Daily Current Affairs โ 15 May 2026
Daily Current Affairs ยท 15 May 2026
10 fully-analysed topics ยท 30 bilingual MCQs ยท 3 embedded videos ยท built for UPSC Prelims & Mains
๐ 10 Topics
๐ฏ 30 MCQs
๐ฌ 3 Videos
๐ฎ๐ณ Hindi + English
๐ฏ 30 MCQs
๐ฌ 3 Videos
๐ฎ๐ณ Hindi + English
Environment: 6 ยท History: 3 ยท Economy: 1
โถ Start Here โ UPSC-Standard Quiz
UPSC Current Affairs MCQ โ 15 May 2026
10 UPSC-standard bilingual MCQs covering today's top stories ยท 10-sec timer per question
Score yourself as you go. Get a feel for how UPSC-level questions are framed around the day's news.
๐ฐ Today’s Top 5 Current Affairs
#01
History
History
India Assumes Chairmanship of the Common Criteria Development Board
๐ฐ Why in News
India has been nominated as the Chair of the Common Criteria Development Board (CCDB) for a two-year term spanning April 2026 to April 2028.
โ
Quick Facts
- Confirmation of Role: India's leadership was confirmed at the 1 st Quarter Meeting of the Common Criteria Recognition Arrangement (CCRA) held in Tokyo
- CCRA: It is a foundational international treaty that allows for the mutual recognition of IT security certificates across international bordersโฆ
- India has been an active Certificate Authorizing Nation in the CCRA since September 2013 .
#02
Environment
Environment
Delhi's Central Ridge Declared as a Reserved Forest
๐ฐ Why in News
The Delhi government has officially declared approximately 670 hectares of Delhi's Central Ridge as a " reserved forest " under Section 20 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927 .
โ
Quick Facts
- About: The Delhi Ridge is the northernmost extension of the ancient Aravalli Range , one of the oldest fold mountain systems in the world
- Topography: It spans approximately 35 kilometers across the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi
- Northern Ridge (Kamla Nehru Ridge): The smallest section, located near Delhi University
- Central Ridge: Covering around 864 hectares, this is a crucial ecological zone recently in focus for being formally notified as a Reserved Forest .
- South-Central Ridge (Mehrauli): This area includes the historically and ecologically significant Sanjay Van .
- Southern Ridge (Asola Bhatti): The largest contiguous section, extending into Haryana
- The Green Lungs: It serves as the primary carbon sink and oxygen provider for the heavily polluted capita l
- Natural Vegetation: Its natural ecosystem is a Tropical Dry Deciduous and Thorny Scrub Forest
- Experts opposed the Forest Department's anti-termite plan
- The Invasive Alien Species Threat: During the British era
๐ Key Numbers & Data
- Research Institute (FRI) Working Plan (2026-27) has been criticized for viewing the Ridge
- of statutory protection . They account for 55.1% of India's total recorded forest area.
#03
Environment
Environment
Protection of Aravalli Hills
๐ฐ Why in News
In November 2025, the Supreme Court (SC) of India adopted a uniform definition of the Aravalli Hills as hills 100 meters or higher above local groundโฆ
โ
Quick Facts
- The decision triggered public protests, political reactions, and the #SaveAravalli campaign.
- In 2025 , the Supreme Court adopted a uniform definition of the Aravalli Hills , froze new mining leases , and mandated a sustainable mining plan .
- The government says the framework strengthens protection , bans mining in core areas , and focuses on curbing illegal mining .
- Critics fear the 100-metre rule may exclude large areas
- About: The Supreme Court accepted a uniform, scientific definition of the Aravalli Hills and Ranges proposed by a committee under the Ministry ofโฆ
- Local relief is determined using the lowest contour line encircling the landform .
- Protection extends to the entire hill system , including supporting slopes and associated landforms , irrespective of height.
- The aim of this definition was to provide clarity and objectivity in regulating activities like mining across the Aravalli landscape.
- The plan must identify no-mining zones, strictly regulated mining areas, sensitive habitats and wildlife corridors , assess cumulative ecologicalโฆ
- The Court noted that blanket bans often fuel illegal mining
๐ Key Numbers & Data
- that the 100-metre threshold excludes over 90% of the Aravalli system from the new
- in Rajasthan, which accounts for around 80% of the range . Industrial Development and
๐๏ธ Key Stakeholders
MoEFUNESCOSupreme Court
#04
Environment
Environment
Future of India's Forest Carbon Storage
๐ฐ Why in News
A recent study published in Environmental Research: Climate reveals that India's forests could nearly double their carbon storage by 2100 , highlighting both climate mitigation potential and emerging ecological risks .
