Daily Current Affairs- 15th May 2026

Daily Current Affairs- 15th May 2026

Rajasthan Inaugurates First Semiconductor Cluster in Bhiwadi

In the News: India's first SME-led semiconductor chip manufacturing facility by Sahasra Semiconductors Pvt Ltd was inaugurated on May 15, 2026, at Bhiwadi in Alwar district, Rajasthan. The Semiconductor ATMP/OSAT (Assembly, Testing, Marking and Packaging / Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test) facility, located inside the Electronics Manufacturing Cluster (EMC) at Salarpur, Khushkhera, was virtually inaugurated by Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in the presence of Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and Union Minister Bhupender Yadav.

Key Points:

• Facility Details and Capacity: The semiconductor facility has been developed under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology's (MeitY) Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electronic Components and Semiconductors (SPECS) with an investment of over Rs 150 crore. Spread over 57,000 square feet, it is equipped with Class 10K and 100K cleanrooms and will package memory chips used in products such as Micro SD cards, flash storage devices, LED driver ICs, eSIMs and RFID products. The unit currently has an annual packaging capacity of 60 million semiconductor units and plans to scale up to nearly 400-600 million units annually over the next 2-3 years.
• Electronics Manufacturing Cluster at Bhiwadi: The EMC at Bhiwadi has been developed over 50.3 acres at a project cost of Rs 46.09 crore, with direct government support of Rs 20.24 crore under the EMC scheme, by the Electronic Industries Association of India (ELCINA). The cluster has already attracted planned investments of over Rs 1,200 crore from 20 companies operating across semiconductor packaging, electronic components, EV parts, RFID technologies and industrial electronics. Eleven companies are already operational with investments exceeding Rs 900 crore, generating employment for more than 2,700 people.
• Export Performance and India's Electronics Growth: More than 60% of the Bhiwadi facility's production is already being exported to markets including the United States, Germany, France, Eastern Europe, China and Nepal. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the rapid growth of India's electronics sector over the past 12 years, noting that production has grown six times to nearly Rs 13 lakh crore while exports have risen to around Rs 4.24 lakh crore. He also stated that mobile phones have now become India's top export commodity, describing the inauguration as a historic day for Rajasthan's entry into the strategically critical semiconductor industry.
• Rajasthan Semiconductor Policy: Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma informed that the state government introduced a Rajasthan Semiconductor Policy in March 2026, aimed at developing a semiconductor ecosystem in the state and supporting manufacturing activity in the Delhi-NCR-linked industrial belt. Semiconductor policies in India generally cover land support, capital incentives, skill development and infrastructure for chip-related industries. The state is working to develop the region near Delhi-NCR into a manufacturing hub, leveraging Bhiwadi's strategic location in Alwar district.
• Understanding ATMP/OSAT in the Semiconductor Value Chain: ATMP (Assembly, Testing, Marking and Packaging) and OSAT (Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test) units form part of the downstream semiconductor manufacturing chain, handling chip assembly after wafer fabrication and performing final testing and packaging before distribution. These units are distinct from wafer fabrication plants and are a critical component of the semiconductor value chain.

Article 25 and Gender Equality

In the News: The Indian government told a nine-judge Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant that Article 25(1) of the Constitution protects freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practise and propagate religion, but does not itself deal with gender equality. The matter was heard over 16 days across five weeks, raising fundamental questions about the intersection of religious freedom and gender-based discrimination under the Constitution.

Key Points:

