Saturday, 23 May 2026 Current Affairs, GK Notes & MCQ Quiz

Current affairs covering cyber warfare, Khet Bachao Abhiyan, JEEVAN App, and more.

Topics in this edition

  1. Khet Bachao Abhiyan (own page)
  2. Birth Rate and Infant Deaths Fall in India (own page)
  3. The JEEVAN App and SHATAYU Dashboard (own page)
  4. Thermal Energy Storage (TES) Systems (own page)
  5. Health Ministry Brings Pregabalin Under Schedule H1 (own page)
  6. Bond Yields Surge Amid Global Financial Shocks (own page)
  7. The Kali Night Frog (own page)
  8. India–Ethiopia WTO Cooperation (own page)

Current affairs

Khet Bachao Abhiyan

ICAR's campaign promotes balanced fertilizer use and sustainable farming practices.

Quick highlights

  • 12,979 awareness camps conducted.
  • 7.17 lakh farmers engaged.
  • Focus on soil fertility and reduced chemical use.

Context

ICAR launched the Khet Bachao Abhiyan to promote sustainable farming.

Key Facts

The campaign aims to reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers.

Significance

Enhances long-term soil fertility and agricultural productivity.

Challenges / Way Forward

Need for continuous farmer education and support.

Exam Angle

Relevant for GS Paper 3 on agriculture.

Remember this

  • Khet Bachao Abhiyan promotes balanced fertilizer use.
  • Over 3,145 training programs conducted.
  • Focus on sustainable agricultural practices.

Birth Rate and Infant Deaths Fall in India

India's birth and infant mortality rates continue to decline, indicating demographic transition.

Quick highlights

  • Birth rate fell from 21 to 18.3 per 1,000.
  • Infant mortality rate dropped from 39 to 24 per 1,000 live births.
  • Urban-rural disparities persist.

Context

Latest SRS bulletin shows a decline in birth and infant mortality rates.

Key Facts

The birth rate has seen a significant decline over the last decade.

Significance

Indicates improvements in healthcare and socio-economic conditions.

Challenges / Way Forward

Need for targeted investments in rural healthcare.

Exam Angle

Relevant for GS Paper 1 on population issues.

Remember this

  • Birth rate in India is now 18.3 per 1,000.
  • Infant mortality rate is 24 per 1,000 live births.
  • Urban areas have lower birth and mortality rates.

The JEEVAN App and SHATAYU Dashboard

New digital platforms launched to support senior citizens in India.

Quick highlights

  • JEEVAN app provides access to government schemes.
  • SHATAYU dashboard tracks geriatric caregivers.
  • Focus on safety and healthcare access for seniors.

Context

Launch of JEEVAN app and SHATAYU dashboard for elderly support.

Key Facts

These platforms aim to formalize elderly care services.

Significance

Enhances the quality of life for senior citizens.

Challenges / Way Forward

Need for widespread adoption and training.

Exam Angle

Relevant for GS Paper 2 on government schemes.

Remember this

  • JEEVAN app connects seniors with government services.
  • SHATAYU dashboard monitors caregiver availability.
  • Focus on dignity and inclusion for elderly.

Thermal Energy Storage (TES) Systems

New advancements in TES systems promise enhanced energy efficiency.

Quick highlights

  • New spinel nanocomposite PCM developed.
  • Enhances thermal energy storage capacity by 45%.
  • Cost-effective and scalable manufacturing process.

Context

ARCI announces a breakthrough in thermal energy storage technology.

Key Facts

The new material improves energy retention significantly.

Significance

Supports renewable energy integration and efficiency.

Challenges / Way Forward

Need for further research and commercial deployment.

Exam Angle

Relevant for GS Paper 3 on energy technologies.

Remember this

  • New PCM enhances thermal storage by 45%.
  • Cost-effective manufacturing process developed.
  • Supports renewable energy applications.

Health Ministry Brings Pregabalin Under Schedule H1

Pregabalin classified under stricter regulations to control drug abuse.

Quick highlights

  • Pregabalin now under Schedule H1 for stricter control.
  • Aims to prevent drug abuse and overdoses.
  • Pharmacists must maintain detailed sales records.

Context

Pregabalin is now classified under Schedule H1 to curb misuse.

Key Facts

Schedule H1 regulates high-risk prescription drugs.

Significance

Helps control drug abuse and ensure patient safety.

Challenges / Way Forward

Need for awareness among healthcare providers.

Exam Angle

Relevant for GS Paper 2 on health policies.

Remember this

  • Pregabalin is now under stricter regulations.
  • Schedule H1 aims to control drug abuse.
  • Pharmacists must keep detailed records.

Bond Yields Surge Amid Global Financial Shocks

Rising bond yields indicate economic instability and impact borrowing costs.

Quick highlights

  • India's 10-year G-Sec yield reached 7.13%.
  • US 30-year Treasuries hit 5.20%.
  • Higher yields increase borrowing costs.

Context

Global financial shocks have led to a surge in bond yields.

Key Facts

Bond yields reflect investor confidence and economic stability.

Significance

Higher yields affect loans and government spending.

Challenges / Way Forward

Need for fiscal policies to manage rising costs.

Exam Angle

Relevant for GS Paper 3 on economic issues.

Remember this

  • India's 10-year G-Sec yield is 7.13%.
  • US Treasuries yield reached 5.20%.
  • Rising yields impact borrowing costs.

The Kali Night Frog

A new amphibian species discovered in Karnataka highlights biodiversity.

Quick highlights

  • New species Nyctibatrachus kali found in Western Ghats.
  • Highlights the ecological importance of the region.
  • Collaboration between communities and researchers was key.

Context

Discovery of Kali night frog in Karnataka's Western Ghats.

Key Facts

The species is endemic to the Western Ghats.

Significance

Reinforces the need for biodiversity conservation.

Challenges / Way Forward

Need for habitat protection and research.

Exam Angle

Relevant for GS Paper 3 on biodiversity.

Remember this

  • Kali night frog is endemic to the Western Ghats.
  • Discovery highlights biodiversity importance.
  • Collaboration was key to the research.

India–Ethiopia WTO Cooperation

India and Ethiopia sign a protocol to enhance trade relations.

Quick highlights

  • Bilateral market access protocol signed.
  • Ethiopia's WTO accession will benefit Indian exports.
  • Reduces trade barriers for pharmaceuticals and machinery.

Context

India and Ethiopia enhance trade relations through WTO protocols.

Key Facts

Ethiopia's accession to WTO will open new markets.

Significance

Strengthens economic cooperation between India and Africa.

Challenges / Way Forward

Need for effective implementation of trade agreements.

Exam Angle

Relevant for GS Paper 2 on international relations.

Remember this

  • India and Ethiopia signed a WTO cooperation protocol.
  • Ethiopia's WTO entry will enhance trade access.
  • Focus on reducing trade barriers.

General knowledge

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