBS Bank India signed an MoU to launch India’s first sustainability-linked dealer financing programme in the automotive sector.Under the initiative, authorised Mahindra dealers will receive preferential or lower interest rates on vehicle financing based on their environmental performance and sustainability practices.The programme will evaluate dealers on key Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) parameters, promoting sustainable business operations across the automobile dealership network.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Rajasthan Receives World No Tobacco Day Award 2026 for Outstanding Tobacco Control Efforts: Rajasthan received the prestigious World No Tobacco Day Award 2026 from the World Health Organisation for its outstanding tobacco control initiatives during 2025-26 in the South-East Asia region.The honour reflects the state government’s strong commitment towards public health and its vision of creating a “Tobacco-Free Rajasthan”.Rajasthan has expanded tobacco cessation treatment and counselling services through more than 500 centres operating up to the block level, with geo-tagged digital access to help people easily locate nearby facilities.

 

2. PM Modi Receives Prestigious Agricola Medal from Food and Agriculture Organisation in Rome: PM Narendra Modi was conferred the prestigious Agricola Medal by the Food and Agriculture Organisation at its headquarters in Rome, Italy.The award was presented by FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu, and Prime Minister Modi dedicated the honour to India’s farmers, livestock rearers, fish farmers, agricultural scientists, and agricultural workers.The Agricola Medal is the highest honour conferred by the FAO Director-General and is awarded to global leaders for exceptional contributions to food security, sustainable agriculture, poverty reduction, and improved nutrition.

 

Daily GK Update- 20th May, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Bhupender Yadav Inaugurates ‘Lion’ Species Spotlight Event at Sasan Gir Ahead of IBCA Summit 2026: Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav inaugurated the ‘Lion’ Species Spotlight Event at Sasan Gir, Gujarat, as part of the Pre-Summit activities for the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit 2026.The event highlighted India’s successful lion conservation model and focused on global cooperation among lion-range countries, along with discussions on challenges like habitat loss, climate change, and human–wildlife conflict.During the programme, a ‘Lion Conservation Brochure’ was launched, along with presentations and educational films showcasing conservation efforts for big cats, with participation from students and other stakeholders.

 

2. Viyona Fintech Secures NPCI Certification for End-to-End UPI, IMPS and Mobile Banking Infrastructure: Viyona Fintech has secured NPCI certification for its technology framework across key payment systems, including UPI Acquirer, UPI Issuer, IMPS, and IBMB integrations.With this achievement, the Hyderabad-based company joins a select group of fintech infrastructure firms building end-to-end payment orchestration systems aligned with National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) standards.The certification enables Viyona Fintech to operate across the full UPI ecosystem, including merchant acceptance (QR acquiring) and customer-side issuance infrastructure, strengthening its role in digital payments.

 

3. RBI Appoints Gunveer Singh as ED to Head Payment and Settlement Systems: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has appointed Shri Gunveer Singh as Executive Director (ED).Before his promotion, he served as Chief General Manager-in-Charge of the Department of Payment and Settlement Systems and had over three decades of experience in areas like banking supervision, risk monitoring, and government banking.Shri Gunveer Singh will now head the Department of Payment and Settlement Systems and has also worked as a payment systems expert at the Central Bank of Oman.

 

4. Andhra Pradesh to Commission First Clean Energy Project: Andhra Pradesh is set to commission its first project under the Integrated Clean Energy Policy 2024 in the Rayalaseema region on 22 May 2026. The project is a 600 MW solar power plant developed by SAEL Industries with an investment of ₹3,000 crore. The Andhra Pradesh Integrated Clean Energy Policy 2024 aims to attract investments of about ₹10 lakh crore and add more than 160 GW of renewable energy capacity. The policy covers solar power, wind power, pumped storage, and manufacturing linked to the renewable energy sector. Andhra Pradesh introduced the Resource Adequacy Regulations 2026 in March 2026. These regulations relate to long-term power planning and generation capacity planning in a power system with rising renewable energy share.