• Article 25 of the Constitution: Article 25(1) is part of Part III (Fundamental Rights) of the Constitution of India and guarantees all persons the freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practise and propagate religion, subject to public order, morality and health. Article 25(2) permits the State to regulate or restrict any economic, financial, political or other secular activity associated with religious practice and to provide for social welfare and reform, including the opening of Hindu religious institutions of a public character to all classes and sections of Hindus. Explanation II clarifies that the reference to Hindus in Article 25(2)(b) includes persons professing the Sikh, Jaina or Buddhist religion.
• Government's Argument on Religious Denominations and Gender: The Centre argued before the nine-judge bench that religious denominations may prescribe different modes of worship, beliefs and rituals for men and women under Article 25(1), placing emphasis on denominational autonomy, which is a recognised constitutional concept in Indian religious freedom jurisprudence. The government's position was that Article 25(1) protects the freedom to practise religion but does not by itself address gender equality. The Solicitor General also referred to the Sabarimala case while cautioning against repeated judicial intervention in religious matters, arguing that changes in religious practices should be decided by lawmakers through legislative deliberation.
• Equality Provisions Under the Constitution: Articles 15 and 16 of the Constitution separately address the issue of discrimination and equality. Article 15 prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth, while Article 16 guarantees equality of opportunity in matters of public employment. The constitutional debate before the nine-judge bench essentially centred on how these equality provisions interact with the religious freedom guaranteed under Article 25, and whether gender-based restrictions in religious practices can be constitutionally sustained.
• Key Judicial Precedents on Article 25: The Supreme Court has dealt with the scope of Article 25 in several landmark cases. In Commissioner, Hindu Religious Endowments, Madras v. Sri Lakshmindra Thirtha Swamiar of Sri Shirur Mutt (1954), the Court held that while the State can regulate administration of religious institutions, it should not interfere with essential religious practices unless they are socially harmful or against public order. In Shayara Bano v. Union of India (Triple Talaq case), a five-judge bench by a 3:2 majority ruled the practice of Talaq-e-biddat (triple talaq) as illegal and unconstitutional. In the Anand Marga case (1984), the Court held that Tandava dance was not an essential part of the religion and its prohibition in public did not violate Articles 25 and 26.

Periodic Labour Force Survey 2025

In the News: The National Statistical Office (NSO) released the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Annual Report 2025, covering the period January to December 2025. This is the first comprehensive PLFS report based on the calendar year cycle, replacing the earlier July-June agricultural year cycle, in line with international practice. The survey covered approximately 2,70,472 households and 11,48,634 persons across rural and urban India, with a significantly expanded sample size compared to previous years.

Key Points:

• Labour Force Participation and Employment Stability: The Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for persons aged 15 years and above remained stable at 59.3% during 2025, with male and female LFPR standing at 79.1% and 40.0% respectively. The Worker Population Ratio (WPR) was estimated at 57.4%, remaining almost at the same level as in 2024. On average, 61.6 crore persons aged 15 years and above were employed in the country during 2025, of which 41.6 crore were male and 20.0 crore were female, using projected population figures from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• Declining Unemployment Rates: The overall Unemployment Rate (UR) for persons aged 15 years and above stood at 3.1% for both males and females in 2025, with male UR showing a marginal decline from 3.3% in 2024. Youth (15-29 years) unemployment declined to 9.9% in 2025 from 10.3% in 2024, with rural youth unemployment falling to 8.3% from 8.7% and urban youth unemployment dropping to 13.6% from 14.3%. Unemployment among educated persons (secondary and above) also reduced to 6.5% in 2025 from 7.0% in 2024.
• Shift in Employment Composition: The share of self-employed workers showed a gradual decline from 58.2% in 2023 to 57.5% in 2024 and further to 56.2% in 2025, accompanied by an increase in regular wage/salaried employment from 22.4% to 23.6%. Sectorally, agriculture's share in employment decreased from 44.8% in 2024 to 43.0% in 2025, while manufacturing improved from 11.6% to 12.1% and other services rose from 12.2% to 13.1%. The share of casual labour remained broadly stable at around one-fifth of total employment.
• Women's Earnings Growth: Earnings of female workers showed notable improvement across all employment categories in nominal terms. In self-employment, female earnings grew by approximately 8.8% (from Rs 5,861 to Rs 6,374), outpacing male earnings growth of 6.0%. In regular wage/salaried employment, female earnings rose by about 7.2% (from Rs 17,126 to Rs 18,353), compared to 5.8% growth for males. For casual labour, female earnings improved by about 5.4% (from Rs 299 to Rs 315), while male earnings remained nearly stable.

Graphs, Data and Perspectives: Why the latest crude oil price spike will test the Indian economy

In the News: The recent escalation of the West Asia crisis, triggered by the US war in Iran, has pushed crude oil prices sharply higher, with the Indian basket of crude oil reaching $115 per barrel in April 2026 and $106 in May 2026. The government has responded by hiking fuel prices across the country, raising concerns about the wider impact on the Indian economy, household budgets and government finances.

