UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 19 May 2026

by Vajiram & Ravi - 19 May 2026

Vajiram & Ravi provides Daily UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 19 May 2026, tailored for aspirants. We cover all relevant news and events crucial for the exam, ensuring you stay updated & well-prepared.

Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)

May 19, 2026
Public Health Emergency of International Concern

Public Health Emergency of International Concern Latest News

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

About Public Health Emergency of International Concern

  • It is an emergency declaration formally announced by the World Health Organization (WHO) in response to a crisis of international proportions that can affect people’s health. 
  • It is the WHO’s highest level of global health alert.
  • Such a declaration may require immediate action at a global level against the international spread of disease. 
  • A PHEIC is subject to the International Health Regulations (IHR), which require those states involved to promptly respond to the crisis at hand. 
  • PHEICs are decided upon by a governing body of international experts known as the IHR Emergency Committee, a group formed in the aftermath of the 2002–2004 SARS outbreak. 
  • The declaration is reviewed on a tri-monthly basis and renewed as needed. 
  • However, certain disease outbreaks can be declared a PHEIC without the approval of the IHR. 
  • Alongside infectious disease, a PHEIC can also be declared in response to outbreaks of public health hazards such as chemical agents or radioactive materials. 

Key Facts about International Health Regulations 

  • The IHR was adopted by the Health Assembly (decision-making body of WHO) in 1969 in an effort to prevent the spread of disease across national borders. 
  • Following the chaotic global outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) that lasted between 2002 and 2004, revisions were made to the IHR to account for such global emergencies. 
  • A new IHR was adopted at the 58th World Health Assembly in May 2005. 
  • The IHR 2005 was an international agreement among 196 countries committed to upholding global health security. 
  • WHO was deemed the coordinating body of this agreement.

Source: UN

Public Health Emergency of International Concern FAQ's

Q1: Which organization declares a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)?

Ans: The World Health Organization (WHO).

Q2: What is the significance of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) declaration?

Ans: It is the WHO’s highest level of global health alert.

Q3: Why is a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) declared?

Ans: In response to a crisis of international proportions affecting public health.

Q4: Under which regulations is a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) governed?

Ans: International Health Regulations (IHR).

Q5: Which body decides on declaring a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)?

Ans: The International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee.

Zimbabwe

May 19, 2026
Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe Latest News

Zimbabwe has begun formal negotiations for membership in the BRICS New Development Bank.

About Zimbabwe

  • It is a landlocked country in southern Africa.
  • Bordering Countries: It shares its borders with four countries: Mozambique to the northeast and east, South Africa to the south, Botswana to the southwest and west, and Zambia to the northwest.
  • Capital City: Harare
  • Geographical Features of Zimbabwe
    • Topography: Zimbabwe is characterized by a high plateau, known as the highveld, or grassland, which covers roughly one-quarter of the country's area.
    • Climate: It is completely within the tropics but enjoys subtropical conditions because of its high average elevation. 
    • Highest Peak: Mount Nyangani, rises to an elevation of 2,592 meters (8,504 feet) 
    • Lakes: Lake Kariba, sits on the Zambia-Zimbabwe border.
    • Major Rivers: The major rivers of Zimbabwe include the Zambezi, Limpopo, Sabi, and Runde.
    • It includes parts of the Kalahari Desert.
    • Natural Resources: It mainly consists of coal, chromium ore, vanadium, lithium, tin, platinum etc.

Source: News On Air

Zimbabwe FAQs

Q1: What is the capital of Zimbabwe?

Ans: Harare

Q2: What is Zimbabwe’s major export mineral?

Ans: Gold & Platinum Group Metals

National One Health Mission

May 19, 2026
National One Health Mission

National One Health Mission Latest News

Recently, the Fifth Meeting of the Scientific Steering Committee on National One Health mission was held in New Delhi.

About National One Health Mission

  • It was launched in 2024.
  • It is a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach that unites human, animal, and environmental health sectors.
  • It recognizes the interconnectedness of these domains, aiming to optimize health outcomes and address challenges across the sectors.
  • It was launched to safeguard national health by unifying human, animal, and environmental surveillance systems to ensure robust pandemic preparedness and integrated disease control.
  • Nodal Agency: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) under Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA).
  • Governance of the National One Health Mission:
  • It is two tiered
    • Executive Committee: It is chaired by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) with Principal Scientific Adviser as vice chair and Member Health, NITI Aayog is a permanent invitee.
      • Secretaries of various stakeholder departments and two states (on rolling basis) are members.
      • The committee provides overall policy guidance for the progress of the mission and its associated activities.
    • Scientific Steering Committee: It is chaired by the PSA and has Secretaries/DGs of all stakeholder departments and two states (on rolling basis) as members.
      • It provides overall scientific direction, oversight and guidance to the National One Health Mission.

