Daily filter — 22 May 2026
12 exam-worthy stories from the day's PIB releases · interactive view
💊 Law & Judiciary · LAW track
Pregabalin now Schedule H1 Drug, to curb misuse
The Union Health Ministry has reclassified **Pregabalin** under Schedule H1 of the Drugs Rules, 1945, to prevent its misuse and abuse.
- Pregabalin was included under Schedule H1 via Gazette Notification G.S.R. 377(E) on May 13, 2026.
- This reclassification imposes stricter regulations than the existing Schedule H.
- Pregabalin can only be sold against a valid prescription from a Registered Medical Practitioner.
- Retailers must maintain a separate register for Pregabalin prescriptions and sales.
- Manufacturers must display the Schedule H1 Drug Warning label on packaging.
💡 Remember: Pregabalin moved to Schedule H1 (Drugs Rules, 1945) due to misuse, requiring stricter prescription and sales tracking.
Source: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare · PIB PRID 2263975
🤝 International Relations · UPSC track
India and Ethiopia Sign WTO Accession Protocol
India and Ethiopia signed a bilateral accession protocol for Ethiopia's WTO membership, affirming support for developing nations' integration.
- India and Ethiopia signed the protocol on 22 May 2026 in Geneva.
- India consistently supports developing countries and Least Developed Countries joining the WTO.
- India is Ethiopia's second-largest trading partner.
- Bilateral relations elevated to Strategic Partnership in December 2025.
- Ethiopia is at an advanced stage of its WTO accession process.
💡 India's signing of the Ethiopia WTO protocol signifies support for developing nations' trade integration.
Source: Ministry of Commerce & Industry · PIB PRID 2264383
🌱 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
Review of Cooperative Sector Schemes & White Revolution 2.0
A Regional Workshop reviewed progress on the World's Largest Grain Storage Plan and White Revolution 2.0, along with forming new cooperative societies.
- A workshop in Raipur, Chhattisgarh reviewed the World's Largest Grain Storage Plan.
- Progress on White Revolution 2.0 and forming 75,000 new Dairy Cooperative Societies was reviewed.
- The goal is to strengthen 46,000 existing societies over the next five years.
- Sustainability models like Compressed Bio Gas and carbon credits were emphasized.
💡 For the exam: Remember the 'White Revolution 2.0' targets for new DCS and existing society strengthening, and the link to sustainable circular economy initiatives.
Source: Ministry of Cooperation · PIB PRID 2264361
🚀 Defence & Security · UPSC track
Agni-1 Ballistic Missile Successfully Test-Launched
India successfully test-launched the Agni-1 Short Range Ballistic Missile, validating its operational parameters.
- Agni-1 Short Range Ballistic Missile was test-launched.
- The launch occurred on May 22, 2026.
- The test was from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha.
- Test conducted under aegis of Strategic Forces Command.
💡 Remember: Agni-1 missile tested by Strategic Forces Command from Chandipur, Odisha on May 22, 2026.
Source: Ministry of Defence · PIB PRID 2264317
🔗 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
ABDM Links 100 Crore Health Records to ABHA
The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) has linked over 100 crore health records with Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA).
- Over 100 crore health records are linked with ABHA under ABDM.
- The number of linked records doubled from 50 crore to 100 crore in 15 months.
- Uttar Pradesh leads with over 15.03 crore ABHA-linked health records.
- More than 450 public and private health tech solutions integrated with ABDM.
- ABHA provides unique digital health identity for secure health record access.
💡 For the exam: Remember ABDM hit 100 crore ABHA-linked records by 2026 after doubling in 15 months, led by Uttar Pradesh.
Source: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare · PIB PRID 2264241
🤝 International Relations · UPSC track
India and Cyprus Elevate Bilateral Ties to Strategic Partnership
India and the Republic of Cyprus solidified their relations, elevating them to a Strategic Partnership following a state visit.
- Bilateral relationship elevated to a Strategic Partnership.
- Signed MoU on establishing a Joint Working Group on counter-terrorism.
- Agreed to a Roadmap for Defence Cooperation for 2026-2031.
- Cyprus joined Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative under 'Trade, Connectivity and Maritime Transport'.
- Celebrated the first ever India-Cyprus Space Day on 18 May 2026.
- India gifted BHISM Cube to the Republic of Cyprus.
💡 India-Cyprus Strategic Partnership in 2026 includes defence roadmap, counter-terrorism, and Indo-Pacific cooperation.