Key Points:

• End of a Decade-Long Low-Price Era: When PM Modi came to power in 2014, global crude oil prices began falling sharply from the $106 to $114 per barrel range seen during the last years of UPA-2 (2011-14). For over a decade, the Indian basket of crude never touched $100 a barrel, allowing the government fiscal breathing room. That streak has now ended, with prices crossing $100 again in the first two months of FY 2026-27, marking a roughly 40% increase over the previous year's cost.
• Impact on Inflation and Retail Fuel Prices: Historical data shows that even when crude oil prices crashed, retail prices of petrol and diesel often continued to rise, including during the Covid year of 2020-21 when crude fell by 30%. Wholesale inflation is more sensitive to fuel price changes due to its higher weightage in the index. Retail inflation, which directly affects consumers, has consistently remained above the RBI's target rate of 4%, particularly in the four-year stretch beginning from the Covid period.
• Pressure on Economic Growth: Higher crude oil prices have historically been detrimental to India's real GDP growth. When crude was in the mid-$40s per barrel during 2015-16 and 2016-17, India recorded growth rates of 8% and above. In contrast, during the UPA-2 years when oil crossed $100, growth struggled between 5% and 6%. A sustained return to the $100 level could similarly weigh on growth in the current fiscal year.
• Widening Trade Deficit and Rupee Depreciation: India's dependence on crude oil imports has only grown over the past 12 years, meaning higher prices directly worsen the trade deficit. In the past 15 years, the rupee appreciated against the dollar in only two years, both times when crude was below $50. The sharp depreciation of the rupee in the past year reflects the fact that India's trade balance weakness has not been offset by surpluses elsewhere in its Balance of Payments.
• Strain on Government Finances: Higher crude oil prices tend to widen the fiscal deficit, as the government either absorbs the cost through subsidies and borrowing or passes it on to consumers. Notably, even during the years of low oil prices, the NDA government never achieved the FRBM Act target of a fiscal deficit at 3% of GDP. With oil now back above $100, fiscal management is expected to face even greater strain going forward.

European Union Clears India for Continued Marine Product Exports

In the News: The European Union (EU) included India in its revised draft list published on May 12, 2026, for the continued export of aquaculture products to the European market beyond September 2026. The move addresses concerns that arose after India was omitted from the earlier Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2598 issued in October 2024, which had excluded India from the list of third countries authorised to export animal-origin products for human consumption to the EU.

Key Points:

• Background of the Issue and Regulatory Compliance: The earlier EU regulation issued in October 2024 had not included India among third countries authorised to export products of animal origin intended for human consumption to the EU from September 2026. The revised draft list follows compliance measures undertaken by India in line with the European Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/905, which requires exporting countries to ensure that animals and animal products exported to the EU are free from the use of antimicrobial medicinal products for growth promotion and antimicrobials reserved for human treatment. India's proposed inclusion reflects the EU's confidence in the country's regulatory systems, residue monitoring mechanisms and food safety standards.
• Significance for India's Seafood Export Sector: The EU is one of the most important destinations for Indian seafood exports. During 2025-26, the EU emerged as India's third-largest seafood export market, accounting for 18.94% of the country's total seafood export value, worth approximately US$ 1.593 billion. Exports to the EU recorded a sharp increase of 41.45% in value terms and 38.29% in quantity compared to 2024-25. Farmed shrimp continued to constitute the major share of India's seafood exports to the European region.
• Role of Indian Regulatory Agencies: The development recognises sustained efforts undertaken by the Department of Commerce through organisations such as the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) and the Export Inspection Council (EIC) to strengthen regulatory compliance and promote responsible aquaculture practices. Initiatives including the National Residue Control Programme (NRCP), Post Harvest Testing Programme and rigorous testing and surveillance systems for banned antibiotics and pharmacologically active substances have significantly strengthened India's food safety and residue monitoring framework. Stakeholder training and awareness programmes have also been intensified to ensure adherence to international food safety standards.
• India's Strengthened Food Safety Framework: India has consistently enhanced its systems relating to veterinary medicinal products, antimicrobial residue monitoring, traceability and quality assurance in aquaculture production and seafood processing. The European Commission, in its press communication dated May 12, 2026, stated that the updated list includes countries that have demonstrated compliance with EU restrictions on antimicrobial use in food-producing animals and have provided the necessary guarantees and assurances under EU regulations. Once formally adopted by the European Commission, the revised regulation is expected to ensure uninterrupted export of Indian aquaculture products to the EU market beyond September 2026.

