Daily GK Update- 11th May, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Apple Inc. to Invest ₹100 Crore in India’s Renewable Energy Infrastructure: Apple Inc. has announced an investment of ₹100 crore to strengthen renewable energy infrastructure in India.

In partnership with CleanMax, Apple will help develop more than 150 MW of renewable energy capacity across the country. Apple Inc. is working with WWF-India on initiatives related to recycling, waste management, and reducing plastic leakage into ecosystems. The company is also collaborating with Acumen to provide grants and mentorship support to green startups in India.

 

2. Jagat Prakash Nadda Launches Swasth Bharat Portal to Integrate Health Systems Across India: Jagat Prakash Nadda launched the Swasth Bharat Portal, a unified digital platform aimed at integrating multiple health programme systems across India. The Swasth Bharat Portal has been developed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to improve coordination and efficiency in healthcare services. The portal was unveiled during the 10th National Summit on Innovation and Inclusivity: Best Practices Shaping India’s Health Future.

 

3. N Rangasamy Appointed Chief Minister of Puducherry for Record Fifth Term: Droupadi Murmu appointed N Rangasamy as the new Chief Minister of Puducherry. N Rangasamy took the oath for a record fifth term after the AINRC-led NDA secured victory in the Assembly elections with the support of 18 MLAs in the 30-member Assembly. The veteran leader won the recent elections from both the Thattanchavady and Mangalam constituencies and has previously served as Chief Minister under both the Congress and the All India NR Congress governments.

 

4. Joseph Vijay Sworn in as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu: Joseph Vijay, popularly known as “Thalapathy”, has taken oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu after the victory of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The swearing-in ceremony was held at Nehru Indoor Stadium in the presence of political leaders, party workers, and supporters. Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the Oath of Office and Secrecy to Vijay as the new Chief Minister of the state.

 

5. India Fully Operationalises Four New Labour Codes: India fully operationalised four labour codes on 21 November 2025 after the publication of the required rules and notifications. The four codes replace 29 central labour laws with a consolidated framework for wages, industrial relations, social security, and occupational safety. The four codes are the Code on Wages, 2019; the Industrial Relations Code, 2020; the Code on Social Security, 2020; and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020. These codes were brought into force by the Government of India with effect from 21 November 2025. The Code on Wages, 2019 applies to wages, bonus, and minimum wage provisions across covered establishments. Under the revised wage definition, basic pay, dearness allowance, and retaining allowance must form at least 50% of total remuneration.

 

6. Government Launches Road RADAR to Track Air Pollution Sources: The Delhi Pollution Control Committee launched Road RADAR on 8 May 2026 in Delhi to identify sources of air pollution through daily ground-level surveys. Road RADAR stands for Real-time Air Pollution Detection Across Roads and uses geo-tagged reporting for rapid redressal of dispersed pollution sources. Road RADAR is a field-based monitoring programme for road-linked pollution sources in Delhi. The initiative deploys 13 dedicated surveyors, with one surveyor assigned to each district of Delhi. Surveyors use the MCD-311 mobile application for geo-tagged field surveys. The programme sets a daily reporting target of at least 70 pollution-related issues per surveyor and around 1,000 issues collectively each day.

 

7. Kuljeet Kaur Marhas Becomes First Indian Woman Fellow: Kuljeet Kaur Marhas was elected a Fellow of The Meteoritical Society for 2026 on 9 May 2026. She became the first Indian woman to receive this international honour in meteoritics and planetary science. She is affiliated with the Planetary Science Division of the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad. The Meteoritical Society is an international scientific body connected with meteorites, planetary materials, and Solar System research. Its Fellows are selected from scientists recognised for work on planetary materials and related laboratory studies. In its 93-year history, Kuljeet Kaur Marhas became only the third Indian scientist to receive this honour.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Bulgaria Parliament Approves Rumen Radev as New Prime Minister: Rumen Radev has been formally approved by Bulgaria’s parliament as the country’s new Prime Minister after contesting the 2026 parliamentary elections. Formerly serving as President of Bulgaria and known as an ex-fighter pilot, Radev resigned from the largely ceremonial presidency in January 2026 to enter active politics.

 

2. 9 May 2026 – World Migratory Bird Day: World Migratory Bird Day is observed twice every year, on the second Saturdays of May and October, to raise awareness about the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats. This year was celebrated on 9 May. Theme 2026 – Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter The day is organized by global environmental organizations to encourage people, governments, and communities to reduce threats such as habitat loss, pollution, and climate change affecting migratory birds.

 

3. 8 – 9 May – Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives during the Second World War: Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives during the Second World War is observed globally on 8–9 May to honour and remember all those who lost their lives during the Second World War. The observance focuses on promoting peace, remembrance, and reconciliation among nations affected by the Second World War, encouraging reflection on the consequences of conflict. It is recognised by the United Nations to preserve historical memory and to strengthen international cooperation for preventing future global conflicts.

 

4. 8 May – World Ovarian Cancer Day: World Ovarian Cancer Day is observed every year on 8 May to raise awareness about ovarian cancer, its symptoms, and the importance of early detection. Theme 2026 – #No Woman Left Behind The day focuses on educating women about preventive care, regular health check-ups, and recognizing early warning signs of ovarian cancer.

