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 22 May 2026
International Tea Day 2026
International Tea Day is observed every year on May 21 to celebrate one of the world’s most popular beverages and recognize the importance of tea in global culture, trade, and livelihoods. The 2026 observance focused on sustainable tea cultivation, inclusive economic growth, and the rich cultural heritage associated with tea-producing nations.
The official themes for International Tea Day 2026 are “Fostering Growth and Inclusion” and “Sustaining Tea, Supporting Communities.” These themes highlight the need to strengthen tea-growing communities, improve the income of workers and farmers, promote fair labour practices, and encourage environmentally responsible tea production.
Tea cultivation supports millions of people worldwide, especially in developing countries where the tea industry provides employment opportunities and contributes significantly to rural economies. The observance also emphasizes the importance of sustainable farming practices to protect the environment and ensure long-term productivity.
India remains one of the world’s largest tea producers and consumers. Famous tea-growing regions such as Assam, Darjeeling, and Nilgiri continue to contribute to the country’s economy and global tea exports.
World Metrology Day 2026
World Metrology Day is observed every year on May 20 to mark the signing of the Metre Convention in Paris in 1875. The agreement laid the foundation for a globally uniform system of measurements and scientific standards.
The official theme for World Metrology Day 2026 is “Metrology: Building Trust in Policy Making.” The theme underlines the role of accurate measurements in governance, trade, health, science, and industrial development.
To strengthen India’s measurement and testing ecosystem, the Department of Consumer Affairs announced several major reforms. The government issued 40 Government Approved Test Centre (GATC) certificates to eligible private entities, thereby expanding the country’s infrastructure for testing and verifying measuring instruments.
The government also introduced reforms under the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026. These measures aim to improve transparency, efficiency, and trust in regulatory systems while promoting ease of doing business.
Metrology plays an essential role in daily life by ensuring accuracy in trade, healthcare, engineering, and scientific research.
International Day for Biological Diversity 2026
The International Day for Biological Diversity is observed every year on May 22 to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity and the urgent need to protect it. The 2026 observance draws global attention to biodiversity loss, one of the world’s most serious environmental challenges.
The official theme for Biodiversity Day 2026 is “Acting Locally for Global Impact.” The theme highlights how local conservation efforts can collectively contribute to global environmental protection.
Biodiversity includes all living organisms such as plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms that maintain ecological balance. Healthy biodiversity supports food security, clean air, water resources, climate stability, and human well-being.
Rapid urbanization, deforestation, pollution, and climate change continue to threaten ecosystems around the world. Governments, environmental organizations, and communities are therefore encouraging sustainable practices and conservation initiatives to preserve biodiversity for future generations.
Anti-Terrorism Day 2026
Anti-Terrorism Day is observed across India every year on May 21 to spread awareness about the dangers of terrorism, violence, and extremism. The day aims to educate citizens, especially young people, about the destructive impact of terrorism on society and national unity.
The observance is held in memory of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, who was assassinated on May 21, 1991, during an election campaign in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu.
Educational institutions, government offices, and organizations across the country conduct pledge ceremonies, awareness programs, and discussions to promote peace, harmony, and national integration.
The day serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and collective efforts in combating terrorism and preserving democratic values.
International Booker Prize 2026
The novel Taiwan Travelogue won the International Booker Prize 2026, bringing global recognition to Taiwan’s literary and cultural storytelling. The book was written by Yang Shuang-zi and translated by Lin King.
This achievement marks the first time a work translated from Mandarin Chinese has received the prestigious award. The novel uses an innovative storytelling structure and is presented as the fictional memoir of a Japanese writer named Aoyama Chizuko.
Set in 1938 during Japanese colonial rule in Taiwan, the novel explores identity, culture, memory, and historical experiences through layered narration and literary creativity.
The award highlights the growing global appreciation for translated literature and diverse cultural voices.
India–Italy Special Strategic Partnership
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced the elevation of India–Italy relations to a Special Strategic Partnership during PM Modi’s visit to Italy.
The partnership represents a major diplomatic advancement in bilateral relations and aims to strengthen cooperation across several sectors. Both countries have set a target to increase bilateral trade to around €20 billion by 2029.
Priority sectors identified for cooperation include:
- Semiconductors
- Clean technologies
- Automotive manufacturing
- Pharmaceuticals
- Digital technologies
- Tourism
- Medical technology
- Steel
- Infrastructure
- Critical raw materials
- Ports
An important outcome of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Critical Minerals. The agreement is strategically significant because of rising global competition for lithium, cobalt, rare earth elements, and other essential minerals used in advanced technologies and clean energy systems.
The partnership is expected to deepen economic ties, technology collaboration, and industrial cooperation between the two nations.
India Launches Arunachal Kiwi Mission
The Central Government has launched the mission titled “Arunachal Kiwi: The USP of Arunachal Pradesh” with a financial outlay of ₹167 crore. The initiative aims to transform Arunachal Pradesh into a premium organic kiwi production hub with strong domestic and international market potential.