Afghanistan Signs $46 Million Deal with Indian Company for Customs Infrastructure

In the News: The Taliban's Afghanistan Standards and Quality Authority signed a $46.3 million contract with Indian company TCRC on May 13, 2026, to build and equip advanced laboratory complexes at Afghanistan's main border crossings and in Kabul. The five-year agreement was signed during a ceremony attended by Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Taliban deputy prime minister for economic affairs, marking a notable development in India-Afghanistan economic engagement.

Key Points:

• Scope of the Agreement: The five-year contract covers the construction and equipping of laboratory facilities in Kabul and at nine border customs ports across Afghanistan. The laboratories will focus on testing construction materials, electrical equipment and products related to textiles, leather and paper. The project also includes the supply and installation of advanced laboratory equipment, rehabilitation of existing testing systems and efforts to obtain internationally recognised certifications from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• Capacity Building and Training: Under the agreement, foreign specialists will be introduced to help improve the professional capacity of staff at Afghanistan's Standards and Quality Authority. Technical personnel from the authority are expected to receive both domestic and international training programmes. Faizullah Tamim, the Taliban's head of the standards authority, described the agreement as an important step toward improving product quality control, supporting domestic production and preventing the import of substandard goods into Afghanistan.
• Context of Afghanistan's Border Situation: The deal comes at a time when border crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan have remained closed following border clashes between Taliban and Pakistani forces. The World Food Programme (WFP) has stated that the continued border closures have contributed to rising food prices and increased pressure on Afghan families. The establishment of customs laboratory infrastructure assumes added significance in this context, as Afghanistan seeks to strengthen its trade and quality assurance mechanisms amid regional instability.
• Transparency Concerns: Over the past five years, the Taliban have signed several similar contracts with foreign companies in different sectors, but the group usually publishes only the signing announcements and provides little transparency about implementation, progress or the final outcome of the projects. Taliban opponents accuse the group of secrecy in managing financial resources, arguing that the lack of transparency around contracts, budgets and revenues creates opportunities for misuse. Critics also note that it remains unclear how Taliban revenues, including income from mines and natural resources, are being spent.

India’s Passport Ranked 78th in Henley Passport Index 2026

In the News: According to the latest edition of the Henley Passport Index, India has slipped three places to 78th position in May 2026, down from 75th in February this year. Despite the drop in ranking, Indian passport holders continue to enjoy visa-free, visa-on-arrival and electronic travel authorisation (ETA) access to 56 destinations worldwide, with no loss of access to any previously available country.

Key Points:

• About the Henley Passport Index: The Henley Passport Index is one of the world's most widely referenced passport rankings, published by Henley & Partners. It evaluates passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without applying for a visa before departure. The ranking is compiled using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and reflects changes in visa agreements, diplomatic relations and international travel policies. In 2026, the index covers 199 passports and 227 travel destinations worldwide.
• Reason for India's Ranking Drop: India's decline from 75th to 78th position does not indicate that Indian travellers have lost access to any countries. The drop mainly reflects shifts in global rankings as other countries improved their visa agreements or moved ahead in the index. India's overall passport strength has in fact improved over the years, as the country ranked 85th in October 2025 with access to 57 destinations, meaning the current ranking still represents stronger global mobility compared to previous years.
• Visa-Free Access for Indian Passport Holders: Indian passport holders currently enjoy easier access to 56 destinations through three different entry options. Around 30 countries allow Indians to enter without any visa at all, including Bhutan, Nepal, Fiji, Barbados, Mauritius and Thailand. Twenty-three destinations such as Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Jordan issue visas on arrival. Three countries, namely Kenya, Seychelles and Saint Kitts and Nevis, require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before departure.
• India's Passport Performance Over the Years: Historical data from 2006 to 2026 shows that India's best passport ranking was 71st in 2006, while its lowest was 90th in 2021 during the period affected by global pandemic-related travel restrictions. Despite periodic fluctuations, the broader trend remains positive, with India's passport becoming stronger over time and offering broader travel opportunities than it did just a few years ago.
• World's Most Powerful Passports in May 2026: Singapore continues to hold the world's strongest passport, offering visa-free access to 192 destinations. Japan, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) share the second position with access to 187 destinations. Sweden ranks next with 186 destinations, followed by several European nations including France, Germany and Spain with access to 185 destinations.

