News of The Day – 15th May 2026

The Hindu, Indian Express, Live Mint, Business Standard, Economic Times, PIB and AIR, etc

(with Syllabus Relevance)

• India assumed chairmanship of the Common Criteria Development Board (CCDB), an international body related to cybersecurity certification standards. 
• Common Criteria (CC) is an international framework for evaluating and certifying IT product security.
• Enhances trust in cybersecurity products and facilitates global recognition of certified systems.
• India’s leadership reflects growing capabilities in cyber governance and digital infrastructure security.
• Supports initiatives such as Digital India, trusted telecom networks and indigenous cybersecurity ecosystems.
• Important in the context of cyber resilience, data protection and critical information infrastructure security.

• Recent labour indicators show improvements in labour force participation rate (LFPR), worker population ratio (WPR) and declining unemployment levels.
• Female labour force participation has improved, especially in rural areas, driven by self-employment and agriculture-linked activities.
  • However, concerns remain regarding informal employment, underemployment, low-quality jobs and stagnant real wages.
• India faces a challenge of generating productive non-farm employment for its large youth population.
• Key government initiatives: Skill India Mission, PM Vishwakarma, PM Internship Scheme, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes and labour code reforms.
• Important for issues related to demographic dividend, employment elasticity and inclusive growth.

• TERI estimated massive investments and policy reforms will be required for India to achieve 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047 under the Viksit Bharat vision.
• Current nuclear capacity remains limited compared to coal and renewables.
• Nuclear energy is viewed as a low-carbon baseload power source important for net-zero commitments.
• Challenges include high capital costs, long gestation periods, liability concerns and public opposition.
• Need for reforms in nuclear liability laws, private sector participation and international technology partnerships.
• Key institutions: Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB).

(GS-3: Economy)

• The government is considering reducing withholding tax rates on foreign investments to improve India’s attractiveness as an investment destination.
• Withholding tax is deducted at source on payments such as dividends, interest and royalties made to foreign entities.
• The objective is to boost Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) inflows amid global competition for capital.
• Lower tax burdens may improve ease of doing business and investor sentiment.
• Concerns include potential revenue implications and balancing tax competitiveness with fiscal needs.

(GS-3: Economy)

• About Mizoram Ginger Mission
  • To promote scientific cultivation, value addition and market access for ginger farmers.
• Ginger is an important cash crop in Northeast India with export and processing potential.
• Supports diversification of agriculture and promotion of agro-based industries.

(GS-3: Economy)

• India’s first mega greenfield shipyard is being developed at Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu.
• Expected to strengthen shipbuilding, ship repair and maritime industrial capabilities.
• Supports the Maritime India Vision 2030 and Blue Economy initiatives.
• Strategic significance due to proximity to major international sea lanes.

(GS-3: Science & Technology)

• LEAPS 2025 is an initiative/event focused on advancing innovation, emerging technologies and strategic research collaboration.
• Emphasises partnerships among academia, startups, industry and government institutions.
• Focus sectors include Artificial Intelligence, semiconductors, biotechnology, quantum technologies and advanced manufacturing.
• Supports India’s goals under Atmanirbhar Bharat and technology-driven economic growth.
• Encourages innovation ecosystems, skill development and research commercialisation.

(GS-3: Science & Technology)

• India received access to its first advanced therapy targeting Alzheimer’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder causing memory and cognitive decline.
• The therapy is designed to slow disease progression by targeting amyloid-beta plaques in the brain.
• Highlights advances in neuroscience, biotechnology and precision medicine.
• Concerns remain over affordability, accessibility and long-term efficacy due to high treatment costs.
• India faces a growing elderly population and an increasing burden of dementia-related diseases.

(GS-3: Science & Technology)

• About “BIRSA 101”
  • India’s first indigenous CRISPR-based gene therapy developed for treatment of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD).
• CRISPR is a gene-editing technology enabling targeted modification of DNA sequences.
• Sickle Cell Disease is a hereditary blood disorder prevalent among tribal populations in India. 
• The initiative reflects India’s growing biotechnology and genomic research capabilities.
• Institutions involved include CSIR and the Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB)
• Relevant for precision medicine, indigenous healthcare innovation and tribal health welfare.

• Indigenous Nicobarese communities opposed the proposal to notify three wildlife sanctuaries in the Nicobar Islands.
• Concerns relate to land rights, livelihood access and possible displacement of tribal populations.
• Raises questions regarding balancing biodiversity conservation with indigenous rights.
• Relevant legal frameworks include the Forest Rights Act (FRA), Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and constitutional safeguards for Scheduled Tribes.
• The Nicobar Islands are ecologically sensitive and strategically important.

• The ‘Lion’ Species Spotlight Programme focuses on conservation of the Asiatic Lion found mainly in Gujarat’s Gir landscape.
• Conducted as a pre-event to the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) summit
  • IBCA aims to strengthen global cooperation for conservation of big cat species.
• Asiatic Lion is listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red List and protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.