 

5. Manindra Agrawal Elected Fellow of the Royal Society: Manindra Agrawal, Director of the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society on 20 May 2026. The Royal Society is a scientific academy in the United Kingdom and one of the oldest learned societies in the world, founded in 1660. Agrawal received recognition for work in theoretical computer science, including the AKS primality test. He developed the test in 2002 with Neeraj Kayal and Nitin Saxena at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur. The AKS primality test is the first unconditional deterministic polynomial-time algorithm for checking whether a number is prime. The algorithm is named after the surnames of Agrawal, Kayal, and Saxena.

 

6. Union Minister Jyotiraditya M.Scindia Launches Rs 175 crore Mission ‘Coffee of Nagaland: In May 2026, Union Minister Jyotiraditya M.Scindia, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), virtually launched the Rs 175 crore ‘Coffee of Nagaland’ mission, at Sanchar Bhavan, New Delhi(Delhi), to promote coffee cultivation, strengthen farmers’ livelihoods, and position Nagaland as a premium coffee-producing state in India. The initiative focuses on plantation development, processing, branding, marketing, export promotion, capacity building, and coffee tourism through farm stays and farm-to-cup experiences.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Narendra Modi Announces India–Norway Triangular Development Cooperation Pact for Global South Development: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India and Norway have signed a triangular development cooperation agreement aimed at supporting human development initiatives across the Global South.The agreement strengthens international collaboration for development assistance, focusing on capacity building and welfare-oriented projects in developing countries.

 

2. 16 May – International Day of Living Together in Peace: The International Day of Living Together in Peace is observed annually on 16 May, promoting harmony, unity, and peaceful coexistence among communities worldwide.Theme 2026 – Living Together in Peace: Building Trust through Dialogue, Inclusion and ReconciliationThe observance is linked to UN initiatives such as the International Year for a Culture of Peace (2000) and the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for Children of the World (2001–2010), declared by the United Nations General Assembly.

 

3. 20 May – International HR Day: International HR Day is observed on 20 May every year to recognise and appreciate the role of Human Resources professionals in organisations worldwide.

The day highlights the importance of HR in talent management, employee well-being, workplace culture, and organisational growth.

 

4. 20 May – World Bee Day: World Bee Day is observed every year on 20 May to raise awareness about the importance of bees and other pollinators in maintaining ecological balance and global food security.Theme 2025 – Bee Together for People and the Planet – A partnership that sustains us all.The day highlights the crucial role of bees in pollinating crops, supporting biodiversity, and ensuring sustainable agriculture and food production systems.

 

5. BWSSB Ranks Among World’s Top Five Water Utilities: The Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) was ranked among the world’s top five water utilities at the Global Water Summit 2026 in Madrid, Spain. The recognition came in the “Utility of the Year” category at the summit held from May 18 to May 20, 2026. BWSSB was recognised for its five pillars approach, which includes water conservation, wastewater recycling, reuse, and sustainable urban water governance. The assessment also covered technology adoption, infrastructure expansion, and utility management over the previous three years. BWSSB’s flagship Cauvery Stage V Drinking Water Project was placed among the top five global projects in the “Water Project of the Year” category. The project is linked to drinking water supply augmentation for Bengaluru.

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. USA Approves USD 428 Million Defence Packages for India’s AH-64E Apache Helicopters and M777 Howitzers: In May 2026, the United States Department of State, an executive department of the United States of America (USA), approved two Foreign Military Sales (FMS) sustainment packages worth USD 428.2 million for India. The approved packages include USD 198.2 million in support services for AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and USD 230 million for long-term sustainment support of M777A2 ultra-light howitzers.The package includes sustainment services, contractor logistics support (CLS), engineering and technical assistance, logistics support, technical publications, personnel training, and programme support elements for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Army (IA)’s Army Aviation Corps (ACC) Apache fleet. The package includes spare parts, repair-and-return services, depot capability, field service representatives (FSR), technical assistance, training, ancillary items, and programme support elements for long-term artillery maintenance.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Former England Test Captain MJK Smith Dies at 92: Former England Test captain MJK Smith (Mike Smith) passed away at the age of 92. He played 50 Test matches for England and captained the team in 25 of them.MJK Smith made his Test debut against New Zealand in 1958 and played his final Test against Australia in 1972. He was also a dual-sport athlete, representing England in rugby union with one international cap in 1956.