Source: Prime Minister's Office · PIB PRID 2264136
🏛️ Polity & Governance · UPSC track
Council of Ministers deliberates on Ease of Living & Doing Business
The **Prime Minister** chaired a recent **Council of Ministers** meeting to discuss reforms for 'Ease of Living' and 'Ease of Doing Business'.
- The Prime Minister chaired the Council of Ministers meeting.
- Meeting held on May 21, 2026 to boost 'Ease of Living'.
- Deliberations also covered 'Ease of Doing Business'.
- Discussions aimed at advancing reforms for Viksit Bharat.
💡 Remember: Council of Ministers + PM Modi + May 21, 2026 = Reforms for Ease of Living/Doing Business towards Viksit Bharat.
Source: Prime Minister's Office · PIB PRID 2263986
📶 Economy · LAW track
TRAI Extends Public Wi-Fi Network Consultation Paper Deadline
TRAI has extended deadlines for comments on its consultation paper regarding public Wi-Fi proliferation due to stakeholder requests.
- TRAI issued a Consultation Paper on Public Wi-Fi Networks on 27th April 2026.
- The last date for comments is extended to 1st June 2026.
- Counter-comments can now be submitted until 15th June 2026.
💡 Remember TRAI extended public Wi-Fi consultation deadlines to June 1st for comments and June 15th for counter-comments.
Source: Ministry of Communications · PIB PRID 2264088
🌱 Environment · UPSC track
India's Biodiversity Day 2026: Local Action for Global Impact
India marked International Day for Biological Diversity 2026, themed 'Acting Locally for Global Impact,' emphasizing community participation and ecological restoration.
- The International Day for Biological Diversity 2026 event was held at IIFM, Bhopal.
- The event’s theme was 'Acting Locally for Global Impact'.
- Project Cheetah (launched in 2022) strengthens habitat and wildlife management.
- The Biological Diversity Act, 2002, created a strong decentralized framework.
- Nearly ₹145 crore has been released to 11,000 Biodiversity Management Committees via ABS.
💡 For the exam: IDB 2026 (Bhopal) theme focuses on local action and community-led conservation, supported by Project Cheetah and the Biodiversity Act's ABS mechanism.
Source: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change · PIB PRID 2264014
🌰 Defence & Security · LAW track
DRI Seizes 60,000 kg Smuggled Areca Nuts, 5 Arrested
The **Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)** seized a large quantity of smuggled foreign-origin areca nuts in the North-East region.
- Around 60,000 kg of smuggled areca nuts were seized.
- The operations took place in Mizoram and Assam.
- Areca nuts were smuggled from Myanmar via the Myanmar-Mizoram border.
- 5 persons have been arrested in these operations.
- The 38Bn of Assam Rifles assisted DRI in one operation.
💡 DRI seized 60,000 kg areca nuts smuggled from Myanmar through the Mizoram border, leading to 5 arrests.
Source: Ministry of Finance · PIB PRID 2264034
💧 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
JJM 2.0 & SWM Rules 2026: Focus on Service, Sustainability
A national review meeting chaired by DDWS Secretary discussed the implementation of **Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0** and **Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026**.
- JJM 2.0 extends till December 2028, shifting focus from asset creation to sustained drinking water service.
- SWM Rules, 2026 implementation is crucial for village hygiene and public health.
- JJM covers approximately 5.91 lakh villages and 19.41 crore rural households.
- PM JANMAN/DA-JUGA tribal habitations are targeted for saturation by 2027.
- 11 structural reforms guide JJM 2.0, emphasizing governance, technology, and quality.
💡 For the exam: JJM 2.0 focuses on sustained service delivery and sustainability until Dec 2028, along with SWM Rules 2026.
Source: Ministry of Jal Shakti · PIB PRID 2264288
🛠️ Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
PM Vishwakarma Scheme Implementation in West Bengal
Discussions were held on May 22, 2026, to accelerate the implementation of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme in West Bengal.
- PM Vishwakarma Scheme was launched on September 17, 2023.
- West Bengal constituted State and District Implementation Committees for the scheme.
- Discussions focused on improving beneficiary identification and skill development.
- 7.79 lakh artisans and craftspeople are enrolled in West Bengal.
- A Transformer Testing Facility was inaugurated in Kolkata on May 21, 2026.
💡 For the exam: Remember the launch date, beneficiary count, and the new testing facility related to PM Vishwakarma in West Bengal.
Source: Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises · PIB PRID 2264346