 

5. US Proposes Higher Minimum Wages for H-1B Workers: The United States Department of Labor issued a proposed rule on 27 March 2026 to raise minimum salary thresholds for H-1B visa workers. The proposal covers H-1B, H-1B1, E-3, and PERM labour certification programmes in the United States. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant work visa used by the United States for speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. The visa is linked to prevailing wage rules, which set minimum pay levels for foreign workers in relation to local labour-market data. The proposed rule is titled Improving Wage Protections for the Temporary and Permanent Employment of Certain Foreign Nationals in the United States. The Department of Labor has stated that the existing wage levels were fixed about 20 years ago. The proposal seeks to raise prevailing wage floors across four experience levels. Level I would move from the 17th percentile to the 34th percentile of wage data, while Level IV would move from the 67th percentile to the 88th percentile. For an entry-level software engineer in San Francisco, the minimum H-1B salary would rise to about 162,000 a year. The proposed minimum salary for similar roles is about 113,000 in Dallas and about $132,000 in New York.

 

6. Non-binary Indian elected to Scottish Parliament: Q Manivannan, a non-binary transgender Indian from Tamil Nadu, was elected on 8 May 2026 as a Member of the Scottish Parliament for Edinburgh & Lothians East. Manivannan contested the seat for the Scottish Greens and became one of the first two transgender MSPs elected to Holyrood. The Scottish Parliament is the devolved legislature of Scotland and sits at Holyrood in Edinburgh. Members of the Scottish Parliament are known as MSPs, and the Parliament was established in 1999 after the Scotland Act 1998. Manivannan became the first person elected to Holyrood without a permanent visa to live in the United Kingdom. New legislation introduced by the SNP government in 2025 allows non-UK citizens with any type of leave, including short-term study visas, to stand for Parliament.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. DRDO, IAF successfully conduct maiden flight-trial of indigenous TARA glide weapon: Defence Research and Development Organization and the Indian Air Force successfully conducted the maiden flight trial of the Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation (TARA) off the coast of Odisha. Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation (TARA) is India’s first indigenous glide weapon system designed to convert unguided warheads into precision-guided weapons with improved accuracy and lethality. The system was developed by Research Centre Imarat along with other DRDO laboratories, while production activities have already started with Indian industry partners under the Development-cum-Production Partnership model.

 

2. ICGS Achal Commissioned into Indian Coast Guard : Indian Coast Guard Ship Achal, a new-generation Adamya-class Fast Patrol Vessel, was commissioned on 9 May 2026 at Goa Shipyard Limited in Goa. The 51-metre vessel was designed and built by Goa Shipyard Limited and has more than 50% indigenous components. Adamya-class vessels are Fast Patrol Vessels used by the Indian Coast Guard for coastal security and maritime law enforcement. ICGS Achal is one of the new-generation vessels in this class and is fitted for patrol and interdiction duties. ICGS Achal will be stationed at Vadinar in Gujarat under the administrative and operational control of the Commander, Coast Guard Region (North West). The ship will undertake coastal and offshore surveillance, interdiction, Search and Rescue, anti-smuggling operations, and marine pollution response.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. India to Host Inaugural World Yogasana Championship in Ahmedabad: India will host the inaugural World Yogasana Championship from June 4 to 8 in Ahmedabad with participation from more than 40 countries. The World Yogasana Championship is being organized by Yogasana Bharat under the aegis of World Yogasana.

 

2. India to Host First International Ophthalmology Research Conference in New Delhi: India will host its first international ophthalmology research conference at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi. The conference, titled AIOS-Armed Forces Ophthalmology Update (AIOS-AFOU 2026), will be inaugurated by Sanjay Seth. AIOS-Armed Forces Ophthalmology Update (AIOS-AFOU 2026) is being organized by the Department of Ophthalmology at Army Hospital (Research & Referral) in collaboration with All India Ophthalmological Society

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Samsung Launches 5th Edition of ‘Solve for Tomorrow’ Innovation Programme in India: Samsung has launched the fifth edition of its flagship innovation and education programme, “Samsung Solve for Tomorrow,” in India to encourage young innovators and problem-solvers. Under the 2026 edition, the top four winning teams will receive incubation grants worth ₹2 crore along with incubation support at IIT Delhi to help develop and scale their ideas.

 

2. IIT Madras Launches First US Centre to Boost Deep-Tech Startups and Innovation Ecosystem : The Indian Institute of Technology Madras Global Research Foundation has announced the establishment of its first international centre in the United States, aimed at strengthening India’s deep-tech ecosystem. The centre will act as a launchpad for deep-tech start-ups, while also promoting research collaborations and innovation ecosystem development between India and the US. The project will be developed with a planned investment of USD 7.5 million, and the announcement was made at Menlo Park, California during the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Maryland.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SBI Reports 13% Rise in FY26 Net Profit to ₹80,032 Crore: State Bank of India (SBI) reported a 6% year-on-year rise in standalone net profit to ₹19,684 crore in the fourth quarter of FY 2025-26, compared to ₹18,643 crore in the same quarter last year. For the full Financial Year 2025-26, State Bank of India (SBI) posted a 13% year-on-year growth in standalone net profit at ₹80,032 crore, up from ₹70,901 crore in FY 2024-25.

 

2. RBI Imposes Penalties on YES Bank and Hinduja Housing Finance Ltd: The Reserve Bank of India imposed a penalty of ₹31.80 lakh on YES Bank for non-compliance with certain ‘Know Your Customer (KYC)’ provisions. Reserve Bank of India also imposed a penalty of ₹1.8 lakh on Hinduja Housing Finance Ltd for non-compliance with RBI directions related to governance norms.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Deepak Bhatia Receives Prestigious Erth Dubai Award in Dubai: Deepak Bhatia received the prestigious Erth Dubai Award under the category of Best Private Sector Entity. The award was presented by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in the presence of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Uncle’s Shop Building Material Trading was founded in 1922 by the late Uttamchand Bhatia and is regarded as one of the oldest Indian-origin enterprises in the UAE, currently led by the fourth generation of the family.

