RBI ₹2.87 Lakh Crore Surplus Transfer to Centre for FY26

Why in News The Central Board of the Reserve Bank of India, chaired by Governor Sanjay Malhotra, at its 623rd meeting in Mumbai on May 22, 2026, approved the transfer of a record surplus of ₹2,86,588.46 crore (~₹2.87 lakh crore) to the Central Government for the accounting year 2025-26 (FY26) — the highest-ever RBI dividend.

Background

  • The surplus transfer is governed by Section 47 of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, which mandates that profits, after provisions, be paid to the Central Government.
  • The amount is decided under the Revised Economic Capital Framework (ECF) adopted by the RBI Board on August 26, 2019, on the recommendations of the Bimal Jalan Committee (constituted November 2018, report approved Aug 14, 2019).
  • The RBI’s accounting year was aligned with the fiscal year (April–March) from FY21 onwards (earlier July–June). The dividend is a major non-tax revenue receipt for the Union Budget.

Key Facts

  • Surplus transferred: ₹2,86,588.46 crore for FY26 — surpasses the previous record of ₹2,68,590.07 crore (~₹2.69 lakh crore) in FY25.
  • Contingency Risk Buffer (CRB): Maintained at the upper bound of 6.5% of the RBI balance sheet for FY26 (vs 7.5% in FY25). The CRB band was revised in May 2025 from the earlier 5.5%-6.5% to a new 4.5%-7.5%.
  • RBI balance sheet: Grew by 20.61% to ₹91.97 lakh crore as on March 31, 2026, driven by foreign exchange income and gains on forex sales.
  • Recipients of surplus: Section 47 RBI Act; transfer made to the Consolidated Fund of India.

UPSC Angle

  • GS Paper 3 (Economy): Monetary policy, RBI balance sheet, fiscal deficit financing, non-tax revenue.
  • Prelims hooks: Section 47 RBI Act 1934; Bimal Jalan Committee (Aug 2019); revised CRB band 4.5%-7.5% (May 2025); RBI accounting year shift (FY21).
  • Mains angle: “The Revised Economic Capital Framework provides a rules-based path for RBI surplus transfers. Discuss the trade-off between RBI’s financial resilience and the Centre’s fiscal needs.”

Facts Corner

RBI surplus FY26: ₹2,86,588.46 crore — record dividend. Statutory basis: Section 47, RBI Act 1934. Framework: Revised ECF (Aug 26, 2019) on Bimal Jalan Committee recommendations. CRB: Band 4.5%-7.5% (revised May 2025); FY26 set at 6.5%. Balance sheet: ₹91.97 lakh crore (20.61% YoY growth). Accounting year: April–March from FY21.

Agni-1 Successful User Trial from ITR Chandipur

Why in News India successfully test-launched the Agni-1 Short-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha on May 22, 2026, in a routine user trial conducted by the Strategic Forces Command (SFC). The test validated all operational and technical parameters.

Background

  • Agni-1 is a single-stage, solid-propellant SRBM with a range of 700–1,200 km, designed to fill the gap between Prithvi-II (350 km) and Agni-II (2,000+ km). It can carry a conventional or nuclear warhead of up to ~1,000 kg.
  • The missile was developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP), launched in 1983 by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and formally completed on January 8, 2008. IGMDP’s five missiles: Prithvi, Agni, Akash, Trishul, Nag.
  • The Strategic Forces Command (SFC) was established on January 4, 2003 under the Nuclear Command Authority (NCA), which is chaired by the Prime Minister and operationalises India’s nuclear deterrent.

Key Facts

  • Agni-1 range: 700–1,200 km; payload up to ~1,000 kg; rail/road-mobile launcher.
  • Test site: ITR Chandipur (Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island/Wheeler Island is the alternative test bed).
  • Indian nuclear doctrine (officially declared January 4, 2003): No First Use (NFU); Credible Minimum Deterrent; Massive Retaliation to any nuclear first strike; civilian political control; non-use against non-nuclear states.
  • Recent landmark: Mission Divyastra (March 11, 2024) — first flight test of Agni-5 with MIRV (Multiple Independently-targetable Re-entry Vehicle) payload.