Source: News On Air

National One Health Mission FAQs

Q1: What is the nodal implementing agency for National One Health Mission?

Ans: Office of Principal Scientific Adviser

Q2: What is the National One Health Mission?

Ans: India’s integrated approach to address human, animal, plant & environmental health together.

Jaggery

May 19, 2026
Jaggery

Jaggery Latest News

India accounts for over 70% of global jaggery production, firmly establishing itself as the world leader in natural sweeteners.

About Jaggery

  • It is commonly known as gur, is a traditional, unrefined, natural sweetener.
  • It is produced by concentrating sugarcane juice without the use of chemicals.
  • It retains essential minerals and micronutrients that are typically lost during the sugar-refining process.
  • Jaggery is widely consumed across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
  • Minerals: It retains minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, iron, zinc, copper, and manganese.
  • It also contains trace amounts of vitamins, including folic acid and B-complex vitamins, as well as vitamins A, C, D, and E.
  • Production
    • India accounts for over 70 percent of global jaggery production. This makes it the world’s largest jaggery producer. 
    • Uttar Pradesh contributed 48.5 percent of total production, followed by Maharashtra (24.1 percent) and Karnataka (10.5 percent). 
  • Benefits
    • It provides sustained energy.
    • It is beneficial to address anemia.
    • The presence of mineral salts and micronutrients supports overall health and strengthens immunity.
  • Geographical Indication (GI) Tagged Jaggery Varieties in India
    • Kolhapur Jaggery (Maharashtra): It is valued for its golden colour and high sucrose content. 
    • Muzaffarnagar gur (Uttar Pradesh): It is export-oriented and made from high-quality cane.
    • Marayoor and Central Travancore jiggery (Keralam): These are recognized for their purity, medicinal value, traditional processing and regional distinctiveness.

Source: PIB

Jaggery FAQs

Q1: Which state is the largest producer of jaggery in India?

Ans: Uttar Pradesh

Q2: What is khandsari in relation to jaggery?

Ans: Semi-processed sugar between jaggery & white sugar

Red Sand Boa

May 19, 2026
Red Sand Boa

Red Sand Boa Latest News

The Hyderabad zonal unit of Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) recently recovered live Indian Red Sand Boa (Eryx johnii) from a person, who was involved in illegal trading of live snakes at Warangal.

About Red Sand Boa

  • The Red Sand Boa, commonly called the Indian Sand Boa, is a non-venomous snake species found throughout the dry parts of the Indian subcontinent.
  • Scientific Name: Eryx johnii

Red Sand Boa Habitat and Distribution

  • The species is endemic to Iran, Pakistan, and India. 
  • These snakes prefer dry, sandy, and loose soil environments that support their fossorial lifestyle.  
  • It is ovoviviparous and nocturnal and spends the majority of its time underground.

Red Sand Boa Appearance

  • It is a primarily reddish-brown and thick-set snake that grows to an average length of 75 cm.
  • Unlike most snakes, the tail is almost as thick as the body and gives the reptile the appearance of being “double-headed”.

Red Sand Boa Conservation Status

It is classified as 'Near Threatened'.

Source: DC

Red Sand Boa FAQs

Q1: What is Indian Sand Boa?

Ans: It is a non-venomous snake species

Q2: In which countries is the Red Sand Boa endemic?

Ans: Iran, Pakistan, and India.

Q3: What type of habitat does the Red Sand Boa prefer?

Ans: Dry, sandy, and loose soil environments.

Q4: What is the IUCN Red List status of the Red Sand Boa?

Ans: Near Threatened.

Barda Wildlife Sanctuary

May 19, 2026
Barda Wildlife Sanctuary

Barda Wildlife Sanctuary Latest News

Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is being developed as a crucial second habitat for Asiatic lions to reduce the extinction risk posed by keeping the world’s entire wild lion population confined to Gir Forest alone.