 

2. Dr V S Mehta Selected for Lifetime Achievement Award by AIIMS: Delhi-NCR-based neurosurgeon and Padma Shri awardee Dr V S Mehta has been selected for the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ by AIIMS. The award was conferred during the 51st annual convocation of AIIMS at Bharat Mandapam, with the ceremony to be attended by C P Radhakrishnan as the chief guest.

 

 

 

Daily GK Update- 10th May, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Akashvani Organises Marathon in New Delhi to Celebrate 90th Anniversary: Akashvani organised a 5-km marathon in New Delhi to celebrate its 90th anniversary, with the run starting and ending at Akashvani Bhavan. Employees of Doordarshan and Prasar Bharati, along with their family members, participated in the marathon in the presence of Gaurav Dwivedi and Rajeev Kumar Jain. Established in 1936, Akashvani remains one of India’s most trusted broadcasting platforms and used the marathon to promote fitness, unity, and public outreach.

 

2. NITI Aayog Launches Central Prabhari Officer Portal to Boost Real-Time Governance: NITI Aayog launched the Central Prabhari Officer Portal to strengthen real-time governance and improve coordination under the Aspirational Districts and Blocks Programme (ADP/ABP). The Central Prabhari Officer Portal enables Central Prabhari Officers (CPOs) to submit field observations and recommendations in real time through mobile devices, helping policymakers take faster administrative action. The portal will create a transparent and responsive governance ecosystem by connecting field-level insights directly with policy implementation and monitoring.

 

3. Health Ministry Launches JANANI Digital Platform to Strengthen Maternal and Child Healthcare Services in India: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched JANANI (Journey of Antenatal, Natal and Neonatal Integrated Care), a QR-enabled digital platform designed to track maternal and child healthcare services across India. The platform will maintain comprehensive digital health records of women, covering antenatal care, delivery, postnatal care, newborn care, and family planning, ensuring continuity of care throughout the reproductive cycle. JANANI is an upgraded version of the existing RCH portal and enables integration with national platforms like U-WIN and POSHAN, allowing seamless data sharing and better monitoring of beneficiaries across programmes. The system supports beneficiary registration using ABHA ID, Aadhaar (OTP/biometric), and mobile numbers, and has already recorded 1.34 crore registrations, over 30 lakh pregnant women registrations, and more than 1 lakh biometric verifications.

 

4. India Achieves Zero Primary Dropout Rate in Jharkhand: Jharkhand recorded a primary dropout rate of 0% in 2024-25, compared with 6.41% in 2014-15, in education data linked to the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) 2024-25 and a NITI Aayog report released on 8 May 2026. The state also reported a decline in upper primary dropout rate from 7.42% to 1.7% and in secondary dropout rate from 23.2% to 3.5% between 2014-15 and 2024-25. Dropout rate is the proportion of students who leave a school stage before completion of that level. In India, primary education generally covers Classes I to V, while upper primary covers Classes VI to VIII and secondary covers Classes IX to X. UDISE+ is the national school education database used for school-level indicators such as enrolment, teachers, infrastructure, and dropout rates. The 2024-25 data placed Jharkhand at zero primary dropout for both boys and girls, after a rate of more than 11% in 2022-23.

5. Odisha Leads PMAY-U 2.0 Housing Completions: Odisha has emerged as the top-performing state in India for house completion under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U 2.0) as of 8 May 2026. The state has held the first position in house completion performance from March 2025 to March 2026. PMAY-U 2.0 was launched in September 2024 as the urban housing phase of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. PMAY-U 2.0 is a Central sector housing scheme for urban areas. It is linked to the objective of providing pucca houses to eligible urban poor and middle-income families. The scheme uses geo-tagging, foundation tracking, and completion monitoring for implementation at the field level.

 

6. India Launches QR-Code Verification for Census Enumerators: India has issued identity cards with QR codes to Census enumerators for the Census 2027 exercise. The QR code allows residents to verify the authenticity of enumerators by scanning the card through a mobile device. The first phase of the Census began on 1 April 2026 and is scheduled to end on 30 September 2026. Around 30 lakh enumerators are involved in the nationwide exercise, which uses mobile applications and a centralised portal for data management. The Census of India Self-Enumeration Portal allows citizens to submit their details directly. In some areas, including Noida and Ghaziabad, the self-enumeration window remained open from 7 May to 21 May 2026, and the administration also provided a QR code that generated a unique self-enumeration ID.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Tops Global Remittance Inflows in 2024 with Record $137.67 Billion Received: India remained the world’s top recipient of remittances in 2024, receiving over 137.67 billion US dollars from Indians living abroad. The data was revealed in the World Migration Report 2026, released by the International Organisation for Migration. United States remained the world’s largest source of remittances in 2024, sending more than 100 billion US dollars abroad. Saudi Arabia ranked second in global remittance outflows with over 46 billion US dollars sent overseas.

Switzerland and Germany also recorded major remittance outflows of around 40 billion US dollars and nearly 24 billion US dollars, respectively.

 

2. IOC Lifts Restrictions on Belarusian Athletes: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has lifted all restrictions on Belarusian athletes, allowing them to return to international competitions, including qualifiers for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Earlier, since 2022, the IOC had recommended banning athletes and officials from Russia and Belarus due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with Belarus acting as a supporting base for the operation. The latest decision marks a major shift in IOC policy, enabling Belarusian athletes to once again compete on the global sporting stage under international events.

