Current Affairs for 22 May 2026

Regulation, Not Bans, Can Protect Online Gamers

• The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming (PROG) Act, 2025 was enacted with the objective of protecting individuals, particularly youth and vulnerable populations, from the adverse social, economic, psychological, and privacy-related impacts associated with online games involving money. The Act aimed to reduce gambling addiction, financial losses, cyber risks, and privacy concerns arising from online gaming activities.
• However, evidence emerging after its implementation indicates that the legislation may have produced unintended consequences. Instead of eliminating gambling activities, the Act appears to have encouraged users to migrate from regulated domestic gaming platforms to illegal offshore betting and gambling websites operating beyond Indian jurisdiction. This shift has created new concerns related to cybercrime, money laundering, terror financing, and weak consumer protection mechanisms. The experience suggests that in the digital era, blanket bans may not always produce the intended outcomes.

Rise in Offshore Platform Use

Shift from Domestic Platforms to Offshore Operators

Following the implementation of the PROG Act in October 2025, users increasingly shifted from regulated Indian gaming platforms to offshore betting websites.

Studies conducted by CUTS International reported a significant rise in offshore participation after the implementation of the Act.

In Tamil Nadu, offshore participation increased by approximately 15.2 percentage points, indicating a major behavioural shift toward foreign gambling platforms.

These figures indicate that rather than abandoning online gambling, users increasingly relied on offshore platforms operating outside Indian laws and regulatory oversight.

Risks Associated with Offshore Platforms

The growing use of offshore gambling websites has raised several concerns.

Financial and Security Risks

Offshore platforms may facilitate :

• Money laundering 
• Terror financing 
• Illegal financial transactions 
• Tax evasion 

Since these platforms remain outside domestic oversight, monitoring financial activities becomes difficult.

Weak Consumer Protection

Users accessing offshore gambling platforms often lack :

• Grievance redressal mechanisms 
• Legal remedies 
• Consumer safeguards 
• Data protection guarantees 

As a result, users face greater vulnerability to fraud and exploitation.

Technological Challenges in Enforcement

Illegal offshore operators use sophisticated technologies to bypass government restrictions and enforcement measures. These include :

• Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to evade geographical restrictions. 
• Proxy servers to conceal user identities. 
• Encrypted applications such as Telegram and WhatsApp. 
• Mirror websites that replace blocked domains. 

Whenever authorities block one website, users are quickly redirected to alternative platforms with minimal disruption.

The widespread use of VPNs and encrypted communication channels weakens enforcement efforts and reduces the effectiveness of outright bans.

A Case for Strong Regulation

Limitations of Blanket Bans

Across industries, strict prohibitions rarely eliminate consumer demand. Instead, bans often shift activities toward underground or unregulated channels.

This challenge is particularly significant in digital markets because users can easily access global platforms through the internet.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology informed the Lok Sabha during the Budget Session that the government had blocked 8,376 URLs to curb illegal betting networks and cybercrime activities linked to offshore operators.

Despite these enforcement efforts, reports of gambling-related fraud and financial distress continue to emerge, demonstrating the limitations of prohibition.

Example of Offshore-Linked Fraud Networks

A major online gambling and fraud racket uncovered in Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu illustrates the risks posed by illegal offshore networks.

The accused promoted a fraudulent “Old Coin Purchase Task” scheme through Telegram groups, promising high returns through fake old-coin investment activities.

Victims were persuaded to invest money, while villagers from Sivaganga, Paramakudi, and Kalayarkovil were encouraged to open “mule accounts” in exchange for small payments. These accounts were later used to divert illegal funds.

The incident demonstrated how offshore-linked networks can exploit vulnerable populations and support organised financial crimes.

International Experiences and Regulatory Models

United Arab Emirates

Although the UAE historically maintained strict restrictions on gambling activities, it introduced a regulated federal licensing framework in 2023.

The framework includes :

• Licensing requirements 
• Compliance standards 
• Deposit limits 
• Consumer protection safeguards 
• Harm-prevention mechanisms 

The objective is to reduce illegal offshore activity while ensuring accountability and regulatory oversight.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is also moving toward a regulated framework through the establishment of a centralised Gambling Regulatory Authority, expected to become operational by June 2026.

The authority aims to :

• Regulate online gambling activities 
• Consolidate oversight mechanisms 
• Bring offshore operations under domestic regulation 

These international examples indicate that several countries are shifting from prohibition toward regulated governance systems.

