Daily Current Affairs — 15 May 2026
Daily Current Affairs · 15 May 2026
10 fully-analysed topics · 30 bilingual MCQs · 3 embedded videos · built for UPSC Prelims & Mains
📚 10 Topics
🎯 30 MCQs
🎬 3 Videos
🇮🇳 Hindi + English
🎯 30 MCQs
🎬 3 Videos
🇮🇳 Hindi + English
Environment: 6 · History: 3 · Economy: 1
▶ Start Here — UPSC-Standard Quiz
UPSC Current Affairs MCQ — 15 May 2026
10 UPSC-standard bilingual MCQs covering today's top stories · 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.
📰 Today’s Top 5 Current Affairs
#01
History
History
India Assumes Chairmanship of the Common Criteria Development Board
📰 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.
✅ 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 borders…
- 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
📰 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 .
✅ 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
📊 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
📰 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 ground…
✅ 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 of…
- 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 ecological…
- The Court noted that blanket bans often fuel illegal mining
📊 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
🏛️ Key Stakeholders
MoEFUNESCOSupreme Court
#04
Environment
Environment
Future of India's Forest Carbon Storage
📰 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 .
✅ 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 the…
- 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 tonnes…
📊 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
📰 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.
✅ 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 like…
- The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has been implementing the Miyawaki forest approach in various vacant land areas of Mumbai to combat…
📚 ⚖️ Core Subject Drill — Indian Polity
⚖️ Indian Polity MCQ Quiz · भारतीय राजव्यवस्था
10 bilingual MCQs · Indian Polity · Members Only on YouTube
Today's rotation: Indian Polity. Take this break between news topics to sharpen the core concept.
📖 More Current Affairs Coverage
#06
Environment
Environment
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
📰 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.
✅ Quick Facts
- About: The Wild Life (Protection) Act, of 1972 provides a legal framework for the protection of various species of wild animals and plants…
- 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 environment…
- 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
📰 Why in News
The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL)
✅ 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 the…
- 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
📰 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 .
✅ 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"
📊 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
📰 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.
✅ 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-producing…
- 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
📊 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
📰 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.
✅ 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 in…
- 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 Property…
- 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
📊 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
🏛️ Key Stakeholders
IMFWTO
🗞️ Wrap Up — Simple CA Quiz
Simple Current Affairs MCQ — 15 May 2026
10 accessible MCQs covering the same topics · great for quick revision
End your study session with these simpler MCQs to lock in recall of today's current affairs.