 

3. 10 May – World Lupus Day: World Lupus Day is observed every year on May 10 to raise global awareness about Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues and organs. The day aims to educate people about the symptoms, early diagnosis, and treatment options of lupus, as it can affect multiple organs including the skin, joints, kidneys, and brain.

 

4. 10 May 2026 – Mother’s Day: Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May every year, and in 2026 it falls on May 10, to honour the love, care, and sacrifices of mothers worldwide. The day is dedicated to expressing gratitude and respect towards mothers and maternal figures for their role in nurturing families and society.

 

5. Jaishankar Reinforces India-Suriname Development Partnership: India and Suriname maintain diplomatic and development cooperation through joint commissions, training programmes, and project-based assistance. India has extended soft loans under its Lines of Credit framework for infrastructure and strategic sector development in Suriname. The Agro Passion Fruit processing facility in Paramaribo was funded under a USD 1 million Small and Medium Enterprises grant announced in 2025. The facility is linked with value addition in agriculture and with local processing capacity in Suriname.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan Appointed as Next Chief of the Indian Navy: Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan has been appointed as the next Chief of the Naval Staff and will succeed Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, who is set to retire on May 31, 2026. Currently serving as Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan will become the 26th Chief of the Naval Staff and the 34th head of the Indian Navy since Independence.

 

2. Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani Appointed as Next Chief of Defence Staff of India: Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani has been appointed as the next Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Secretary, Department of Military Affairs by the Government of India. Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani will succeed General Anil Chauhan after the completion of his tenure on May 30, 2026.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Skyroot Aerospace Becomes India’s First Space-Tech Unicorn with $1.1 Billion Valuation: Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace has become India’s first space-tech unicorn after raising nearly USD 60 million in a new funding round, taking its valuation to USD 1.1 billion. The funding round saw participation from major investors including Sherpalo Ventures, Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund GIC Private Limited, Greenko Group founders, and Arkam Ventures, supporting the company’s mission to build low-cost orbital launch capabilities.

 

2. IndiaAI and ICMR Sign MoU to Boost Responsible AI Adoption in Healthcare Sector: IndiaAI and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi to promote responsible and scalable adoption of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare. The partnership aims to improve healthcare outcomes by combining IndiaAI’s technology infrastructure, computer systems, dataset platforms, and AI skilling initiatives with ICMR’s expertise in biomedical research and public health systems. Under this collaboration, both institutions will also utilize the MIDAS (Medical Information Data for AI Solutions) framework to build a structured ecosystem for AI-driven medical research and innovation.

 

3. James Webb Telescope studies rocky exoplanet LHS 3844 b: The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) directly studied the rocky exoplanet LHS 3844 b, also called Kuaꞌkua, on 4 May 2026. LHS 3844 b is a super-Earth located about 49 to 50 light-years away and is around 30% larger than Earth. The James Webb Space Telescope is a space observatory developed by NASA, the European Space Agency, and the Canadian Space Agency. It operates in the infrared region and carries instruments such as the Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI), which studies heat and molecular signatures from distant objects. LHS 3844 b is a tidally locked exoplanet, which means one hemisphere permanently faces its host star. The planet reaches temperatures of about 1,340 degrees Fahrenheit, or 725 degrees Celsius, on the star-facing side. Observations from MIRI in 2023 and 2024 found that the planet is dark, hot, barren, and without an atmosphere.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI Approves Kotak Mahindra Bank to Raise Stake in AU SFB and Federal Bank: The Reserve Bank of India has approved Kotak Mahindra Bank to raise its stake up to 9.99% each in AU Small Finance Bank and Federal Bank. The approval will allow Kotak Mahindra Bank to strengthen its strategic investments in both private sector lenders while remaining within the regulatory limit.

 

2. Jio Payments Bank Partners with Ezeepay to Expand Rural Banking Services in India: Jio Payments Bank has partnered with Ezeepay to expand essential banking services across more than 12,000 semi-urban and underserved PIN codes in India. Under the partnership, Ezeepay will use its merchant network as Business Correspondents to provide accessible banking facilities in rural and remote areas.

 

4. Bihar Cabinet Approves $500 Million World Bank Loan for Urban Economic Development: The Bihar Cabinet has approved a loan of 500 million U.S. dollars from the World Bank to develop integrated urban economic regions across the state. The initiative aims to support planned urbanisation, infrastructure expansion, and the development of city-based economic growth hubs to strengthen Bihar’s urban development framework.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Archibald Prize 2026 awarded to Richard Lewer: The Archibald Prize 2026 was awarded on 8 May 2026 to Melbourne-based artist Richard Lewer for a portrait of Pitjantjatjara Elder Iluwanti Ken. The prize carried a cash award of $100,000 and the winning work was selected from 1,034 entries. The Archibald Prize is an Australian portraiture award established in 1921 and administered by the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney. It is one of Australia’s best-known art prizes and is awarded annually for portrait painting. Richard Lewer is a six-time Archibald finalist, with nominations in 2017, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2025 and 2026. His 2026 portrait depicts Iluwanti Ken, who is identified as a Pitjantjatjara Elder, senior artist and ngangkari, a term used for a traditional healer in Central Australia.