 

2. Italian Open Tennis 2026: Jannik Sinner & Elina Svitolina won Men’s & Women’s Singles Title: The 83rd edition of the Italian Open 2026, officially known as the Internazionali BNL d’Italia 2026, was an annual professional tennis tournament held from 5–17 May 2026 at Foro Italico in Rome, Italy. In Men’s singles, Italy’s Jannik Sinner defeated Norway’s Casper Ruud with a scoreline of 6–4, 6–4 to win the Italian Open 2026 title.In Women’s singles, Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina overcame the United States America (USA)’s Coco Gauff 6–4, 6–7(3), 6–2 to clinch the title.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. GE Aerospace Invests ₹100 Crore in Pune Facility: GE Aerospace has announced a fresh investment of ₹100 crore in its manufacturing facility located in Pune, strengthening its aerospace production capabilities in India.With this new investment, the total investment in the Pune facility has crossed ₹510 crore, highlighting the company’s continued expansion in the Indian aerospace sector.GE Aerospace also operates a Technology Centre in Bengaluru, supporting engineering and innovation activities in India.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. TVS Venu Group Acquires 9.9% Stake in Jana Small Finance Bank for ₹193.3 Crore: The TVS Venu Group has acquired a 9% stake in Jana Small Finance Bank for ₹193.3 crore, marking a significant strategic investment in the banking sector.The stake acquisition will be completed through a mix of primary warrant subscription and secondary share purchase, including a 4.9% direct holding by TVS Motor Company.

 

2. ICICI Bank and Visa Launch India’s First USD-Denominated Debit Card for NRIs at GIFT City: ICICI Bank, in partnership with Visa, has launched India’s first USD-denominated debit card for NRI customers from its IFSC Banking Unit (IBU) at GIFT City, Gujarat.The card is linked to ICICI Bank’s USD Global Savings Account and is built on Visa’s premium Infinite platform, enabling seamless global transactions across ATMs, POS terminals, and e-commerce platforms.A key feature of the card is zero markup on USD transactions worldwide, allowing NRIs to avoid currency conversion charges and supporting cost-efficient international payments.

 

3. Prudential plc to Acquire 75% Stake in Bharti Life Insurance Company Ltd in Major Insurance Sector Deal After 100% FDI Approval: In the first major insurance sector deal after the government allowed 100% FDI in insurance, Bharti Enterprises announced that Prudential plc will acquire a 75% stake in Bharti Life Insurance Company Ltd for an initial ₹3,500 crore.The deal also includes a potential additional payment of up to ₹700 crore based on the fulfilment of certain conditions, highlighting a significant cross-border investment in India’s insurance sector.With this transaction, Bharti Life Insurance becomes the fifth insurance company to have 75% FDI participation, marking a key development following the liberalisation of the sector.

 

 

 

 

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Narendra Modi Conferred Norway’s Highest Civilian Honour During Historic Visit: ‘Norway’ conferred its highest civilian honour, the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit, on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Oslo, marking his 32nd international honour from a foreign nation.The visit of PM Modi to Norway is the first by a sitting Indian Prime Minister in 43 years, highlighting a significant milestone in India–Norway diplomatic relations.PM Modi is also participating in the 3rd India–Nordic Summit in Oslo along with leaders of Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden; the summit was earlier held in Stockholm (2018) and Copenhagen (2022).

 

2. PM Modi Receives FAO Agricola Medal : Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the FAO Agricola Medal on 20 May 2026 at the Food and Agriculture Organization Headquarters in Rome, Italy. The medal was presented in the FAO Plenary Hall by FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu during Modi’s visit to Rome. The Agricola Medal is one of the highest honours of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. It is awarded to leaders for work related to agricultural transformation, food security, sustainable agriculture, and rural development.