15 May 2026 Current Affairs (With PDF)

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Scheme for Promotion of Surface Coal/Lignite Gasification Projects

Why in News?

The Union Cabinet has approved the Scheme for Promotion of Surface Coal/Lignite Gasification Projects to expand cleaner utilization of domestic coal resources and strengthen energy security.

Key Features of the Scheme

1. Objective

• The scheme aims to accelerate coal and lignite gasification projects across the country.
• It supports India’s target of gasifying 100 million tonnes of coal by 2030.

2. Financial Support

• Eligible projects may receive incentives of up to 20% of the cost of plant and machinery.

3. Incentive Limits

• Maximum incentive for a single project: ₹5,000 crore
• Ceiling per product category: ₹9,000 crore
• Ceiling per entity group: ₹12,000 crore

4. Additional Benefits

• Companies can avail incentives under this scheme alongside benefits available through other government schemes.

5. Technology Provisions

• The framework permits adoption of any suitable gasification technology.
• It also promotes the development and deployment of indigenous technologies.

6. Policy Background

• The initiative builds upon National Coal Gasification Mission launched in 2021
• The coal gasification scheme approved in 2024

About Lignite

• Lignite is a soft, brown-colored, low-grade form of coal.
• It contains Lower carbon content, Lower calorific value, Higher moisture content
• Primarily used in Thermal power generation and Coal gasification processes
• Distribution in India: Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir

Coal Gasification

• Coal gasification is a process in which coal or lignite is converted into synthesis gas (syngas).
• Syngas can be utilized for producing Synthetic fuels, Fertilisers, Chemicals, Industrial feedstock
• Helps reduce dependence on imported natural gas and crude oil
• Enhances value addition from domestic coal resources
• Supports cleaner and more efficient utilization of coal reserves

Impact of Rising Sovereign Debt on Women

Why in News?

The United Nations Development Programme released the report titled “Who Pays the Price? Gender Inequality and Sovereign Debt” under its EQUANOMICS initiative, highlighting the disproportionate impact of sovereign debt burdens on women.

Major Findings of the Report

1. Link Between Debt and Gender Inequality

• The study identifies a direct causal relationship between moderate-to-high sovereign debt servicing and the deterioration of women’s economic and physical well-being.
• Rising debt obligations often force governments to reduce social expenditure, disproportionately affecting women.

2. Employment Impact

• Around 55 million women’s jobs are estimated to face immediate risk due to high debt servicing pressures.
• In the long term, the number could increase to nearly 92.5 million jobs.

3. Income Effects

• Women’s per capita income is projected to decline by approximately 17%.
• The study notes that men’s average income levels are expected to remain comparatively unaffected.

4. Health and Social Consequences

• High sovereign debt burdens are associated with a 32.5% rise in maternal mortality.
  - This translates to nearly 67 additional maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.
• Debt-related economic stress also affects life expectancy:
  - Women: decline of about 5.9%
  - Men: decline of about 7.7%

Key Recommendations

1. Gender-Based Debt Assessments

• Incorporating gender impact analysis into sovereign debt management frameworks.

2. Gender-Responsive Budgeting

• Designing fiscal policies and public expenditure systems that account for gender-specific impacts.

3. Protection of Social Investments

• Safeguarding public investments in Healthcare, Childcare and care economy, Social protection systems, Welfare programmes supporting women and vulnerable groups

About EQUANOMICS

• EQUANOMICS is an initiative of the United Nations Development Programme aimed at transforming economic systems that reinforce gender inequality.
• Objective: Promote gender-equitable economic growth, Encourage inclusive policymaking and Address structural barriers affecting women’s participation and well-being in the economy

Baba Banda Singh Bahadur

Why in News?

Sirhind Fateh Diwas is observed annually from 12–14 May to commemorate the 1710 conquest of Sirhind, an event that led to the establishment of the first sovereign Sikh state with its capital at Lohgarh.

About Baba Banda Singh Bahadur

• Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, originally named Lachhman Dev, emerged as one of the most prominent Sikh military leaders of the early 18th century.
• He became a disciple of Guru Gobind Singh and later commanded the Khalsa forces against Mughal authority.

Military Achievements

1. Capture of Samana

• In 1709, Banda Singh Bahadur captured Samana, marking one of the earliest major Sikh military victories against Mughal officials.

2. Battle of Chappar Chiri (1710)

• He defeated the Mughal Governor Wazir Khan in the Battle of Chappar Chiri in 1710.
• The victory enabled Sikh forces to gain control over the Sirhind province.
• The campaign was also viewed as an act of justice for the execution of Guru Gobind Singh’s younger sons.

3. Establishment of Sikh Rule

• Following the conquest of Sirhind, he laid the foundation of the first sovereign Sikh state.
• Lohgarh became the capital of the newly established administration.