Need for a Balanced Regulatory Framework

Advantages of Regulation

A regulated online gaming ecosystem could provide several benefits.

Consumer Protection Measures

Regulation could introduce :

• Age verification systems 
• Deposit limits 
• Responsible gaming practices 
• Player protection mechanisms 
• Grievance redressal systems 

Improved Monitoring

Regulation would enable authorities to :

• Track suspicious transactions 
• Monitor illegal money flows 
• Reduce money laundering risks 

Revenue Generation

A regulated gaming ecosystem could also generate tax revenue.

These funds could be used for :

• Strengthening cyber enforcement systems 
• Monitoring offshore networks 
• Supporting awareness campaigns 
• Addressing gambling addiction and financial risks 

Several Western countries have adopted similar approaches successfully.

Need for Centre–State Coordination

Addressing illegal online gambling requires coordinated action among :

• Central Government agencies 
• State Governments 
• Cybercrime units 
• Financial intelligence agencies 
• Regulatory bodies 

A combined approach involving regulation, technological monitoring, enforcement, and public awareness may provide a more sustainable solution than prohibition alone.

Conclusion

• The experience following the implementation of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming (PROG) Act, 2025 demonstrates that outright bans may not effectively control online gambling in the digital era.
• Rather than eliminating gambling activities, the policy appears to have encouraged the growth of offshore platforms operating beyond domestic oversight. The rise in offshore gambling participation, cybercrime risks, financial fraud, and weak consumer protection highlights the need for a more balanced policy approach.
• In the long term, strong regulation, technological safeguards, effective enforcement mechanisms, and public awareness initiatives are likely to provide a more effective solution for addressing online gambling challenges in India than blanket prohibitions.

UMMID Programme: Strengthening India’s Response to Rare Genetic Disorders

Recently, the Union Minister for Science & Technology dedicated the UMMID Programme, a national initiative aimed at improving healthcare services for individuals and families affected by inherited and rare genetic disorders.

The programme marks an important step toward strengthening early diagnosis, genetic counselling, and affordable healthcare support for patients suffering from rare diseases in India.

About UMMID Programme

UMMID (Unique Methods of Management of Inherited Disorders) is a national programme launched to address rare genetic disorders and inherited diseases in India.

The initiative focuses on promoting early intervention, timely diagnosis, and affordable healthcare services for affected families.

It aims to improve the diagnosis, management, and prevention of inherited and rare genetic disorders through an integrated public health approach.

Objectives of the Programme

The UMMID Programme has been introduced with the following objectives :

• Improving early diagnosis of inherited and rare genetic diseases. 
• Providing genetic counselling and support services to affected families. 
• Promoting preventive healthcare and early intervention strategies. 
• Strengthening healthcare infrastructure for rare disease management. 
• Building awareness regarding genetic disorders among healthcare workers and the public. 
• Expanding access to affordable healthcare services. 

India’s First Comprehensive Initiative for Genetic Disorders

The UMMID Programme represents India’s first comprehensive national initiative specifically designed to address inherited genetic disorders through an integrated framework.

The programme adopts a multi-dimensional approach covering :

• Diagnosis 
• Genetic counselling 
• Prevention 
• Capacity building and training 
• Public health awareness 

This integrated strategy seeks to establish structured systems for managing rare genetic diseases at the national level.

Major Pillars of the UMMID Programme

The programme operates through three major pillars :

1. NIDAN Kendras

NIDAN Kendras serve as specialised centres for :

• Diagnosis of inherited genetic disorders 
• Genetic testing facilities 
• Counselling services for patients and families 

These centres aim to strengthen early detection and improve patient management.

2. Outreach Programmes in Aspirational Districts

The programme includes outreach activities in Aspirational Districts to improve access to healthcare services in underserved regions.

The outreach component focuses on :

• Early identification of genetic disorders 
• Public awareness campaigns 
• Screening and referral mechanisms 
• Expanding healthcare access in remote areas 

3. Specialised Training Centres

The initiative establishes specialised training centres to build capacity among healthcare professionals.

These centres provide :

• Training in genetic diagnostics 
• Skill development for healthcare workers 
• Capacity building in rare disease management 
• Strengthening institutional expertise 

Linkage with National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD), 2021

The UMMID Programme supports the implementation of the National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD), 2021.

It contributes by creating structured care pathways for patients suffering from inherited and rare disorders.

The programme helps improve :

• Patient identification systems 
• Referral networks 
• Diagnosis and treatment mechanisms 
• Long-term disease management support 

Nodal Ministry

The programme is implemented under the leadership of the Department of Biotechnology.

