In Current Affairs for 20 May 2026, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial for your upcoming NDA, CDS, CDS OTA, AFCAT, TA, Agniveer Army, Agniveer Navy, Agniveer Air Force, Women Military Police, INET, MNS, ACC exams, SCO, PCSL, CAPF, and SSB interviews, and direct entries for Army, Navy, and Air Force like SSC Tech, TGC, JAG, NCC, TES, 10+2 Cadet. Download a PDF file about current events at the end of this article. Let us now see the Current Affairs.
Current Affairs 20 May 2026
World Bee Day 2026
World Bee Day is observed every year on 20 May across the globe to highlight the important role of bees and other pollinators in sustaining life on Earth. The day aims to spread awareness about how bees contribute to food production, biodiversity, and ecological balance. Pollinators play a key role in agriculture by helping crops produce fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds that are essential for human survival.
The theme for World Bee Day 2026 is “Bee together for people and the planet – A partnership that sustains us all.” The theme emphasizes collective action to protect bees and promote environmental sustainability. Scientists and environmental experts have repeatedly warned that declining bee populations can negatively impact food security and ecosystems worldwide.
Bees are among the most efficient pollinators in nature. Their contribution supports both agriculture and wild plant growth. Factors such as climate change, excessive pesticide use, habitat destruction, and pollution continue to threaten bee populations globally. Governments, farmers, and environmental organizations are therefore encouraging sustainable farming practices and conservation efforts to protect pollinators.
Om Birla Constitutes Committee on Empowerment of Women
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has constituted the Committee on Empowerment of Women to strengthen oversight of women-centric welfare policies and programmes. The committee has been formed as part of the regular parliamentary process aimed at improving policy implementation related to women’s welfare and empowerment.
The committee will be chaired by Daggubati Purandeswari. Its primary responsibility will be to review government initiatives, examine policy execution, and recommend measures for improving the condition of women in society.
The panel consists of 28 members in total. Among them, 18 women members belong to the Lok Sabha, while the remaining 10 members are from the Rajya Sabha. The bicameral structure of the committee ensures representation from both Houses of Parliament and strengthens parliamentary participation in issues related to women’s development.
World Fair Play Day 2026
World Fair Play Day is celebrated every year to promote the values of honesty, respect, sportsmanship, and ethical conduct in sports. The occasion encourages athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators to uphold fairness and integrity during competitions rather than focusing only on victory.
The observance highlights the true spirit of sports by encouraging equal opportunities, discipline, and mutual respect among participants. It reminds the global sporting community that fair competition is essential for maintaining trust and dignity in sports.
The day was established by the International Fair Play Committee (CIFP) in 2014 to recognize and spread awareness about the importance of fair play. Since then, it has become an important occasion celebrated by sports organizations and institutions worldwide.
India and Norway Elevate Ties to Green Strategic Partnership
India and Norway have elevated their bilateral relationship to a Green Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first official visit to Norway. The partnership aims to strengthen cooperation in clean energy, climate action, blue economy initiatives, digital innovation, artificial intelligence, and other strategic sectors.
The agreement reflects the shared commitment of both countries toward sustainable growth and environmentally responsible development. Renewable energy and green technology emerged as major focus areas during the discussions between the two nations.
India and Norway also agreed to deepen collaboration in future-oriented industries and sustainable industrial solutions. The partnership is expected to encourage technological cooperation, innovation, and investments in environmentally friendly sectors.
PM Modi Receives Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Norway’s highest civilian honour, the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit, during his official visit to Oslo. The recognition marked the 32nd international honour received by the Indian Prime Minister.
The award was presented on 18 May 2026 during his Norway visit. The Grand Cross represents the highest grade under the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit and is awarded for exceptional contributions to international relations and cooperation.
The visit also carried diplomatic importance because it marked Prime Minister Modi’s first-ever visit to Norway. It was also the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in more than four decades. The trip is considered a significant step in strengthening India-Norway bilateral relations.