About Barda Wildlife Sanctuary

  • It is located in the Barda Hills of Gujarat, near the coastal city of Porbandar.
  • Known locally as Jam Barda, it was once a private hunting ground for the royal families of Jamnagar and Porbandar.
  • It is surrounded by agricultural fields, wastelands, and forest, and the terrain of Barda is almost hilly. 
  • Rivers: There are two waterways, the Bileshvary River and the Joghri River, and two dams, Khambala and Fodara.
  • Tribes: Ethnic races such as Maldharis, Bharvads, Rabaris, and Gadhvis live in this region.
  • The sanctuary is a significant biodiversity hotspot and a key area for the conservation of Asiatic Lions.
  • To develop Barda as the second home for the Asiatic lion, the state government implemented the ‘Gir-Barda Project’ in 1979. 
  • It is the first fully protected satellite lion habitat in Gujarat. 
  • Flora: 
    • About 650 plant and tree species constitute the flora of the park, and that includes trees and plants like Babul, Bamboo, Amli, Jamun, Dhundhlo, Ber, Gorad, Rayan, Dhav, etc. 
    • Medicinal plants of great use grow profusely within the forested belt of the sanctuary. 
  • Fauna: 
    • It shelters species like leopards, wolves, sambar deer, chinkara, hyenas, and blue bulls (nilgai). 
    • The sanctuary is also a paradise for bird watchers, with numerous resident and migratory birds such as eagles, owls, crested serpent eagles, and partridges found here.

Source: IT

Barda Wildlife Sanctuary FAQs

Q1: Where is Barda Wildlife Sanctuary located?

Ans: In the Barda Hills of Gujarat near Porbandar.

Q2: Which rivers flow through Barda Wildlife Sanctuary?

Ans: Bileshvary River and Joghri River.

Q3: Which tribal communities live in the Barda region?

Ans: Maldharis, Bharvads, Rabaris, and Gadhvis.

Q4: Why is Barda Wildlife Sanctuary important for conservation?

Ans: It is a key area for the conservation of Asiatic lions.

Matua Community

May 19, 2026
Matua Community

Matua Community Latest News

Most of the Matuas, who migrated from neighbouring Bangladesh during different time-periods do not have sufficient documents to apply for citizenship under the CAA. 

About Matua Community

  • The Matua community, a marginalized Hindu sect with roots in the 19th century, holds a significant socio- religious presence in the Bengal region, particularly across Bangladesh and West Bengal.
  • Founded by Harichand Thakur in the 1860s, the Matua movement arose as a response to the deep-seated caste discrimination present within Hindu society at the time. 
  • Religious Beliefs: 
    • As followers of the Matua faith, the community primarily belongs to the “Namashudra” caste, traditionally regarded as a lower-caste group within Hinduism. 
    • Harichand Thakur’s teachings centered on principles of social equality, human dignity, and the empowerment of marginalized groups through education and religious reform, making the Matua movement a powerful counterforce to caste oppression.
    • The Matua sect is monotheist. It does not follow Vedic rituals, and singing hymns in praise of the deity is their way of prayer and meditation. 
    • They believe that salvation lies in faith and devotion. Their ultimate objective is to attain truth through meditation and worship. 
    • The Matua have no distinctions of caste, creed, or class. They believe that everyone is a child of God. 
    • Shrishriharililamrta is a principal religious scripture of the Matua. 
  • Following the partition of Bengal in 1947, the Matua community experienced profound socio-political shifts. 
  • Many Matua families migrated to India to escape religious and political persecution, although a large portion of the community remained in what later became Bangladesh.
  • Today, Matuas constitute the second largest SC population of West Bengal.

Source: TH

Matua Community FAQs

Q1: Who founded the Matua community movement?

Ans: Harichand Thakur.

Q2: In which region is the Matua community mainly concentrated?

Ans: Bengal region, particularly Bangladesh and West Bengal.

Q3: Why did the Matua movement emerge?

Ans: As a response to caste discrimination within Hindu society.

Q4: Is the Matua sect monotheistic or polytheistic?

Ans: Monotheistic.

PM-SHRI Scheme

May 19, 2026
PM-SHRI Scheme

PM SHRI Scheme Latest News

Recently, the Union ministry of education signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the West Bengal government to implement the PM SHRI Schools initiative in the state.

About PM SHRI Scheme

  • The Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) Scheme is a centrally sponsored initiative launched by the Government of India under the guidance of the Ministry of Education.
  • It aims to transform school education across the nation by developing over 14,500 model schools that reflect the spirit and vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
  • These schools will be managed by the Central Government, State and Union Territory Governments, local bodies, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS).