 

Daily GK Update- 9th May, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Launches QR-Code Verification for Census Enumerators: India has issued identity cards with QR codes to Census enumerators for the Census 2027 exercise. The QR code allows residents to verify the authenticity of enumerators by scanning the card through a mobile device. The first phase of the Census began on 1 April 2026 and is scheduled to end on 30 September 2026. Around 30 lakh enumerators are involved in the nationwide exercise, which uses mobile applications and a centralised portal for data management. The Census of India Self-Enumeration Portal allows citizens to submit their details directly. In some areas, including Noida and Ghaziabad, the self-enumeration window remained open from 7 May to 21 May 2026, and the administration also provided a QR code that generated a unique self-enumeration ID.

 

2. Odisha Leads PMAY-U 2.0 Housing Completions: Odisha has emerged as the top-performing state in India for house completion under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U 2.0) as of 8 May 2026. The state has held the first position in house completion performance from March 2025 to March 2026. PMAY-U 2.0 was launched in September 2024 as the urban housing phase of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. PMAY-U 2.0 is a Central sector housing scheme for urban areas. It is linked to the objective of providing pucca houses to eligible urban poor and middle-income families. The scheme uses geo-tagging, foundation tracking, and completion monitoring for implementation at the field level. A total of 24,625 houses have been sanctioned under PMAY-U 2.0 in Odisha. Of these, 23,464 proposed sites had been geo-tagged by 8 May 2026. Foundation work had begun for 3,134 houses by 5 May 2026, and 2,008 houses had been completed by the same date. The Housing and Urban Development Department and urban local bodies are the main implementing agencies for urban housing projects in the state.

 

3. India Achieves Zero Primary Dropout Rate in Jharkhand: Jharkhand recorded a primary dropout rate of 0% in 2024-25, compared with 6.41% in 2014-15, in education data linked to the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) 2024-25 and a NITI Aayog report released on 8 May 2026. The state also reported a decline in upper primary dropout rate from 7.42% to 1.7% and in secondary dropout rate from 23.2% to 3.5% between 2014-15 and 2024-25. Dropout rate is the proportion of students who leave a school stage before completion of that level. In India, primary education generally covers Classes I to V, while upper primary covers Classes VI to VIII and secondary covers Classes IX to X. UDISE+ is the national school education database used for school-level indicators such as enrolment, teachers, infrastructure, and dropout rates. The 2024-25 data placed Jharkhand at zero primary dropout for both boys and girls, after a rate of more than 11% in 2022-23.

 

4. Supreme Court Proposes Permanent Woman Vice-President Post in SCBA: The Supreme Court of India proposed on 8 May 2026 a permanent women-only Vice-President post in the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) from the 2027-28 cycle. The proposal was issued during hearings on reforms in Bar bodies and was linked to representation of women in the SCBA’s elected office-bearer structure. The court asked the SCBA General Body Meeting to consider creating an additional Vice-President post exclusively for women. The order also recalled an earlier direction of 27 April 2026, which had reserved the Vice-President post for women for the 2026-27 elections. After objections from several women lawyers, the court restored the earlier arrangement for the 2026-27 elections. Under that arrangement, the Secretary’s post, two posts in the senior executive committee, and three posts in the executive committee remain reserved for women members. The Supreme Court Bar Association is the recognised association of advocates practising before the Supreme Court of India. Its office-bearer posts include the President, Vice-President, Secretary, and members of the executive committee.

 

5. Ramachandra Huddar Appointed AOC Chairperson: Retired Karnataka High Court judge Ramachandra Dattatray Huddar was appointed chairperson of the Admission Overseeing Committee (AOC) for professional courses in Karnataka on 8 May 2026. The AOC is a committee associated with admission oversight for professional education in the state. The Admission Overseeing Committee functions in the field of admissions to professional courses in Karnataka. The chairperson post became vacant after the term of Justice B. Manohar ended in October 2024. The committee is linked with admission-related oversight in professional education, which includes courses such as engineering, medical, dental, and other professional streams regulated by the state framework. Justice Ramachandra Dattatray Huddar was sworn in as an Additional Judge of the High Court of Karnataka on 24 January 2023. He was appointed as a permanent judge of the Karnataka High Court on 8 January 2025. He retired as a permanent judge on 12 August 2025.

 

6. Maharashtra Approves Compressed Biogas Policy 2026: Maharashtra approved the Compressed Biogas (CBG) Policy, 2026, on 22 April 2026, and the policy was officially released on 5 May 2026. The Maharashtra Cabinet approved it under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and the policy provides ₹500 crore for 2026-27. Compressed biogas is a renewable fuel produced from organic waste through anaerobic digestion and purification. The Maharashtra policy covers urban waste and agricultural residue, and the state generates about 24,500 metric tonnes of municipal solid waste every day and more than 20 million metric tonnes of agricultural residue annually. The policy aims to establish compressed biogas projects in every district of Maharashtra. It provides for implementation through Public-Private Partnership and hybrid annuity models, and it requires source segregation of waste into organic and inorganic categories. Each CBG project must process at least 200 tonnes of segregated organic waste per day. A steering committee chaired by the Chief Secretary will oversee implementation, and district-level coordination committees will also function under the policy framework.