UPSC Angle

  • GS Paper 3 (Security): India’s missile arsenal, IGMDP, nuclear deterrence architecture, MIRV technology.
  • GS Paper 2 (IR): NFU debate, China-Pakistan nuclear environment, NSG/MTCR membership status.
  • Prelims hooks: IGMDP 1983 (5 missiles); SFC 2003; NCA chaired by PM; nuclear doctrine year 2003; Mission Divyastra March 11, 2024.
  • Mains angle: “India’s evolution from Agni-1 (1989 first test) to Agni-5 MIRV reflects a credible minimum deterrent maturing to assured retaliation. Examine.”

Facts Corner

Agni-1: Single-stage, solid-fuel SRBM; range 700–1,200 km; user trial by SFC, ITR Chandipur, May 22, 2026. IGMDP: 1983 (Dr. Kalam) — Prithvi, Agni, Akash, Trishul, Nag; concluded Jan 8, 2008. SFC: Estd Jan 4, 2003 under NCA (chaired by PM). Nuclear doctrine 2003: NFU + Credible Minimum Deterrent + Massive Retaliation. Mission Divyastra: March 11, 2024 — Agni-5 MIRV.

Supreme Court: Mandatory FIR in All Missing Child Cases

Why in News A Supreme Court bench of Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R. Mahadevan on May 22, 2026 issued sweeping pan-India directions mandating that an FIR must be registered in every reported case of a missing child, with a statutory presumption of kidnapping or abduction to trigger immediate investigation.

Background

  • The judgment builds on the seminal Bachpan Bachao Andolan v. Union of India (2013) 6 SCC 1, in which the SC had first directed mandatory FIR registration in missing-child cases. Compliance had remained poor across States.
  • Constitutional anchors: Article 21 (right to life and personal liberty), Article 39(e) and 39(f) (protection of children against exploitation), and Article 45 (early childhood care and education).
  • Statutory framework: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 — Sections 137–144 (kidnapping, abduction, trafficking of minors); Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015; POCSO Act, 2012.

Key Facts

  • Mandatory FIR: Every missing-child report must be registered as an FIR, not merely a “missing person” diary entry.
  • MHA database integration: TrackChild, Khoya-Paya, ZIPNET, and CCTNS must be inter-operable with Child Welfare Committee (CWC) records.
  • Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs): Approximately 788 AHTUs to be made fully functional within 4 weeks.
  • Data backdrop: NCRB 2022 recorded ~83,350 children reported missing; recovery rate remains a concern.

UPSC Angle

  • GS Paper 2 (Polity/Society): Judicial activism, child rights, federalism in policing, Mission Vatsalya (2022, successor to ICPS).
  • Prelims hooks: Bachpan Bachao Andolan v UoI (2013); BNS 2023 Sections 137-144; Articles 21, 39(e)(f), 45; NCRB 2022 figures.
  • Mains angle: “Compliance, not legislation, is India’s missing-child problem. Critically evaluate the SC’s continuing-mandamus approach.”

Facts Corner

SC ruling May 22, 2026: Mandatory FIR + presumption of kidnapping/abduction; bench — Justices Amanullah & Mahadevan. Landmark precedent: Bachpan Bachao Andolan v UoI (2013). Constitution: Articles 21, 39(e)(f), 45. Statute: BNS 2023 Sections 137-144; JJ Act 2015; POCSO 2012. Databases: TrackChild, Khoya-Paya, ZIPNET, CCTNS. AHTUs: ~788 to be fully functional in 4 weeks.

Saudi Arabia Joins India-led International Big Cat Alliance as 26th Member

Why in News Saudi Arabia on May 22, 2026 formally joined the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) as its 26th member country, marking a significant West-Asian endorsement of the India-led conservation grouping headquartered in New Delhi.

Background

  • IBCA was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Mysuru on April 9, 2023, marking ‘50 Years of Project Tiger’ (Project Tiger launched April 1, 1973 at Jim Corbett National Park).
  • The Union Cabinet approved IBCA’s framework agreement on February 29, 2024; the alliance acquired treaty status on January 23, 2025 with the deposit of the fifth instrument of ratification.
  • Founding ratifiers (5): India, Nicaragua, Eswatini, Somalia, Liberia.
  • IBCA’s mandate covers conservation of seven big cats: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar and Puma (the last two are non-native to India).