Key Features of PM SHRI Schools

  • Enhanced infrastructure: Labs, libraries, art rooms.
  • Integration of technology: Smart classrooms and digital learning tools.
  • Holistic learning approach: Play-based learning in the early years, with flexible teaching methods.
  • School Quality Assessment Framework (SQAF): Regular evaluation to maintain high standards.
  • Time Period: 5 years (2022-23 to 2026-27).

Funding Pattern of PM SHRI Schools

  • For General States and UTs with Legislature: The funding ratio is 60:40, where 60% of the funds are provided by the Central Government and 40% by the State or UT Government.
  • Northeastern and Himalayan States, including Jammu & Kashmir: The funding ratio is 90:10, with the Centre contributing 90% of the total cost.
  • For Union Territories without a Legislature: The scheme is fully funded by the Central Government (100%).

Source: HT

PM SHRI Scheme FAQs

Q1: What is the selection process for PM SHRI schools?

Ans: Challenge Mode – schools apply online, evaluated on 6 parameters with 100-point scale

Q2: What is the total outlay and duration of PM SHRI?

Ans: Rs 27,360 Cr for 5 years: 2022-23 to 2026-27

SMILE Scheme

May 19, 2026
SMILE Scheme

SMILE Mission Latest News

The Chinese and European space agencies are launching SMILE, their first joint mission, to investigate Earth’s defenses against the Sun.

About SMILE Mission

  • SMILE (Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer) is a joint ESA (European Space Agency) and Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) mission.
  • It will study the interaction of the solar wind with the Earth’s magnetosphere and ionosphere. 
  • Aim: It aims to capture the first X-ray images of Earth’s protective magnetic shield in action as it battles and deflects harmful charged particles and energies coming from the Sun.
  • It will be positioned at about 1.21 lakh km above Earth’s north pole and be able to observe the edge of the magnetosphere in its entirety.
  • Mission Life: SMILE weighs about 2,600 kg and has a mission life of about three years.
  • Instruments: The mission is carrying four scientific instruments,
    • ESA has developed the Soft X-ray Imager (SXI), whereas the Chinese team has developed the other three payloads — Magnetometer, Light Ion Analyser (LIA) and Ultraviolet aurora Imager (UVI).
    • The four instruments will operate both on X-ray and ultraviolet wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum.
    • All these payloads will use remote sensing and make in situ (on site) observations along the near-Earth regions.

Significance of SMILE Mission

  • It is designed to answer the interaction of a stream of solar wind with Earth’s magnetic shield and the magnetic glitches occurring on the dark side of Earth.
  • It will help solar physicists better understand space weather.
  • It will also help forecasting any impending solar storm or likely perturbations to space weather. 

Source: IE

SMILE Mission FAQs

Q1: SMILE Mission will be launched to which orbit?

Ans: Highly elliptical Earth orbit

Q2: SMILE Mission is a joint venture between which two space agencies?

Ans: ESA & Chinese Academy of Sciences

IN-SPACe

May 19, 2026
IN SPACe

IN–SPACe Latest News

Nine Indian space-tech companies, which were part of the delegation led by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), have signed multiple partnerships and collaborations at the recently held Space Meetings Veneto 2026 in Venice, Italy.

About IN–SPACe

  • Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) is a single-window, independent, nodal agency that functions as an autonomous agency in the Department of Space (DOS). 
  • It is formed following the Space sector reforms to enable and facilitate the participation of private players.
  • IN-SPACe is responsible to promote, enable, authorize and supervise various space activities of non-governmental entities (NGEs) including 
    • building launch vehicles & satellites and providing space-based services; 
    • sharing space infrastructure and premises under the control of DOS/ISRO; and 
    • establishing of new space infrastructure and facilities.
  • The agency acts as an interface between ISRO and NGEs and assesses how to utilize India’s space resources better and increase space-based activities. 
  • It also assesses the needs and demands of private players, including educational and research institutions, and explores ways to accommodate these requirements in consultation with ISRO.
  • Headquarters: Ahmedabad, Gujarat 
  • Three Directorates viz., Promotion Directorate (PD), Technical Directorate (TD) and Program Management and Authorization Directorate (PMAD) are carrying out the functions of IN-SPACe.

Source: TH

IN–SPACe FAQs

Q1: What does IN-SPACe stand for?

Ans: Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center.

Q2: Under which department does IN-SPACe function?

Ans: Department of Space (DOS).

Q3: Why was IN-SPACe formed?

Ans: To enable and facilitate the participation of private players in the space sector.

Q4: Where is the headquarters of IN-SPACe located?

Ans: Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

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