News In Short 19-05-2026

RTI Act Does not Apply to Cricket Board: CIC 

Syllabus: GS2/Polity & Governance

Context

• The Central Information Commission (CIC) held that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) does not fall within the ambit of a “public authority” under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.

About

• It observes that the cricket board continues to function as an autonomous private body and is neither “directly nor indirectly” financed by the government.
• BCCI is registered under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act, 1975, and was neither established by the Constitution, nor created by any legislation or government order.
• Since the Board of Control for Cricket in India is neither materially dependent upon nor sustained by government funds, it cannot be regarded as a ‘Public Authority’.

About BCCI

• The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was formed in 1928.
• India made its Test debut in 1932, after which a national competition followed in 1934, named the Ranji Trophy after KS Ranjitsinhji.

Source: TH

Government Imposes Curbs on Import of Silver

Syllabus: GS3/Economy

Context

• The government has shifted silver imports to the “restricted” category and imposed a 15% import duty to curb rising imports and protect domestic interests.

About Silver

• It is a relatively soft, lustrous precious metal.
• It has highest electrical and thermal conductivity among all metals, critical for electronics, circuit boards, connectors, batteries, and automotive systems.
• It is mainly found in ores like argentite and chlorargyrite (horn silver).
• Mexico is the largest silver producer in the world and India imports silver mainly from the United Arab Emirates, Britain and China.

Source: TH

The Warning Signs in India’s Import Bill

Syllabus: GS3/ Economy

Context

• The recent appeal of PM Modi on spending reduction reflects growing concern over India’s rising import dependence, widening trade deficit, and mounting pressure on foreign exchange reserves and the rupee.

About

• Widening Merchandise Trade Deficit: India’s merchandise trade deficit reached a record $333 billion in 2025-26, increasing by over 17% compared to the previous year.
  • Imports rose by 7% to an all-time high of $775 billion, while exports remained largely stagnant at $442 billion.
• Pressure on Foreign Exchange Reserves and Rupee: Rising imports require higher foreign currency payments. India’s foreign exchange reserves have witnessed pressure due to:
  • RBI intervention to stabilize the rupee,
  • Higher import payments,
  • Global financial uncertainty.

Major Contributors to India’s Import Bill

• Electronics Component Imports: Expansion of electric mobility and digital infrastructure has increased demand for imported semiconductors, accumulators, and advanced components.
• Gold and Silver Imports: Imports of precious metals exceeded $90 billion, making them the third-largest import category after crude oil and electronics.
• Edible Oil Imports: Weak domestic oilseed production and inadequate productivity growth continue to increase dependence on imports.
• Fertilizer Imports: India imports a substantial share of fertilizers, particularly urea and phosphatic fertilizers.
  • Rising fertilizer imports increase subsidy burdens on the government, and worsen fiscal stress.

Source: TH

Genetic “Map” Helps Trace Pangolin Trafficking 

Syllabus: GS3/Environment 

In News

• A new study has developed a breakthrough “genetic map” to trace pangolin trafficking routes using advanced DNA sequencing.

Pangolins

• They are solitary, nocturnal mammals covered in protective scales that curl into a ball when threatened. 
• They are also known as scaly anteaters and they feed mainly on ants and termites.
• They are the world’s most trafficked mammals due to demand for their meat, scales, and leather products, especially in Asia and parts of Africa, with some demand also in the US.

• There are currently eight species of pangolin recognized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
• Distribution  : They are  found across Africa and Asia
  • Species live in Africa:                                                                      IUCN Status 
    • Black-bellied pangolin (Phataginus tetradactyla),        Vulnerable
    • White-bellied pangolin (Phataginus tricuspis),             Endangered
    • Giant Ground pangolin (Smutsia gigantea),                  Endangered
    • Temminck’s Ground pangolin (Smutsia temminckii)-  Vulnerable
  • Species are found in Asia:                                                             IUCN Status 
    • Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata)            Endangered
    • Philippine pangolin (Manis culionensis)          Critically Endangered
    • Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica)                       Critically Endangered
    • the Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla)    Critically Endangered

Importance

• The “genetic map” provides a powerful new tool to trace illegal wildlife trade back to its source and could significantly strengthen global efforts to combat pangolin poaching and trafficking.

Source :TH