Current Affairs 21 May 2026

Bhopal pioneers the use of solar-powered algae trees in India to curb city air pollution.

• Bhopal became the first Indian city to install solar-powered Algae Trees to fight urban air pollution.
• The project was launched under the Bhopal Smart City initiative by Vishwas Sarang.
• Each 3-meter-tall unit works as a photo-bioreactor using living microalgae cultures.
• One Algae Tree can absorb nearly 1.5 tonnes of CO₂ annually, equivalent to about 25 mature trees.
• The system reduces harmful PM 2.5 pollution levels by 45–55% within a 15-meter radius.
• Each unit produces around 1 tonne of oxygen every year through photosynthesis.
• Powered by integrated solar panels, the units operate independently using renewable energy.

India receives U.S. approval for $428 million support package covering Apache fleets and M777 artillery.

• The United States approved two Foreign Military Sales (FMS) support packages for India worth a combined $428.2 million.
• The packages provide engineering, logistics, repair, and technical support for India’s frontline military systems.
• A $198.2 million package supports the Indian Army’s Boeing AH-64 Apache helicopters, including training and technical assistance.
• A $230 million package ensures long-term sustainment of M777 howitzer systems through spare parts and repair services.
• Major contractors involved include Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and BAE Systems.
• India reduced its planned Apache fleet from 39 to 28 units due to high costs and increasing focus on indigenous and unmanned systems.

BCCI is not subject to the RTI Act, according to the Central Information Commission.

• The Central Information Commission ruled that the Board of Control for Cricket in India is not a public authority under the RTI Act, 2005.
• The decision overturns a 2018 CIC ruling that had directed the BCCI to comply with RTI provisions.
• The case was reconsidered after the Madras High Court sent it back to the commission for fresh review.
• The CIC stated that the government has no deep or direct control over the BCCI’s administration or appointments.
• The commission noted that the BCCI is financially independent, earning revenue through media rights, sponsorships, broadcasting, and ticket sales.
• It also clarified that performing public functions, such as managing Indian cricket teams, does not automatically make an organization a public authority under the RTI Act.

West Bengal approves ₹3,000 Annapurna scheme, free bus travel for women, and ends religious stipends.

• The West Bengal Cabinet approved the ₹3,000 monthly Annapurna financial aid scheme for women from June 1, 2026.
• Beneficiaries of the previous Lakshmir Bhandar scheme will be automatically shifted to the new program.
• Women will receive free travel on all government-run buses across the state starting June 1.
• Religion-based stipends for imams, muezzins, and priests will be discontinued.
• Funds from the discontinued stipends will be redirected toward merit-based student scholarships.

The Ministry of Railways unveils the 1st design of India’s Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train.

• The Ministry of Railways unveiled the first visual design of India’s inaugural bullet train project at Rail Bhawan, New Delhi.
• The Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project aims to launch its first phase by August 2027.
• The train design features a futuristic, aerodynamic look with a saffron-white-black colour scheme.
• Travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad will reduce from over 7 hours to about 2 hours.
• The 508-km corridor will include 12 stations across Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.
• The project includes major engineering work such as an undersea tunnel beneath Thane Creek.
• The high-speed trains are being developed under the Make in India initiative with domestic manufacturing support.