Key Facts

  • Members: Saudi Arabia is the 26th — joining a growing roster including Bhutan, Madagascar, Mongolia, Suriname and others.
  • Saudi connection: Hosts the Arabian Leopard (Panthera pardus nimr), listed Critically Endangered on IUCN Red List; AlUla’s Royal Commission runs a flagship breeding programme.
  • India’s tiger population: 3,682 (NTCA Status of Tigers Report, 2022 cycle) — hosting ~70% of the global wild tiger population.
  • India’s seed funding: ₹150 crore for IBCA for the period 2023-28.

UPSC Angle

  • GS Paper 3 (Environment): IBCA, Project Tiger, Project Lion, Project Cheetah, NTCA (statutory under WLPA 1972, amended 2006).
  • GS Paper 2 (IR): South-South cooperation in conservation, India-Gulf engagement.
  • Prelims hooks: IBCA HQ New Delhi; founding ratifiers (India + Nicaragua + Eswatini + Somalia + Liberia); treaty status Jan 23, 2025; 7 big cats.
  • Mains angle: “IBCA marks India’s first multilateral conservation initiative after IRSA and ISA. Assess its strategic and ecological significance.”

Facts Corner

IBCA: Launched PM Modi, Mysuru, April 9, 2023 (50 years of Project Tiger). HQ New Delhi. Cabinet nod Feb 29, 2024; treaty status Jan 23, 2025. Founding 5: India, Nicaragua, Eswatini, Somalia, Liberia. 7 big cats: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, Puma. India tigers: 3,682 (NTCA 2022). Saudi (26th member): Arabian Leopard (CR, IUCN). India seed fund: ₹150 crore (2023-28).

India Blocks China’s WTO Panel Request on Solar/IT Measures

Why in News At the WTO Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) meeting in Geneva on May 22, 2026, India blocked China’s first request for the establishment of a dispute settlement panel over India’s solar and IT measures — buying time, since DSU rules make panel formation automatic at the next DSB meeting.

Background

  • The dispute concerns India’s Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on solar imports — 40% on modules and 25% on cells (effective April 1, 2022) — alongside the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) and the ₹24,000 crore PLI (Tranche-II) for high-efficiency solar PV modules.
  • Under Article 6 of the WTO’s Dispute Settlement Understanding (DSU), a panel is established at the second DSB meeting at which the request is on the agenda — a member can block only the first request.
  • Context: China controls over 80% of the global solar PV value chain (polysilicon, wafers, cells, modules). India’s countermeasures aim to indigenise capacity.

Key Facts

  • India’s renewable target: 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030 (Panchamrit, COP-26 Glasgow, November 2021).
  • WTO Appellate Body: Dysfunctional since December 2019 due to the US blocking new appointments — panel reports can be “appealed into the void.”
  • India’s PLI (Solar): Tranche-I (₹4,500 crore, 2021) + Tranche-II (₹19,500 crore, 2022) ~ ₹24,000 crore for vertically integrated solar manufacturing.

UPSC Angle

  • GS Paper 2 (IR): WTO, dispute settlement, India-China economic friction.
  • GS Paper 3 (Economy/Environment): Atmanirbhar Bharat, energy security, climate commitments.
  • Prelims hooks: WTO (estd Jan 1, 1995, Marrakesh Agreement 1994); DG Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (since March 2021); DSU Article 6; India BCD (40% modules, 25% cells); 500 GW non-fossil by 2030.
  • Mains angle: “Strategic autonomy vs WTO commitments — India’s solar dispute with China is a stress-test for green industrial policy. Discuss.”

Facts Corner

DSB May 22, 2026: India blocked China’s first panel request — automatic at next DSB per DSU Art 6. BCD: 40% modules, 25% cells (April 1, 2022). ALMM + PLI Solar: ₹24,000 cr. WTO: Estd Jan 1, 1995; DG Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. Appellate Body: Dysfunctional since Dec 2019 (US blocking appointments). India 2030: 500 GW non-fossil (Panchamrit, COP-26 Nov 2021). China: >80% global solar PV value chain.