โ
Quick Facts
- Projected Carbon Biomass Growth: The study predicts that vegetation carbon biomass will rise by 35% under a low-emissions future
- India's most ecologically significant regions
- As a result, the apparent increase in carbon stock may mask deeper ecological stress, raising concerns about forest instability, degradation, and theโฆ
- The FSI documents a more modest, steady rise based on actual field and remote sensing data (from 6.94 billion tonnes in 2013 to 7.29 billion tonnesโฆ
๐ Key Numbers & Data
- that vegetation carbon biomass will rise by 35% under a low-emissions future, 62% under a
- rise by 35% under a low-emissions future, 62% under a medium-emissions pathway, and up to
- under a medium-emissions pathway, and up to 97% under a high-emissions
#05
Environment
Environment
Miyawaki Plantation Method
๐ฐ Why in News
Prime Minister of India in his recent episode of 'Mann ki Baat', discussed the concept of Miyawaki plantation . He shed light on the Japanese technique of establishing dense urban forests in limited spaces.
โ
Quick Facts
- He also mentioned the inspiring story of Raafi Ramnath
- About: It was named after Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki
- The methodology was developed in the 1970s, with the basic objective to densify green cover within a small parcel of land.
- In this method, the trees become self-sustaining and they grow to their full length within three years
- The dense green cover of indigenous trees plays a key role in absorbing the dust particles of the area where the garden has been set up
- Over the years, the cost-effective Miyawaki Plantation Method has become the go-to solution to restore the green cover in a space-starved city likeโฆ
- The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has been implementing the Miyawaki forest approach in various vacant land areas of Mumbai to combatโฆ
๐ โ๏ธ Core Subject Drill โ Indian Polity
โ๏ธ Indian Polity MCQ Quiz ยท เคญเคพเคฐเคคเฅเคฏ เคฐเคพเคเคตเฅเคฏเคตเคธเฅเคฅเคพ
10 bilingual MCQs ยท Indian Polity ยท Members Only on YouTube
Today's rotation: Indian Polity. Take this break between news topics to sharpen the core concept.
๐ More Current Affairs Coverage
#06
Environment
Environment
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
๐ฐ Why in News
The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 has completed 51 years since its inception , and over the years, it has been successful in protecting several endangered species.
โ
Quick Facts
- About: The Wild Life (Protection) Act, of 1972 provides a legal framework for the protection of various species of wild animals and plantsโฆ
- The act also lists schedules of plants and animals that are afforded varying degrees of protection and monitoring by the government.
- India's entry to the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) was made easier by the Wildlife Act.
- Earlier, Jammu and Kashmir was not covered by the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972
- The 42 nd Amendment Act, 1976, Forests and Protection of Wild Animals and Birds was transferred from State to Concurrent List.
- Article 51 A (g) of the Constitution states that it shall be the fundamental duty of every citizen to protect and improve the natural environmentโฆ
- Article 48 A in the Directive Principles of State policy
- Schedule I: It covers endangered species that need rigorous protection.
- A person is liable to the harshest penalties for violation of the law under this Schedule.
- Species under this Schedule are prohibited to be hunted throughout India
#07
Environment
Environment
Sariska Tiger Reserve
๐ฐ Why in News
The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL)
โ
Quick Facts
- The Supreme Court is suo motu examining several issues related to the STR, including the rationalisation of its boundaries
- Proposed Changes: The rationalisation will result in the CTH expanding from 881.11 sq km to 924.49 sq km
- Ecological and Legal Context: CTH is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and must be kept free of human interference
- Known for its rich history, it houses the Kankarwadi Fort, where Aurangzeb imprisoned Dara Shikoh, and the Pandupole Hanuman temple linked to theโฆ
- The landscape is marked by rocky terrain, grasslands, scrub-thorn forests, and semi-deciduous woodlands
- The reserve supports diverse fauna including Royal Bengal tigers, leopards, sambhar, nilgai, wild boars, and hyenas .
- Sariska Tiger Reserve also surrounds the sites like Jai Samand Lake and the Siliserh Lake.