 

7. Suvendu Adhikari to Become West Bengal Chief Minister: Suvendu Adhikari was elected leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party legislative party in West Bengal on 8 May 2026. He is scheduled to take oath as the 9th Chief Minister of West Bengal on 9 May 2026. The Bharatiya Janata Party won the 2026 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election and ended the Trinamool Congress tenure of 14 years. The Chief Minister is the head of the elected government in a state under Article 164 of the Constitution of India. The office is held by the leader of the majority party or coalition in the Legislative Assembly. West Bengal became a state in 1950, and the Chief Minister heads the Council of Ministers. The West Bengal Legislative Assembly is the unicameral legislature of the state. It has 294 seats, and members are elected for a five-year term under the first-past-the-post system. The Assembly meets at the West Bengal Legislative Assembly building in Kolkata.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. IIT Madras Launches Deep-Tech Research Hub in California: The Indian Institute of Technology Madras Global Research Foundation, also called IITM Global, launched its first United States centre in Menlo Park, California. The centre became operational on 24 April 2026 and was announced at the SelectUSA Investment Summit held from 6 May to 9 May 2026. IITM Global is the overseas research and innovation arm linked to the Indian Institute of Technology Madras. The new centre has a planned investment of 7.5 million, including a greenfield investment of 4.5 million from IITM Global. The Menlo Park hub is planned as a centre for deep-tech research, commercialisation, and startup incubation. Deep-tech refers to technology based on advanced scientific and engineering research, including areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, clean technology, and immersive systems.

 

2. China Confirms Technical Support to Pakistan: China confirmed on 7 May 2026 that it provided on-site technical support to Pakistan during a four-day conflict with India in May 2025. The confirmation concerned Chinese personnel involvement in an India-Pakistan clash linked to the military operation India called Operation Sindoor. The conflict began on 7 May 2025 after a militant attack in Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir on 22 April 2025 killed 26 civilians. Indian forces launched strikes on nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir, and India stated that the sites were used to plan the attack. Zhang Heng, an engineer from the Aviation Industry Corporation of China’s Chengdu Aircraft Design and Research Institute, provided technical support to Pakistan during the conflict. The support was linked to Pakistan’s air force and its Chinese-made J-10CE fighter jets, which are part of the J-10 family of multirole combat aircraft. Pakistan’s J-10C fighters were reported to have shot down multiple Indian Air Force fighters during the 2025 conflict, including between one and four Rafale aircraft. India has maintained that China provided support to Pakistan during the conflict, and Lieutenant General Rahul R. Singh stated in July 2025 that India faced three adversaries during Operation Sindoor, with China and Türkiye providing support to Pakistan.

 

3. 10th India-Australia Defence Policy Talks Held in New Delhi: The 10th India-Australia Defence Policy Talks were held in New Delhi on 8 May 2026. The Indian side was led by Joint Secretary Amitabh Prasad, and the Australian side was led by First Assistant Secretary, International Policy, Bernard Philip. The talks covered bilateral defence cooperation, maritime security, training exchanges, and defence industry collaboration. The India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was established in 2020, and defence cooperation is one of its major pillars. The annual India-Australia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue began in 2025. The Defence Policy Talks are part of the institutional mechanism for consultation between the two countries. Both sides reviewed the implementation of outcomes from the 2024 India-Australian Annual Leaders’ Summit. They discussed renewal of the Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation and the development of a Joint Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap. The two sides also finalised key implementing arrangements and planned the first India-Australia Joint Staff Talks later in 2026.

 

4. David Attenborough Turns 100: Sir David Attenborough turned 100 on 8 May 2026. He is a British broadcaster, natural historian, and author known for wildlife programming and conservation advocacy. BBC organised a live event at London’s Royal Albert Hall on 8 May 2026 for David Attenborough’s 100th birthday. The event included wildlife stories, public tributes, and musical performances. David Attenborough’s work has been linked with global conservation campaigns and wildlife education. His 1979 series Life on Earth included an encounter with gorillas in Rwanda and became associated with support for mountain gorilla conservation. The mountain gorilla population increased from about 250 to more than 1,000 worldwide after decades of conservation measures. Tributes for his centenary included events by WWF UK, the United Nations Environment Programme, and New Zealand’s Department of Conservation.

 

5. Bangladesh Measles Outbreak: Bangladesh has recorded 336 child deaths since 15 March 2026 in a measles outbreak, with more than 50,000 confirmed and suspected cases by 8 May 2026. The outbreak has affected 58 of 64 districts across all eight divisions, and the Directorate General of Health Services has reported cases among children mainly in the 1 to 14 years age group. Between 15 March and 14 April 2026, Bangladesh reported 19,161 suspected measles cases and 2,897 laboratory-confirmed cases. During the same period, 166 measles-related deaths were recorded, with a case fatality rate of 0.9 per cent, and 79 per cent of the deaths were among children under five years of age. On 4 May 2026, Bangladesh recorded 17 child deaths in a single day, which was the highest daily toll during the outbreak. On 8 May 2026, 12 more children died within 24 hours, including six deaths in the Dhaka division.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. India Conducts Maiden Test of Nuclear-Capable ICBM: India conducted a maiden test of a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) off the Odisha coast on 8 May 2026. The launch took place from Abdul Kalam Island near Chandipur, and the missile test involved a danger corridor of about 3,560 km over the Bay of Bengal. An intercontinental ballistic missile is a long-range ballistic missile with a range of more than 5,500 km. ICBMs are designed to deliver conventional or nuclear warheads over intercontinental distances and follow a ballistic trajectory after powered flight. Abdul Kalam Island, earlier known as Wheeler Island, is a missile test site off the Odisha coast. The island lies near Chandipur, which is associated with India’s Integrated Test Range under the Defence Research and Development Organisation.

 

2. Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan Appointed Next Navy Chief: Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan was appointed as the next Chief of the Naval Staff of India on 9 May 2026. He is scheduled to assume office on 31 May 2026 and will succeed Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, who retires on the same date. The Chief of the Naval Staff is the professional head of the Indian Navy and one of the three service chiefs in India. The post is held by a four-star officer and is part of the higher defence leadership structure under the Ministry of Defence. Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 1 July 1987. He specialises in Communication and Electronic Warfare, which are branches linked to naval command, signals, and electronic countermeasures.