The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under the Ministry of Science & Technology serves as the nodal agency responsible for implementing the initiative.

Significance of the Programme

The UMMID Programme is significant because it :

• Strengthens India’s response to rare genetic disorders. 
• Promotes affordable and accessible healthcare. 
• Supports early diagnosis and preventive care. 
• Enhances healthcare capacity and specialised expertise. 
• Improves awareness regarding inherited diseases. 
• Contributes toward implementation of rare disease policies. 

The initiative is expected to improve healthcare outcomes and reduce the burden of inherited genetic disorders in India.

Conclusion

The UMMID Programme represents a major step in India’s healthcare system by creating an integrated framework for managing inherited and rare genetic disorders.

Through diagnostics, counselling, outreach activities, training, and public awareness, the programme seeks to strengthen early intervention and ensure better healthcare access for affected families.

By supporting the National Policy for Rare Diseases, 2021, the initiative is expected to improve long-term care systems and advance India’s rare disease management ecosystem.

The High Court accepted the wife's claim for insurance payment after the man's death.

Why in the News ?

• In a significant decision, the Punjab and Haryana High Court recently upheld a Permanent Lok Adalat order directing the payment of ₹14.22 lakh to the wife of a deceased man who died just 25 days after purchasing the life insurance policy.
• While hearing the case, Justice Jagmohan Bansal stated that the insurance company failed to prove the allegation that the deceased had concealed information about his cancer.

What was the case ?

• According to the case, Samundar Singh had purchased a life insurance policy from Bharti AXA Life Insurance on March 23, 2018, with a sum assured of ₹7.11 lakh, a death benefit of ₹14.22 lakh, and a first premium of ₹63,172.
• After taking out the policy, he died of a heart attack on April 25, 2018, 25 days after the policy was issued.

Why did the insurance company reject the claim ?

• The insurance company rejected the claim on March 31, 2019, stating that the deceased was already suffering from a cancer called Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
• According to the company, the deceased had been undergoing treatment for this disease since February 2017, but did not disclose this information when purchasing the life insurance policy.
• The insurance company rejected the claim, citing it as a case of concealment of material facts related to a pre-existing disease.

High Court Comments

• The High Court noted that the insurance company had challenged the Permanent Lok Adalat order on the grounds of concealment of facts, but could not substantiate its allegations with credible evidence.
• The court also clarified that the insurance company failed to establish a link between the alleged cancer and the actual cause of death of the deceased.
• According to the records, the deceased died of a heart attack, not cancer.
• The court stated in its decision that the Permanent Lok Adalat clearly found that the insurer could not prove that the insured person was suffering from cancer, and therefore, there was no basis for interfering with its order.

What is the impact of concealing information in an insurance policy ?

• When purchasing life insurance, the applicant is required to provide accurate health information.
• If a person deliberately conceals important facts, the insurance company may reject the claim.
• However, in such cases, the responsibility to prove the concealment lies with the insurance company.

What message does the decision convey ?

• This decision strengthens the protection of policyholders' rights and clarifies that insurance companies cannot reject claims without sufficient evidence.
• This decision also underscores the importance of consumer protection and easy access to justice.

Conclusion

Finding no factual or legal error in the case, the Punjab and Haryana High Court dismissed the insurance company's petition and upheld the order awarding the wife an insurance payment of ₹14.22 lakh.

International Booker Prize- 2026

Why in News

Taiwan Travelogue by Yáng Shuāng-zǐ, translated by Lin King, won the 2026 International Booker Prize. The novel received global recognition for its rich portrayal of Taiwanese culture, identity and history through an engaging literary narrative.

About the Prize

• The International Booker Prize is one of the world’s most prestigious literary awards for translated fiction. It was established in 2005 as the Man Booker International Prize and later renamed the International Booker Prize in 2016. The award honours outstanding works of fiction translated into English and published in the United Kingdom or Ireland.
• A unique feature of the prize is that it equally recognises both the author and the translator, highlighting the importance of literary translation in connecting cultures and languages across the world. The total prize money of £50,000 is shared equally between them. The award has significantly increased the global visibility of non-English literature.

Importance of the Award

• The prize promotes cultural exchange and encourages readers to explore literature from diverse linguistic and regional backgrounds. It has become an important platform for writers from Asia, Africa, Latin America, and other non-English-speaking regions to gain international readership and critical acclaim.