Major Abhilasha Barak Wins UN Military Gender Advocate Award 2025

Why in News Major Abhilasha Barak, currently serving as Female Engagement Team (FET) Commander with the Indian Battalion of UNIFIL (Lebanon), was announced on May 22-23, 2026 as the 2025 recipient of the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award. She becomes the third Indian woman officer to receive the honour.

Background

  • The award was instituted in 2016 by the UN Department of Peace Operations (DPO), Office of Military Affairs, and is conferred annually on May 29 — the International Day of UN Peacekeepers (observed since 2002 per UNGA Res 57/129 of December 2002).
  • The award operationalises UN Security Council Resolution 1325 of October 31, 2000 — the landmark “Women, Peace and Security (WPS)” resolution.
  • Previous Indian winners: Major Suman Gawani (2019, UNMISS South Sudan) and Major Radhika Sen (2023, MONUSCO, Democratic Republic of Congo).

Key Facts

  • Maj Barak’s distinction: India’s first woman combat aviator in the Indian Army’s Aviation Corps (qualified 2022).
  • UNIFIL: United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon — established by UNSC Resolutions 425 and 426 of March 19, 1978; headquarters Naqoura, Lebanon.
  • India and UN peacekeeping: India is the 5th largest troop contributor (over 6,000 personnel currently deployed across UN missions) — has contributed ~2,90,000 personnel to 50+ missions since 1948.
  • 2026 International Day of UN Peacekeepers theme: “The Future of Peacekeeping” (verify at UN website on the day).

UPSC Angle

  • GS Paper 2 (IR): India and UN peacekeeping, WPS agenda, multilateral engagement.
  • GS Paper 1 (Society): Women in armed forces, gender mainstreaming.
  • Prelims hooks: UNSC Res 1325 (Oct 31, 2000 — WPS); International Day of UN Peacekeepers (May 29); UNIFIL (1978, UNSC Res 425+426); HQ Naqoura, Lebanon; India 5th largest contributor.
  • Mains angle: “From combat exclusion to combat command — Indian women in the armed forces have travelled a constitutional and institutional arc. Discuss.”

Facts Corner

Award: UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year (instituted 2016, UN DPO). 2025 recipient: Maj Abhilasha Barak — FET Commander, INDBATT, UNIFIL; India’s first woman combat aviator (2022). Previous Indian winners: Maj Suman Gawani (2019, UNMISS), Maj Radhika Sen (2023, MONUSCO). WPS basis: UNSC Res 1325 (Oct 31, 2000). UNIFIL: UNSC Res 425+426 of March 19, 1978; HQ Naqoura. India: 5th largest UN troop contributor (>6,000 personnel).

May 23 Observances — International Day to End Obstetric Fistula & World Turtle Day

Why in News May 23, 2026 marks two parallel global observances — the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula (UN-designated since 2013) and World Turtle Day (founded by American Tortoise Rescue, USA, in 2000). India anchored its commemorations on maternal-health schemes (Fistula) and on the Indian Coast Guard’s just-concluded Operation Olivia 2026 along the Odisha coast (Turtle Day).

Background

  • Obstetric Fistula Day was instituted by UNGA Resolution 67/147 of December 20, 2012, with first observance on May 23, 2013. The lead UN agency is UNFPA, which has run the global Campaign to End Fistula since 2003.
  • WHO/UNFPA estimate: Approximately 500,000 women globally live with untreated obstetric fistula, primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
  • World Turtle Day is a civil-society observance — founded by American Tortoise Rescue (USA) in 2000; it is NOT a UN day. The 2026 theme is “I Promise to Help Turtles!”

Key Facts

  • 2026 Fistula theme: “Her Health is a Right; Invest in Ending Fistula and Childbirth Injuries.”
  • India’s maternal indicators: MMR 97 per 1,00,000 live births (SRS 2018-20) — down from 130 in 2014-16. SDG 3.1 target: less than 70 by 2030. NFHS-5 institutional delivery: 88.6%.
  • Key Indian maternal-health schemes: JSY (2005), JSSK (2011), PMSMA (2016), LaQshya (2017), SUMAN (2019) and Anaemia Mukt Bharat (2018).
  • India’s marine turtles (5 species): Olive Ridley, Green, Hawksbill, Loggerhead, Leatherback — all listed under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 post the 2022 amendment (earlier various schedules).
  • Odisha arribada sites: Gahirmatha (within Bhitarkanika National Park — world’s largest known Olive Ridley nesting site), Rushikulya, Devi.
  • Operation Olivia: Annual Indian Coast Guard operation since the 1980s — protects nesting Olive Ridleys against trawler bycatch and illegal fishing; the 2026 season concluded on May 22-23.