Administrative and Social Reforms

1. Abolition of Zamindari

• Banda Singh Bahadur abolished the Zamindari system in territories under his control.
• Farmers were granted ownership rights over the land they cultivated.

2. Coinage and Governance

• He introduced coins and official seals in the names of the Sikh Gurus, symbolizing independent Sikh authority and governance.

Capture and Execution

1. Siege of Gurdas Nangal

• Mughal forces besieged Banda Singh Bahadur and his followers at Gurdas Nangal in 1715.
• After an eight-month siege, he was captured.

2. Death

• In 1716, Mughal Emperor Farrukhsiyar ordered his execution in Delhi after he refused to convert to Islam.

Reforming the National Testing Agency (NTA)

Why in News?

The cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 examination following allegations of a paper leak has intensified criticism of the National Testing Agency and renewed demands for comprehensive structural reforms in India’s examination system.
Reports indicate that at least five out of fourteen major examinations conducted by the agency have faced issues such as Paper leaks, Security breaches and Operational irregularities

About the National Testing Agency (NTA)

• NTA is an autonomous and self-sustaining testing organization functioning under the Ministry of Education.
• It is responsible for conducting entrance examinations for higher educational institutions across India.
• The agency was established in 2017.
• It was registered as a society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
• Major Examinations Conducted: JEE (Main), NEET (UG), CUET (UG & PG), UGC-NET

Key Challenges Faced by the NTA

1. Outsourcing-Related Vulnerabilities

• Dependence on third-party contractors for examination logistics creates accountability concerns.
• Outsourced systems may increase risks of Data leaks, Poor supervision, Operational inconsistencies

2. Weak Logistical Security

• Continued reliance on pen-and-paper examination systems exposes the process to vulnerabilities such as Printing-stage leaks, Tampering during transportation, CCTV disruptions at private examination centres, Potential cyber intrusions

3. Evaluation and Transparency Issues

• Errors in answer keys and opaque grace-marking methodologies have raised concerns regarding fairness and merit-based assessment.
• Such inconsistencies may result in artificial score inflation and disputes over ranking parity.

4. Institutional Capacity Constraints

• The absence of a permanent professional cadre compels the agency to rely heavily on temporary personnel and outsourced manpower.
• This weakens continuity, institutional memory, and long-term security mechanisms.

Radhakrishnan Committee Recommendations for NTA Reforms

1. Hybrid Examination Delivery Model

• The committee proposed a system where encrypted question papers are digitally transmitted to secure local printing facilities.
• This would reduce risks associated with physical transportation of question papers.

2. Biometric and AI-Based Surveillance

• Aadhaar-linked biometric verification of candidates
• AI-enabled CCTV monitoring systems across examination centres
• Real-time surveillance to curb organised malpractice networks

3. Professionalisation of Internal Cadre

• Establishment of a permanent specialised workforce comprising Cybersecurity experts, Psychometricians, Examination technology specialists
• This aims to reduce dependence on outsourced systems.

4. Dynamic Question Encryption

• The committee recommended software-driven dynamic question banks.
• Question papers would be generated randomly at the time of examination, ensuring unique combinations and reducing leak risks.

Blue Moon MK1

Why in News?

Blue Moon MK1, also referred to as Endurance, has gained attention as a major lunar cargo lander being developed by Blue Origin in partnership with National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

About Blue Moon MK1

• Blue Moon MK1 is an unmanned lunar cargo lander designed for Moon missions.
• The spacecraft is intended to transport Scientific instruments, Cargo supplies, Lunar infrastructure equipment

Role in Artemis Programme

• The lander supports NASA’s Artemis program.
• The Artemis programme seeks to Re-establish human missions to the Moon, Develop sustainable lunar exploration capabilities, Enable long-term human presence on the lunar surface

New Glenn Rocket

• The lander is planned to be launched aboard the New Glenn heavy-lift rocket developed by Blue Origin.
• New Glenn is designed for Reusable launch operations, Large payload transport, Deep-space mission deployment

Swadeshi Platform

Why in News?

The Swadeshi Platform was launched by DigiHaat to strengthen market access for grassroots producers and promote indigenous “Made-in-Bharat” products.

Key Highlights

• The platform aims to directly connect local producers, artisans, and small enterprises with consumers across the country.
• It is guided by the “Bharat Se, Bharat Tak” vision and supports the broader objective of Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

About DigiHaat

• DigiHaat is a government-supported e-commerce platform focused on promoting indigenous products and rural entrepreneurship.
• It functions as a subsidiary of Nirmit Bharat, a Section 8 not-for-profit entity.

Digital Ecosystem Integration

• The platform operates within the framework of the Open Network for Digital Commerce ecosystem.
• This integration is intended to improve digital accessibility, transparent commerce, and wider market participation for small-scale producers.

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