Indian Winners

• India has achieved notable success in the International Booker Prize in recent years. In 2022, Geetanjali Shree won the award for Tomb of Sand, becoming the first Hindi author and the first Indian-language work to receive the honour.
• In 2025, Banu Mushtaq won the prize for Heart Lamp, making it the first Kannada work to achieve this distinction. These achievements highlighted the growing global recognition of Indian regional literature.

Loktak Lake: : Floating Phumdis, Keibul Lamjao National Park and Ecological Importance

Why in News

Loktak Lake was recently in the news because of its unique floating islands known as phumdis, which are considered one of the most remarkable ecological features in the world. Scientists and environmentalists have highlighted the need to conserve the lake due to increasing ecological pressures and changes in water flow patterns.

Geographical Features

• Loktak Lake is located in the Bishnupur district of Manipur and is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India. It covers a large area that changes seasonally depending on rainfall and water levels. 
• Several rivers, including the Imphal, Iril, Thoubal and Nambul rivers, drain into the lake and help maintain its hydrological system. The lake serves as an important source of water for irrigation, fisheries, and hydropower generation in the region.

Unique Ecological Features

• The most distinctive feature of Loktak Lake is the presence of phumdis, which are heterogeneous masses of vegetation, soil, and decomposed organic matter floating on the lake’s surface. These floating formations vary in thickness and support a unique ecosystem. 
• The lake is also home to Keibul Lamjao National Park, the world’s only floating national park. This park provides habitat to the endangered Sangai deer, also known as the brow-antlered deer, which is the state animal of Manipur.

Ecological and Economic Importance

• Loktak Lake plays a vital role in maintaining biodiversity and supporting the livelihood of local communities. Thousands of people depend on the lake for fishing, agriculture, and transportation. 
• The lake also helps regulate the regional climate and supports numerous species of birds, fish, and aquatic plants. However, pollution, excessive human activity, and the construction of the Ithai Barrage have adversely affected its ecological balance.

International Recognition

• Due to its rich biodiversity and ecological significance, Loktak Lake was designated as a Ramsar Convention on Wetlands Ramsar Site in 1990. Later, in 1993, it was included in the Montreux Record because of ecological degradation and environmental threats. 
• Continuous conservation measures are being undertaken by the government and environmental organizations to restore and protect this important wetland ecosystem.

Rising Electricity Demand and the Challenge of Energy Management in India

Context

• Due to rapid economic activity, increasing urbanization, and changing weather patterns, electricity demand in India is reaching record levels. This year, the country broke all previous electricity consumption records earlier than expected, with peak demand reaching an all-time high of 256.1 gigawatts (GW). Maintaining the stability of the country's power grid and ensuring electricity reaches every household has become a major challenge for the states.

The Complexity of Peak Demand

• Peak Demand : Peak demand is the highest level of electricity consumption on a grid within a specific period of time (usually a 15-minute interval). While this may be a momentary event lasting a few hours, the grid must be prepared to handle this load at all times.
• Seasonal Variation : In summer, the use of air conditioners and coolers from afternoon to night, and in winter, the use of heating devices in the morning and evening, significantly extends the peak hours.
• Infrastructure Dilemma : The entire infrastructure of the power sector (generation, transmission, and distribution) has to be designed to handle this peak load. However, building excessive capacity for only a few hours of peak load is economically disadvantageous, as the infrastructure will remain idle the rest of the time. Conversely, undercapacity can lead to grid failures or load shedding.

States Manage Electricity Demand

Indian states primarily manage electricity for their consumers through two strategies :

• Additionally, states use demand-side management (DSM). Under this, consumers are advised to use electricity judiciously between 6 pm and 11 pm. To address this situation, metropolitan cities like Delhi have increasingly implemented time-of-day (ToD) tariffs (different charges for different times of the day) and smart metering to control demand during peak hours.

What is a time-of-day (ToD) tariff ?

• Time-of-day (ToD) tariff is a modern system for determining electricity rates. Under this system, electricity rates do not remain constant throughout the day, but vary depending on different times of the day. Simply put, "When electricity demand is highest, rates are higher; and when demand is lowest, electricity is cheaper."
• Under time-of-day tariffs, the entire 24 hours are typically divided into three main slots :

1. 1.  Off-Peak Hours (usually nighttime) : During this time, electricity demand is lowest, so electricity rates are significantly cheaper (approximately 10% to 20% lower) than normal.
   2.  Peak Hours (usually evening/nighttime) : During this time, electricity usage in every household and industry is at its peak (e.g., from 6 pm to 10 pm). Electricity rates are most expensive during this time (approximately 10% to 20% higher).
   3.  Normal Hours (daytime) : During this time, electricity rates remain at the normal or base tariff.