UPSC Angle

  • GS Paper 1 (Society/Geography): Maternal health, women’s empowerment, Odisha coastal ecology.
  • GS Paper 2 (Schemes): JSY, JSSK, PMSMA, LaQshya, SUMAN — Mission Indradhanush.
  • GS Paper 3 (Environment): Marine turtle conservation, WLPA Schedule I, CITES Appendix I (Olive Ridley).
  • Prelims hooks: UNGA Res 67/147 (Dec 20, 2012); UNFPA lead agency; MMR 97 (SRS 2018-20); SDG 3.1 (<70 by 2030); 5 marine turtle species in India; 3 arribada sites in Odisha; Gahirmatha world’s largest nesting site.

Facts Corner

Fistula Day: UNGA Res 67/147 (Dec 20, 2012); first obs May 23, 2013; lead — UNFPA; ~500,000 women globally. India MMR: 97 (SRS 2018-20); SDG 3.1 target <70 by 2030; NFHS-5 institutional delivery 88.6%. Schemes: JSY (2005), JSSK (2011), PMSMA (2016), LaQshya (2017), SUMAN (2019). World Turtle Day: 2000 — American Tortoise Rescue; NOT a UN day; 2026 theme “I Promise to Help Turtles!”. India marine turtles: Olive Ridley, Green, Hawksbill, Loggerhead, Leatherback — WLPA Sch I (post-2022). Arribada Odisha: Gahirmatha (in Bhitarkanika NP — world’s largest), Rushikulya, Devi. Operation Olivia: Indian Coast Guard, since 1980s; 2026 season concluded.

DoS Approves Common Space Testing Facilities at Sriharikota and Sanand

Why in News The Department of Space (DoS) announced approval on May 22-23, 2026 for setting up Common Technical Facilities (CTFs) — for testing, qualification and validation of space hardware — at the Sriharikota Space Manufacturing Cluster (Tamil Nadu) and the Sanand Space Manufacturing Cluster (Gujarat), to be implemented through IN-SPACe.

Background

  • IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre) — autonomous body under DoS, established June 2020, headquartered at Bopal, Ahmedabad; first Chairman Dr Pawan Goenka.
  • Indian Space Policy approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security on April 6, 2023 — separating roles of ISRO (R&D), NSIL (commercial — incorporated March 6, 2019) and IN-SPACe (regulator-promoter).
  • FDI in Space (revised February 2024): 100% in components/ground systems (automatic); 74% in satellite manufacturing/operation (automatic up to 74%); 49% in launch vehicles (automatic up to 49%).

Key Facts

  • Two clusters: Sriharikota (TN — leverages SDSC SHAR proximity); Sanand (Gujarat — co-located near GIFT/Dholera).
  • Implementing agency: IN-SPACe with industry partners.
  • Space economy target: USD 40 billion by 2030 (from ~USD 8.4 billion currently); ~300+ space startups in India as of 2026.

UPSC Angle

  • GS Paper 3 (S&T/Economy): Space sector reform, FDI, Atmanirbhar Bharat.
  • Prelims hooks: IN-SPACe (June 2020, Bopal Ahmedabad); Indian Space Policy (April 6, 2023); NSIL (March 6, 2019); FDI thresholds (Feb 2024).
  • Mains angle: “Common Technical Facilities lower the entry barrier for India’s space startups. Discuss the regulatory and commercial significance.”

Facts Corner

CTFs: Sriharikota (TN) + Sanand (Gujarat); implementing agency IN-SPACe. IN-SPACe: June 2020, Bopal, Ahmedabad; first Chairman Dr Pawan Goenka. Indian Space Policy: April 6, 2023. NSIL: March 6, 2019. FDI (Feb 2024): 100% components, 74% satellites, 49% launch vehicles. Space economy target: USD 40 bn by 2030.