 

3. India Discusses BrahMos Missile Sale to Vietnam: India and Vietnam discussed the sale of the BrahMos missile system during the state visit of Vietnamese President To Lam to India from 5 May to 7 May 2026. The visit took place at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and both sides elevated their ties to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. India and Vietnam identified defence and security cooperation as a key pillar of their bilateral relationship. The two sides agreed to establish a 2+2 ministerial dialogue involving the foreign and defence ministers of both countries. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held bilateral talks with Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, Phan Van Giang, in New Delhi on 6 May 2026. The discussions covered joint military exercises, staff talks, maritime security, information sharing, and joint research and co-production of defence technologies.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. India to Participate in FIFA ASEAN Cup: India has signed a participation agreement with FIFA for the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup, which is scheduled for the international window from 21 September to 6 October 2026. The All India Football Federation has accepted the invitation and is awaiting further tournament details. The FIFA Council approved the FIFA ASEAN Cup on 20 March 2026. The tournament will use a two-division format, with Indonesia hosting Division 1 and Hong Kong hosting Division 2. The event is expected to include 14 teams from Southeast Asia and invited nations such as China and Hong Kong. Division 1 winners of the FIFA ASEAN Cup are set to receive US1 million, while Division 2 winners are set to receive US300,000. All 14 participating teams are guaranteed a participation fee of US$125,000.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. James Webb Telescope studies rocky exoplanet LHS 3844 b: The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) directly studied the rocky exoplanet LHS 3844 b, also called Kuaꞌkua, on 4 May 2026. LHS 3844 b is a super-Earth located about 49 to 50 light-years away and is around 30% larger than Earth. The James Webb Space Telescope is a space observatory developed by NASA, the European Space Agency, and the Canadian Space Agency. It operates in the infrared region and carries instruments such as the Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI), which studies heat and molecular signatures from distant objects. LHS 3844 b is a tidally locked exoplanet, which means one hemisphere permanently faces its host star. The planet reaches temperatures of about 1,340 degrees Fahrenheit, or 725 degrees Celsius, on the star-facing side. Observations from MIRI in 2023 and 2024 found that the planet is dark, hot, barren, and without an atmosphere.

 

2. NASA Tests Plasma Engine for Mars Travel: NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California tested a lithium-fed magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thruster on 24 February 2026. The prototype reached 120 kilowatts of power, which is the highest-power electric propulsion system tested in the United States to date. A magnetoplasmadynamic thruster is an electric propulsion device that uses electromagnetic fields to accelerate ionised propellant. The tested prototype used lithium metal vapour as fuel and produced a plume during operation. The 120-kilowatt output is 25 times higher than the electric thrusters used on NASA’s Psyche mission. During the test, the central tungsten electrode exceeded 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit, or 2,800 degrees Celsius.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. UNCTAD Flags Rising Cost of Non-Tariff Barriers: The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development has released a report titled Invisible Barriers: The Costs of Non-Tariff Measures. The report states that non-tariff measures now impose greater costs on global exports than tariffs for 88% of countries. Non-tariff measures are trade-related rules other than customs duties. They include mandatory standards, product requirements, licensing requirements, and health regulations. These measures apply to goods trade and often require compliance with technical, sanitary, or administrative conditions. he report states that developing economies and least-developed countries face higher compliance costs under non-tariff measures. Least-developed countries lose about 10% of their exports to G20 markets because they cannot meet non-tariff requirements. The report also states that weak participation by least-developed countries in World Trade Organization disputes and negotiations affects their ability to address technical barriers.

 

2. US CDC Classifies Hantavirus Outbreak as Level 3: On 8 May 2026, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classified a hantavirus outbreak as a Level 3 emergency response. Level 3 is the CDC’s lowest emergency activation level and is used for active monitoring, emergency operations centre activation, and deployment of an emergency support team. The CDC uses emergency response levels to organise public health operations during outbreaks and other health events. Level 3 is associated with a low risk to the general public and with continued situational monitoring by the agency. Hantaviruses are a group of viruses that usually spread through contact with rodent droppings, urine, or saliva. The outbreak involved the Andes strain of Hantavirus, a rare variant that has been associated with limited human-to-human transmission in some cases.

 

 

Daily GK Update- 8th May, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. CCEA Approves ₹1,570 Crore Ship Repair Facility at Vadinar, Gujarat Under Joint Development Model: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the development of a state-of-the-art ship repair facility at Vadinar, Gujarat. The project involves a total investment of ₹1,570 crore and will be jointly implemented by Deendayal Port Authority and Cochin Shipyard Limited. It is planned as a brownfield development to strengthen India’s maritime infrastructure and ship repair capabilities.

 

2. Union Cabinet Approves Increase in Supreme Court Judge Strength from 33 to 37: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved increasing the sanctioned strength of judges in the Supreme Court of India from 33 to 37 (excluding the Chief Justice of India). The decision will enable the introduction of the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, to amend the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956. The move aligns with Article 124 of the Constitution and continues the gradual expansion of the Supreme Court’s strength over the years to enhance judicial capacity. The strength of the Supreme Court has been revised multiple times since Independence. Initially capped at eight (including the Chief Justice), the number was increased through successive amendments—from 10 judges in 1956 to 13 in 1960, 17 in 1977, and 25 in 1986. Further expansions raised the strength to 30 in 2008 and later to 33 in 2019. The current proposal seeks to take this number to 37.

