Daily Current Affairs – 21 May 2026
📌 Today’s Exam Tip: UPSC Prelims is 47 days away. Focus on revising Art & Culture, Environment, and Polity — these 3 subjects contribute 35–40 questions every year. Don’t start new topics now.
GS2 – Polity
Prelims
The Supreme Court’s five-judge constitution bench ruled that Governors cannot indefinitely withhold assent to state Bills. The court held that such delay violates the constitutional mandate and undermines elected state legislatures.
The ruling reaffirms the principle of cooperative federalism and the primacy of democratically elected governments over appointed constitutional functionaries.
Relevant for GS2 Mains — Federalism, Governor’s role under Article 200, Sarkaria Commission recommendations, and SR Bommai case. High probability of a Mains question on “Powers and discretion of the Governor.”
Federalism
Governor
State Legislature
Kesavananda Bharati
GS3 – Environment
Prelims
India achieved its 200 GW renewable energy capacity target — three years ahead of schedule. Solar energy from Rajasthan and Gujarat led this achievement under the PM Surya Ghar scheme.
This milestone reinforces India’s commitment to COP26 pledges and the Paris Agreement target of net-zero emissions by 2070.
Relevant for GS3 — Energy, Environment, and Economy. Link with India’s NDC targets, National Solar Mission, International Solar Alliance (ISA). Good source of Prelims static MCQs on renewable energy targets.
PM Surya Ghar
MNRE
Paris Agreement
Net Zero 2070
GS2 – IR
Prelims
After 16 years of negotiations, India and the European Union have signalled a breakthrough in their Free Trade Agreement talks, covering market access, intellectual property rights, and sustainability clauses.
The deal would give Indian manufacturers preferential access to the EU’s 450-million-person market — a major boost for textiles, pharmaceuticals, and IT services.
Relevant for GS2 — India’s foreign policy, bilateral trade, WTO framework. Also links to GS3 — Impact on Indian manufacturing, Make in India, PLI scheme. Very high Mains probability.
Bilateral Trade
WTO
Market Access
IPR
GS1 – History
Prelims
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has uncovered a 5,000-year-old Harappan settlement in Gujarat with advanced drainage systems and urban planning — rewriting our understanding of Bronze Age India.
The site shows evidence of trade connections with Mesopotamia, indicating a wider civilizational network than previously understood.
Classic GS1 — Ancient Indian History, Indus Valley Civilization, ASI findings. High Prelims probability for factual MCQs. Link with other IVC sites: Mohenjo-daro, Harappa, Dholavira (UNESCO World Heritage).
ASI
IVC
Bronze Age
Gujarat
GS3 – Economy
Prelims
India’s Current Account Deficit (CAD) narrowed to 0.9% of GDP in Q4 FY26, driven by strong services exports and a moderated oil import bill. The RBI signalled a comfortable external sector position.
This improvement strengthens India’s Balance of Payments position and reduces pressure on the Rupee.
Core GS3 Economy — Balance of Payments, Current Account, Capital Account. Essential concept for both Prelims (definitions) and Mains (analysis of India’s external sector). Link with RBI monetary policy.
Balance of Payments
RBI
GDP
Rupee
Article 200 provides that when a Bill is presented to the Governor, they may give assent, withhold assent, or reserve it for the President’s consideration. The Supreme Court ruling today clarified that indefinite withholding is unconstitutional.