Key Emerging Challenges Facing the Power Sector

Electricity demand has increased by a staggering 37% over the past five years (from 183 gigawatts in December 2020 to exceed 250 gigawatts in April 2026). This rapid growth has posed a dual threat to states:

Price Volatility

• When states purchase power from power exchanges outside of long-term agreements, they face extremely high prices. During peak season demand surges, electricity rates on the Indian Energy Exchange sometimes exceed the regulatory ceiling of ₹10 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), placing a significant financial burden on discoms.

Distribution Network Inadequacies

• India has achieved a remarkable increase of 76% in power generation capacity and 47% in transmission lines over the past decade, but the distribution infrastructure that delivers electricity to the last mile has lagged behind.
• Transformer Failure Rate : According to the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), approximately 1.3 million distribution transformers (DTs) fail every year in the country. In states like Kerala, this failure rate is less than 2%, while in some northern states it reaches 20%. This situation is more severe in economically weaker states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, which are neither able to purchase expensive electricity from the market nor make large investments to upgrade their infrastructure.

Contribution and Limitations of Renewable Energy (RE)

The role of renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower in managing peak demand is increasing due to their significantly lower operating costs. However, the impact varies across different states in India:

• Positive synergy (daytime) : States like Gujarat and Karnataka can easily meet their agricultural and commercial demand through daytime solar energy. Tamil Nadu needs solar power during the monsoon months.
• The Sunset Challenge : The biggest limitation of solar energy is that solar production drops to zero after sunset, when household electricity demand is highest (evening peak hours).
• Low-potential states : States like Punjab, where renewable capacity is low and electricity demand peaks in summer due to paddy sowing, are forced to rely entirely on hydropower imports from outside states and expensive short-term markets.

The Way Forward: Making the Grid Smart and Resilient

The challenge now is not just generating more electricity, but also efficiently managing the generated electricity. To secure future needs, the following steps are essential:

• Energy Storage Technologies : Investment in pumped hydro storage (PHS) and battery energy storage systems (BESS) must be increased to balance the grid. States like Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu are working to utilize excess daytime renewable energy during peak hours at night.
• Smart grid and infrastructure upgrades : Advanced maintenance and network modernization are essential to reduce the failure rate of distribution transformers.
• Strict demand-side policies : Load shifting and strict enforcement of commercial time-of-day tariffs across the country are essential to encourage consumers to shift from peak to non-peak hours.

Conclusion

• India's energy security will depend on how quickly we can establish a strong and resilient balance between our traditional coal-fired power plants, variable renewable energy, and modern storage systems.

Bharat Tex 2026 Mobile App

Context

• The Ministry of Textiles recently launched the Bharat Tex 2026 Event App. This integrated digital platform is designed to enhance the experience of buyers, international delegates, speakers, sourcing consultants, partners, exhibitors, and visitors at India's largest global textile event.

About the Bharat Tex 2026 Mobile App

• This mobile app is designed for all attendees of Bharat Tex 2026. You can access all the information about the event from this single app.

Helpful for Everyone

• This app is useful for exhibitors, speakers, foreign and domestic buyers, and the general public.
• Each user can customize the app according to their needs.

AI Smart Assistant

• The app features a smart AI assistant that will operate 24 hours a day.
• You can ask any questions related to the event in simple language.
• It will instantly provide event times, directions, and other important information.

Business Meetings and Networking

• Buyers and sellers can search for each other and schedule meetings through the app.
• You can schedule your meeting and view incoming requests.
• It features a lead wallet and QR code. You can save others' contact numbers and names by scanning their digital badges.

Navigation

• This app will help you find your way inside Bharat Mandapam.
• You can view a map in the app, search for any company's stall number, and find directions to the stall.

Easy to Find Companies

• Global and domestic buyers can easily find the companies they're looking for.
• You can search for companies by name, product, or category.

Agenda

• The app will provide a complete list of conferences and meetings.
• You can create your own schedule by selecting the events you're interested in.
• The app will also send you alerts (notifications) before the events begin.

About the Bharat Tex 2026 Event

• Bharat Tex 2026 will be held from July 14-17, 2026, at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
• It is expected to attract over 7,000 international buyers and over 130,000 trade visitors from the global textile industry.
• It is being organized by the Bharat Tex Trade Federation, an association of 11 textile export promotion councils and industry bodies, in collaboration with the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.