#08
Economy
Economy
Mizoram Ginger Mission
๐ฐ Why in News
The Government of India launched the Mizoram Ginger Mission , aiming to transform Mizoram into a global hub for premium pharma-grade ginger .
โ
Quick Facts
- Superior Quality Profile: Mizoram is known for its Geographical Indication (GI) – certified ginger varieties and high-quality pharma-grade ginger
- Mizoram Ginger Mission : It was launched by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER)
- Four Strategic Pillars: The initiative is anchored on four pillars – Convergence
- Economic Empowerment: The mission aims to "disintermediate the intermediary" by strengthening Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and cooperatives
- The Mission builds upon NITI Aayog's declaration of Mizoram as the "Ginger Capital of India"
๐ Key Numbers & Data
- exceptionally high oleoresin content of 68% ( concentrated compound responsible for
- above the global average of around 3%. Mizoram Ginger Mission : It was launched
- price gap (where farmers currently receive Rs 815/kg while the international value chain
#09
History
History
Journey of Spices in India
๐ฐ Why in News
The history of spices in India reflects a fascinating journey of cultural exchange, economic prosperity, and the integration of Indian flavours into the global culinary landscape.
โ
Quick Facts
- Ancient Origins: The use of spices in India can be traced back to ancient times, with evidence dating as far back as the Indus Valley Civilization .
- Spices were used for culinary and medicinal purposes even in these early civilizations.
- India's strategic location on ancient trade routes, including the Silk Road , facilitated the exchange of spices with other civilizations.
- Spices like black pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon were highly sought after, contributing to India's economic prosperity .
- Spices have been integral to traditional Indian medicine, Ayurveda , for centuries
- During the mediaeval period, Arab and Persian traders played a crucial role in further disseminating Indian spices to the West.
- The spice trade flourished, and spices became luxury commodities in Europe.
- In the 15th century, European powers , particularly the Portuguese, Dutch, and later the British, sought direct access to India's spice-producingโฆ
- This led to the exploration and establishment of maritime trade routes, contributing to the Age of Exploration .
- European colonial powers aimed to control the spice trade, leading to the establishment of trading posts and colonies in India
๐ Key Numbers & Data
- over the last few years. Production in 2021-22 stood at 10.87 million tonnes . During
- stood at 10.87 million tonnes . During 2022-23, the export of spices from India stood at
- from USD 3.46 billion in 2021-22. During 2021-22, the single largest spice exported from
- 1.53 million tonnes of spices. From 2017-18 to 2021-22, the total export quantity from
- quantity from India grew at a CAGR of 10.47%. Varieties: India produces about 75 of the
- ginger and coriander make up about 76% of the total production . The largest
#10
History
History
India's Geographical Indication Landscape
๐ฐ Why in News
India's Geographical Indication (GI) tags journey of over two decades faces challenges, with limited outcomes indicating the need for reforms in the registration processes.
โ
Quick Facts
- About: A geographical indication (GI) is a designation applied to products originating from a specific geographical area
- Article 22 (1) of Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) defines GIs as "indications which identify a good as originating inโฆ
- GI is governed under the Agreement on TRIPS at the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
- The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act
- Paris Convention emphasises protecting industrial property and geographical indications in Articles 1(2) and 10.
- Compared to other nations, India lags in GI registration
- Germany leads in GI registrations , with 15,566 registered products, followed by China (7,247), as per 2020 data with the World Intellectual Propertyโฆ
- Globally, wines and spirits comprise 51.8% of registered GIs, followed by agricultural products and foodstuffs at 29.9%
- Concerns with GI Act and Registration Process: The GI Act, 1999 framed over two decades ago, requires timely amendments to address current challenges.
- Registration forms and application processing times need simplification for easier compliance
๐ Key Numbers & Data
- Globally, wines and spirits comprise 51.8% of registered GIs, followed by agricultural
- by agricultural products and foodstuffs at 29.9%. In India, handicraft (about 45%) and
- at 29.9%. In India, handicraft (about 45%) and agriculture (about 30%) comprise the
- about 45%) and agriculture (about 30%) comprise the majority of the GI products.
- application acceptance ratio is only about 46% in India. Lack of suitable institutional
๐๏ธ Key Stakeholders
IMFWTO
๐๏ธ Wrap Up โ Simple CA Quiz
Simple Current Affairs MCQ โ 15 May 2026
10 accessible MCQs covering the same topics ยท great for quick revision
End your study session with these simpler MCQs to lock in recall of today's current affairs.