The mission was officially launched by Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia. It is designed as a cluster-based kiwi cultivation and value chain development programme and is being implemented under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region.
Arunachal Pradesh is India’s largest kiwi-producing state and contributes more than 50% of the country’s total kiwi production. The state’s annual kiwi production is estimated at around 7,050 metric tonnes.
Kiwi cultivation has become a major cash crop in the high-altitude regions of the state, offering farmers better income opportunities and promoting horticultural development.
The mission seeks to improve production quality, supply chains, processing facilities, branding, and market access for farmers.
India Becomes Bangladesh’s Second-Largest Trading Partner
India has overtaken the United States to become Bangladesh’s second-largest trading partner according to the latest trade data released by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS). However, China continues to remain Bangladesh’s largest trading partner.
By February 2026, India accounted for approximately 8.47% of Bangladesh’s total external trade, valued at around Tk 123.28 billion. The United States closely followed with 8.46%, amounting to nearly Tk 123.17 billion.
China maintained a dominant position with nearly 21.21% of Bangladesh’s total trade, valued at approximately Tk 308.79 billion. China’s dominance is largely linked to Bangladesh’s dependence on Chinese industrial imports.
Bangladesh imports several essential commodities and industrial products from India, including:
- Rice
- Onions
- Sugar
- Food commodities
- Cotton
- Yarn
- Industrial intermediate goods
The development reflects the growing economic integration and trade connectivity within South Asia.
India Assumes Chairmanship of Regional Cooperative Agreement
India has officially assumed the chairmanship of the Regional Cooperative Agreement (RCA) for 2026 under the International Atomic Energy Agency framework.
The announcement was made during the 48th Meeting of National Representatives held in Navi Mumbai. The meeting is being hosted by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Government of India, from May 19 to May 22, 2026.
The RCA promotes cooperation among member countries in the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology. India’s leadership role highlights its long-standing contribution to scientific collaboration in the Asia-Pacific region.
A total of 29 delegates from 17 Asia-Pacific nations are participating in the meeting. The event focuses on strengthening regional cooperation in healthcare, agriculture, industry, and environmental applications of nuclear technology.
Government to Launch JEEVAN App and SHATAYU Dashboard
Union Minister Virendra Kumar is set to launch the JEEVAN mobile application for senior citizens and the SHATAYU dashboard for geriatric caregivers on May 22, 2026.
The initiative has been introduced by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to strengthen eldercare services through technology, policy support, and community participation.
The launch will take place during a virtual programme themed “Creating a Well-Functioning Care Economy.”
Key features of the initiative include:
- JEEVAN App: Designed for senior citizens to improve access to support systems, welfare services, and important elderly care information.
- SHATAYU Dashboard: Developed for geriatric caregivers to provide data, caregiving support, and information related to elderly care services.
The initiative reflects the government’s increasing focus on senior citizen welfare, healthcare accessibility, and strengthening India’s care economy infrastructure.
Review Questions
- International Tea Day is observed every year on which date?
A. May 18
B. May 20
C. May 21
D. May 22
Answer: C. May 21
- What is one of the official themes of International Tea Day 2026?
A. Green Economy for All
B. Sustaining Tea, Supporting Communities
C. One Earth One Future
D. Healthy Planet Healthy Life
Answer: B. Sustaining Tea, Supporting Communities
- World Metrology Day commemorates the signing of which convention in 1875?
A. Geneva Convention
B. Paris Agreement
C. Metre Convention
D. Vienna Convention
Answer: C. Metre Convention
- What is the official theme of World Metrology Day 2026?
A. Measurements for Innovation
B. Science for Humanity
C. Metrology: Building Trust in Policy Making
D. Precision for Progress
Answer: C. Metrology: Building Trust in Policy Making
- The theme of International Day for Biological Diversity 2026 is:
A. Protect Nature for Future
B. Acting Locally for Global Impact
C. Biodiversity and Climate Action
D. Restore the Earth
Answer: B. Acting Locally for Global Impact
- Anti-Terrorism Day in India is observed in memory of which former Prime Minister?
A. Jawaharlal Nehru
B. Lal Bahadur Shastri
C. Atal Bihari Vajpayee
D. Rajiv Gandhi
Answer: D. Rajiv Gandhi
- Which novel won the International Booker Prize 2026?
A. The Silent Forest
B. Taiwan Travelogue
C. Island of Memories
D. The Eastern Wind
Answer: B. Taiwan Travelogue
- India and Italy have set a bilateral trade target of approximately how much by 2029?
A. €10 billion
B. €15 billion
C. €20 billion
D. €25 billion
Answer: C. €20 billion
- Which state is India’s largest kiwi-producing state?
A. Himachal Pradesh
B. Sikkim
C. Meghalaya
D. Arunachal Pradesh
Answer: D. Arunachal Pradesh
- India assumed the chairmanship of the Regional Cooperative Agreement (RCA) under which organization?
A. UNESCO
B. World Bank
C. International Atomic Energy Agency
D. United Nations Development Programme
Answer: C. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