India Assumes Chairmanship of the Common Criteria Development Board

In the News: India has been nominated as the Chair of the Common Criteria Development Board (CCDB) for a two-year term from April 2026 to April 2028, marking a significant milestone in the country's growing leadership in international IT security standards development. The appointment was confirmed during the 1st Quarter Meeting of the Common Criteria Recognition Arrangement (CCRA), held from 14th to 16th April 2026 in Tokyo, Japan.

Key Points:

• Common Criteria Recognition Arrangement (CCRA): The CCRA is a foundational international treaty that enables the mutual recognition of IT security certificates across borders, facilitating seamless international trade in secure IT products without the need for re-certification. The arrangement currently comprises 20 certificate-authorizing nations and 18 certificate-consuming nations. These countries collectively maintain the Common Criteria Portal, which serves as the authoritative global repository and "single source of truth" for certified secure IT products worldwide.
• Role of the CCDB: The Common Criteria Development Board (CCDB) serves as the technical core of the CCRA, managing the international work program for the Common Criteria (CC) and the Common Methodology for Information Technology Security Evaluation (CEM). While other CCRA groups handle policy matters, the CCDB focuses specifically on technical standards and evaluation criteria that underpin the security of global IT products. India's chairmanship positions it at the forefront of defining international security evaluation methodologies.
• India's Role in the CCRA: India has been an active member of the CCRA since September 16, 2013, as a Certificate Authorizing Nation. The country participates through the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) Directorate, which acts as the official Certification Body for IT security evaluations in India. The chairmanship reflects increasing global confidence in India's technical expertise and institutional capabilities in cybersecurity standards.
• Broader Implications for Global Cybersecurity Cooperation: India's assumption of the CCDB Chair is likely to deepen cooperation with global partners on cyber resilience, secure digital products and trusted cross-border technology ecosystems. The leadership role reinforces India's position as an emerging global hub for digital innovation, cybersecurity governance and standards development. It also strengthens India's capacity to contribute to global discussions on information security evaluation and certification processes through its national agencies and technical institutions.

Bhupender Yadav Launches ‘Lion’ Species Spotlight Programme at Sasan Gir

In the News: Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav inaugurated the 'Lion' Species Spotlight Programme at Sasan Gir, Gujarat, as a pre-summit event under the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit 2026. The event showcased India's successful Asiatic Lion conservation model and aimed to promote international cooperation among lion range countries ahead of the first-ever IBCA Summit scheduled for June 1-2, 2026, in New Delhi.

Key Points:

• IBCA Summit 2026 and Species Spotlight Event: The 'Lion' Species Spotlight Programme was organised as part of a series of pre-summit species events under the IBCA Summit 2026, which will be held in New Delhi on June 1-2 under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Carrying the tagline "Save Big Cats, Save Humanity, Save Ecosystem," the summit will bring together 400 representatives from 95 range countries across Asia, Africa and the Americas. The IBCA is a global coalition dedicated to the conservation of seven iconic big cat species: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar and Puma.
• Asiatic Lion Conservation Success: The lion population in the Greater Gir Landscape has risen to an estimated 891 individuals in 2025, marking a 32% increase compared to 2020. Minister Yadav highlighted that effective conservation and management efforts have helped stabilise and expand lion sub-populations across several regions of the Gir landscape. The Asiatic lion receives the highest level of legal protection under Appendix-I of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) and Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
• Project Lion and Conservation Initiatives: 'Project Lion', launched by the Government of India in 2020, adopts a comprehensive landscape-based approach for the long-term conservation of Asiatic lions through habitat restoration, population management and ecological resilience. Key steps being taken in mission mode include the Asiatic Lion Population Estimation initiative, the establishment of a National Wildlife Referral Centre in Junagadh and the development of Barda Wildlife Sanctuary as a new site for the natural dispersal of Asiatic lions.
• Community Participation and Ecological Approach: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, who joined the event virtually, highlighted the crucial role of community participation in lion conservation, noting that the lion is deeply embedded in the region's popular culture, which has contributed to the flourishing population. He described Gir as a living example of how economic progress can go hand in hand with wildlife conservation through an ecological approach. He credited PM Modi's vision of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' for the establishment of the IBCA and the growing global consciousness towards big cat conservation.