22nd MAY CURRENT AFFAIRS

1. International Day for Biological Diversity - 22 May

The United Nations has proclaimed May 22 The International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues

In December 2000, the UN General Assembly adopted 22 May as IDB, to commemorate the adoption of the text of the Convention on 22 May 1992 by the Nairobi Final Act of the Conference for the Adoption of the Agreed Text of the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Theme 2026, “Acting locally for global impact,

The Convention on Biological Diversity Signedat the 1992 Rio Earth Summit.

The CBD’s governing body is the Conference of the Parties (COP)

To support implementation of the CBD objectives, two internationally binding agreements were adopted within the framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity.

The Cartagena Protocol, which was adopted in 2000 and entered into force in 2003, regulates the transboundary movement of living modified organisms (LMOs).

The Nagoya Protocol, adopted in 2010, establishes a legally binding framework for access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from their use.

2. India Successfully Tests ‘Suryastra’ Rockets

In May 2026, India successfully carried out consecutive trials of ‘Suryastra’ Universal Rocket Launcher system, achieving precise strikes on targets up to 300 kilometres (km) and successfully meeting all mission objectives.

The high-precision trials were carried out by NIBE Limited from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Balasore, off the coast of Odisha.

WHAT IS SURYASTRA?

Suryastra is a long-range guided rocket artillery system designed to deliver precision strikes against enemy positions, command centres, radar installations and logistics hubs deep inside hostile territory.

Unlike conventional artillery shells, guided rockets like Suryastra use advanced navigation and control systems to maintain accuracy over very long distances.

The system is being developed to provide the Indian armed forces with rapid-response, high-precision strike capabilities while reducing dependence on imported missile systems.

The two tested variants represent different battlefield roles. The 150-km version is aimed at tactical battlefield support and deep-strike operations near conflict zones, while the 300-km variant significantly expands India’s stand-off strike capability, allowing forces to target strategic assets far behind enemy lines without exposing troops to direct combat.

3. RAJA RAMMOHAN ROY BIRTH ANNIVERSARY

Born on 22nd May 1772 in Radhanagar, Bengal, and passing away on 27th September 1833, his contributions significantly shaped modern Indian society.

He was a peerless scholar, rationalist thinker, and socio-religious reformer celebrated as the Father of Modern India and the Father of the Bengal Renaissance.

He founded the Atmiya Sabha and later the Brahmo Sabha (which became Brahmo Samaj)

He published groundbreaking early journals including the Bengali weekly Sambad Kaumudi (1821) and the Persian weekly Mirat-ul-Akbar (1822).

The "Raja" Title: Bestowed upon him by the Mughal Emperor Akbar II in 1830, who sent Roy to England as an envoy

Mastered more than ten languages including Sanskrit, Persian, Arabic, English, Hebrew, and Greek

His relentless legal and social pressure led Governor-General Lord William Bentinck to officially ban on sati ,the practice under Regulation XVII in December 1829.

4Electrification Emerges As COP31 Priority

The Turkish and Australian COP31 host governments and the International Renewable Energy Agency have called for a stronger global push to run vehicles, industry and buildings on electricity rather than fossil fuels, ahead of this year's COP31 climate talks

COP 31 is the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference, scheduled to take place from November 9 to November 20, 2026, at the Antalya Expo Center in Antalya, Türkiye.

Recommendation

Required Reduction: To limit warming to 1.5°C, global net greenhouse gas emissions must decline by approximately 43% by 2030, relative to 2019 levels. This is the global benchmark for NDCs 3.0 scrutiny.

Current Trajectory: Based on current unconditional pledges, the projected warming remains closer to 2.8°C by the end of the century. This substantial gap validates the shift to an implementation focus at COP31.

COP31 Mandate: The conference must secure and operationalize pathways that drastically increase the ambition and scope of the NDCs 3.0 to close this critical pre-2030 emissions gap, ensuring all countries demonstratedomestic policy delivery.

5Anti-Terrorism Day to be Observed on 21st May

Anti-Terrorism Day will be observed tomorrow. Every year it is observed throughout the country on 21st May.

The Day is observed to generate awareness in the country among all sections of people, about the danger of terrorism and violence and its effect on the people, society and the country as a whole.

The date was chosen to mark the assassination of former PM Rajiv Gandhi, who was killed in a suicide bombing in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, on May 21, 1991.

The objective behind the observance of Anti-Terrorism Day is to wean away the people from terrorism and violence. On the occasion, debates, discussions, symposia, seminars, lectures, etc. are held in schools, colleges and universities on the dangers of terrorism and violence.

Many NGOs, social and cultural organizations also organize their own programmes to highlight the ill effects of violence and terrorism.

Anti-terrorism/anti-violence pledge is taken in all Government offices, public sector undertakings and other public institutions