PM Modi Distributes 51,000+ Appointment Letters at 19th Rozgar Mela

Why in News Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually distributed over 51,000 appointment letters to fresh recruits to various Central Government ministries and departments at the 19th edition of Rozgar Mela on May 23, 2026 — covering Railways, Home Affairs, Health, Higher Education, Financial Services and Posts.

Background

  • Rozgar Mela was launched by PM Modi on October 22, 2022 as a mission-mode initiative to fast-track recruitment to 10 lakh vacant Central Government posts.
  • Cumulative impact: Across 19 editions, approximately 12 lakh young Indians have received appointment letters in Central ministries, departments and PSUs.
  • Capacity building: New recruits are simultaneously enrolled in Mission Karmayogi (launched September 2020) — the National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building, with online learning through the iGOT Karmayogi platform.

Key Facts

  • PLFS (Periodic Labour Force Survey) 2023-24: Unemployment Rate (15+, CWS): 3.2%; LFPR: 60.1%; WPR: 58.2% — significant improvements from the pre-pandemic baseline.
  • Mission Karmayogi: Launched 2020; iGOT Karmayogi platform (Aroha-based).
  • Recruitments anchor: Various central agencies — UPSC, SSC, RRB, IBPS.

UPSC Angle

  • GS Paper 2 (Governance/Welfare): Civil services reform, recruitment policy, Mission Karmayogi.
  • GS Paper 3 (Economy): Employment, PLFS, demographic dividend.
  • Prelims hooks: Rozgar Mela launch (Oct 22, 2022); Mission Karmayogi (2020); iGOT platform; PLFS UR 3.2% (2023-24, CWS).

Facts Corner

19th Rozgar Mela: May 23, 2026 — 51,000+ letters across Railways/MHA/Health/Higher Edu/Financial Services/Posts. Launch: Oct 22, 2022 by PM Modi. Cumulative: ~12 lakh letters across 19 editions. Mission Karmayogi: Sept 2020; iGOT Karmayogi platform. PLFS 2023-24: UR 3.2% (CWS), LFPR 60.1%, WPR 58.2%.

Indian Coast Guard Operation Olivia 2026 Concludes — Olive Ridley Protection

Why in News The Indian Coast Guard announced on May 22-23, 2026 the successful conclusion of the Operation Olivia 2026 nesting-season protection cycle for Olive Ridley sea turtles along the Odisha coast, covering the Gahirmatha, Rushikulya and Devi arribada (mass-nesting) sites.

Background

  • Operation Olivia has been conducted by the Indian Coast Guard since the early 1980s — annual round-the-clock surveillance during the November-May nesting season.
  • Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) is listed Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, on CITES Appendix I, and on Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 (after 2022 amendment).
  • Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary (within Bhitarkanika National Park, Odisha) is the world’s largest known Olive Ridley nesting beach.

Key Facts

  • Patrolling assets: ICG offshore patrol vessels, fast interceptor boats, Dorniers and helicopters.
  • Key threat: Trawler bycatch — addressed via mandatory Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in fishing nets and seasonal fishing bans.
  • Three arribada sites: Gahirmatha (Bhitarkanika NP), Rushikulya (Ganjam), Devi river mouth (Puri/Jagatsinghpur).

UPSC Angle

  • GS Paper 3 (Environment): Marine biodiversity, ICG conservation role, CITES, WLPA.
  • Prelims hooks: Olive Ridley — Vulnerable (IUCN), CITES Appendix I, WLPA Schedule I post-2022; Gahirmatha — world’s largest nesting site; Operation Olivia — ICG.

Facts Corner

Operation Olivia: Indian Coast Guard; since early 1980s; protects Olive Ridleys at Gahirmatha + Rushikulya + Devi (Odisha). Olive Ridley: Vulnerable (IUCN), CITES Appendix I, WLPA Sch I (post-2022). Gahirmatha: Within Bhitarkanika NP — world’s largest known Olive Ridley nesting beach. Tool: Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) mandatory in fishing nets.