WHO Declares Ebola Global Health Emergency
The World Health Organization has declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) over the latest Ebola outbreak affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. The decision followed a rise in suspected infections and deaths linked to the outbreak.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced the emergency declaration after signs of regional spread emerged. More than 300 suspected cases and dozens of deaths have raised concerns among global health authorities.
The WHO clarified that the situation does not currently qualify as a pandemic emergency similar to COVID-19 and stated that international border closures are unnecessary at this stage.
Ebola is a severe viral disease that causes haemorrhagic fever in humans. The current outbreak is associated with the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, which belongs to the Orthoebolavirus family.
IAS Officer Saurabh Vijay Takes Charge as CEO of UIDAI
Senior IAS officer Saurabh Vijay has assumed charge as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Unique Identification Authority of India. He is a 1998-batch Maharashtra cadre officer with extensive experience in administrative and governance roles at both state and central levels.
He officially took charge on 18 May 2026 and will oversee one of India’s most significant digital governance institutions. UIDAI manages Aadhaar, which is regarded as the world’s largest biometric identity programme.
His appointment is expected to strengthen digital governance initiatives and improve the delivery of identity-related services across the country.
India Receives Fourth S-400 Air Defence System
India is set to receive the fourth squadron of the Russian-origin S-400 Triumf air defence missile system under the $5.43 billion agreement signed with Russia in 2018. The agreement covers the supply of five S-400 squadrons to India.
The S-400 Triumf is a long-range surface-to-air missile system capable of engaging aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles across multiple ranges and altitudes. The system is operated by the Indian Air Force for strengthening national air defence capabilities.
The original delivery schedule aimed for completion by 2023, but delays occurred due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and disruptions in defence supply chains. The fourth unit was inspected by Indian Air Force officials in Russia before being transported to India through combined sea and air routes.
The fourth squadron is expected to be deployed in Rajasthan to strengthen defence coverage along the western frontier. The fifth and final squadron under the original agreement is likely to be delivered by November 2026 and may be deployed along India’s northern border with China. In March 2026, the Defence Acquisition Council also approved the procurement of five additional S-400 systems to further strengthen India’s air defence network.
Review Questions
- World Fair Play Day is mainly celebrated to promote which values?
A) Industrial growth
B) Fair play and sportsmanship
C) Space research
D) Military training
Answer: B) Fair play and sportsmanship - International Fair Play Day was first observed in which year?
A) 2008
B) 2010
C) 2014
D) 2018
Answer: C) 2014 - India elevated its bilateral ties to a Green Strategic Partnership with which
country?
A) Sweden
B) Norway
C) Denmark
D) Finland
Answer: B) Norway - Which Indian Prime Minister received the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian
Order of Merit in 2026?
A) Manmohan Singh
B) Narendra Modi
C) Atal Bihari Vajpayee
D) Rajnath Singh
Answer: B) Narendra Modi - The Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit is:
A) Norway’s military medal
B) Norway’s highest civilian honour
C) A sports award
D) A scientific award
Answer: B) Norway’s highest civilian honour - Which organisation declared the Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of
International Concern (PHEIC)?
A) UNICEF
B) Red Cross
C) WHO
D) UNESCO
Answer: C) WHO - The current Ebola outbreak mentioned in the article is linked to which strain?
A) Zaire strain
B) Sudan strain
C) Reston strain
D) Bundibugyo strain
Answer: D) Bundibugyo strain - Who has taken charge as the new CEO of UIDAI in 2026?
A) Amit Agarwal
B) Saurabh Vijay
C) T.V. Somanathan
D) Rajesh Kumar
Answer: B) Saurabh Vijay - UIDAI is responsible for managing which major identity programme in India?
A) DigiLocker
B) PAN Card
C) Aadhaar
D) Passport Seva
Answer: C) Aadhaar - The S-400 Triumf missile system was developed by which country?
A) United States
B) France
C) Russia
D) Israel
Answer: C) Russia