📌 Facts Corner — Knowledgepedia (May 23, 2026)

RBI surplus FY26: ₹2,86,588.46 crore (record); Section 47 RBI Act 1934; Revised ECF (Aug 26, 2019) per Bimal Jalan Committee; CRB band 4.5%-7.5% (revised May 2025); FY26 CRB 6.5%; RBI balance sheet ₹91.97 lakh crore (+20.61%). Agni-1: SRBM, range 700-1,200 km, single-stage solid; user trial by SFC (estd Jan 4, 2003 under NCA-PM chair) at ITR Chandipur. IGMDP 1983 (Dr. Kalam); 5 missiles — Prithvi, Agni, Akash, Trishul, Nag; concluded Jan 8, 2008. Nuclear doctrine 2003: NFU + CMD + Massive Retaliation. Mission Divyastra: March 11, 2024 (Agni-5 MIRV). SC missing children: Mandatory FIR + presumption kidnapping/abduction; Justices Amanullah & Mahadevan; landmark — Bachpan Bachao Andolan v UoI (2013); Articles 21, 39(e)(f), 45; BNS 2023 §§137-144; JJ Act 2015; POCSO 2012; ~788 AHTUs in 4 weeks; NCRB 2022 — ~83,350 missing children. IBCA: PM Modi launch — Mysuru April 9, 2023 (50 years Project Tiger); Cabinet Feb 29, 2024; treaty status Jan 23, 2025; HQ New Delhi; founding 5 — India, Nicaragua, Eswatini, Somalia, Liberia; 7 big cats; Saudi Arabia 26th member (Arabian leopard — CR IUCN); India seed ₹150 cr. WTO/Solar: DSB Geneva May 22, 2026 — India blocked China’s first panel request; panel automatic at second meeting (DSU Art 6). India BCD: 40% modules + 25% cells (April 1, 2022); ALMM; PLI Solar ₹24,000 cr. WTO estd Jan 1, 1995 (Marrakesh 1994); DG Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (March 2021). Appellate Body dysfunctional since Dec 2019 (US blocking appointments). India target — 500 GW non-fossil by 2030 (Panchamrit COP-26 Glasgow Nov 2021). Maj Abhilasha Barak: UN Military Gender Advocate Award 2025 (instituted 2016, UN DPO); FET Commander, INDBATT, UNIFIL; India’s first woman combat aviator (2022). Indian winners — Maj Suman Gawani (2019, UNMISS), Maj Radhika Sen (2023, MONUSCO). UNSC Res 1325 — Oct 31, 2000 (Women Peace and Security). UNIFIL — UNSC Res 425+426 (March 19, 1978); HQ Naqoura, Lebanon. India 5th largest UN troop contributor (>6,000). Int Day of UN Peacekeepers — May 29 (since 2002, UNGA Res 57/129). Fistula Day: UNGA Res 67/147 (Dec 20, 2012); first obs May 23, 2013; UNFPA lead; ~500,000 women globally. 2026 theme — “Her Health is a Right; Invest in Ending Fistula and Childbirth Injuries”. India MMR 97 (SRS 2018-20); SDG 3.1 <70 by 2030; NFHS-5 institutional delivery 88.6%. Schemes — JSY (2005), JSSK (2011), PMSMA (2016), LaQshya (2017), SUMAN (2019). World Turtle Day: 2000, founded American Tortoise Rescue (USA) — NOT a UN day; 2026 theme “I Promise to Help Turtles!”. India marine turtles: Olive Ridley, Green, Hawksbill, Loggerhead, Leatherback — WLPA Sch I (post-2022 amendment). Odisha arribada — Gahirmatha (Bhitarkanika NP — world’s largest), Rushikulya, Devi. Operation Olivia — Indian Coast Guard since 1980s; TEDs mandatory. Olive Ridley — Vulnerable (IUCN), CITES Appendix I. IN-SPACe CTFs: Sriharikota + Sanand. IN-SPACe — June 2020, Bopal Ahmedabad (Dr Pawan Goenka). Indian Space Policy — April 6, 2023; NSIL — March 6, 2019. FDI Feb 2024: 100% components, 74% satellites, 49% launchers. Space economy target — USD 40 bn by 2030. Rozgar Mela: Launched Oct 22, 2022; 19 editions; ~12 lakh letters cumulative. Mission Karmayogi — Sept 2020; iGOT platform. PLFS 2023-24 — UR 3.2% (CWS); LFPR 60.1%; WPR 58.2%.

Sources: The Hindu, Indian Express, PIB, RBI, Supreme Court of India, WTO, UN Peacekeeping, UNFPA