 

3. Jyotiraditya Scindia Inaugurates 100th N-Gen Post Office at NEHU Shillong in Meghalaya: Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia virtually inaugurated the 100th N-Gen Post Office at North-Eastern Hill University in Shillong, Meghalaya. The upgraded facility is designed as a modern, youth-centric post office to serve students, faculty members, and campus residents.

 

4. Shashi Shekhar Vempati Appointed CBFC Chairperson: Shashi Shekhar Vempati was appointed as the Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification. He replaced Prasoon Joshi, who was recently appointed Chairman of Prasar Bharati. Shashi Shekhar Vempati served as the CEO of Prasar Bharati from 2017 to 2022.

 

5. EC lifts Model Code of Conduct after Assembly polls: The Election Commission of India (ECI) issued an order on 7 May 2026 lifting the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for the 2026 Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and the Union Territory of Puducherry. The MCC was also lifted for bye-elections in Assembly constituencies in Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Nagaland and Tripura after declaration of results. The MCC continues in West Bengal’s 144-Falta Assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas district. The ECI cancelled the entire voting process in Falta on 3 May 2026 after reports of electoral offences during polling on 29 April 2026. Allegations in Falta included tampering of Electronic Voting Machines in 60 polling stations. Fresh polling in all 285 polling stations, including auxiliary booths, is scheduled for 21 May 2026, and counting of votes is fixed for 24 May 2026.

 

6. Royal Enfield to Set Up Manufacturing Hub in Andhra Pradesh: Royal Enfield, a two-wheeler manufacturer owned by Eicher Motors, plans to invest ₹2,200 crore in a new manufacturing facility and vendor park in Andhra Pradesh. The project will come up at Satyavedu in Tirupati district, near the Andhra Pradesh-Tamil Nadu border, and will be Royal Enfield’s first major production expansion outside Tamil Nadu. The Andhra Pradesh government has allocated about 267 to 450 acres of land across Vanelluru and Rallakuppam villages in Satyavedu mandal for the project. Satyavedu is a mandal in Tirupati district and lies close to the inter-state boundary with Tamil Nadu. The project has been approved by the Andhra Pradesh State Investment Promotion Board, chaired by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. The new hub is projected to add nearly nine lakh units to Royal Enfield’s annual production capacity, which is currently around 1.46 million units.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India to Host First International Big Cat Alliance Summit 2026 in New Delhi: India will host the first International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit on 1–2 June 2026 in New Delhi, marking a major global conservation initiative focused on big cats. Theme – Save Big Cats, Save Humanity, Save Ecosystem. The summit will bring together Heads of State or Government from member and observer countries, along with over 400 conservationists, policymakers, scientists, and experts from around the world.

 

2. India–EU Launch ₹169 Crore Joint Initiative to Boost EV Battery Recycling Under TTC Framework: India and the European Union have launched a ₹169 crore (€15.2 million) joint initiative to enhance EV battery recycling capacity, strengthening sustainable mobility solutions.

The initiative is implemented under the India–EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) Working Group-2 to promote clean and green technology cooperation. It will be funded through the EU’s Horizon Europe programme, while the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) will support the Indian side of the project.

 

3. 7 May 2026 – World Password Day: World Password Day is observed annually on the first Thursday of May to promote the importance of strong passwords and online security. This year is observed on 7 May. The day encourages people to use complex passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and regularly update login credentials to protect digital accounts.

 

4. 7 May – World Athletics Day: World Athletics Day is observed annually on 7 May to promote sports, fitness, and participation in athletics among youth across the world. Theme 2026 – Sport: Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers The day aims to encourage young people to adopt a healthy lifestyle and increase awareness about the importance of physical activities and track-and-field sports.

5. 8 May – World Red Cross: World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is observed annually on May 8 to honour the humanitarian efforts of Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers worldwide. Theme 2026 – Keeping Humanity Alive The day marks the birth anniversary of Henry Dunant, who founded the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and was the first Nobel Peace Prize winner. World Red Cross Day promotes values of humanity, compassion, voluntary service, and support for people affected by disasters, conflicts, and health emergencies.

 

6. 8 May – World Thalassaemia Day: World Thalassaemia Day is observed every year on 8 May to raise awareness about Thalassemia, a hereditary blood disorder that affects the body’s ability to produce healthy haemoglobin. Theme 2026 – Hidden No More: Finding the Undiagnosed. Supporting the Unseen The day was established by the Thalassaemia International Federation to support patients and encourage blood donation, genetic counselling, and improved healthcare facilities worldwide.

 

7. White House Plans Release of UAP Files: The United States government began releasing classified and previously classified records on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) in 2026. The disclosures involved the White House, the Director of National Intelligence, the Energy Department, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Pentagon. Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena is the official term used by the United States government for objects or events in the sky, in space, or under water that remain unexplained after analysis. The term replaced the earlier public usage of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) in many official documents and programmes. AARO announced plans on 26 February 2026 to standardise the collection and analysis of UAP reports. The office also planned greater collaboration with civilian researchers after an August 2025 workshop in Washington, D.C., which included 40 participants from government, academia, and independent research organisations.

 

8. Bangladesh Measles Outbreak: Bangladesh has recorded 336 child deaths since 15 March 2026 in a measles outbreak, with more than 50,000 confirmed and suspected cases by 8 May 2026. The outbreak has affected 58 of 64 districts across all eight divisions, and the Directorate General of Health Services has reported cases among children mainly in the 1 to 14 years age group. Between 15 March and 14 April 2026, Bangladesh reported 19,161 suspected measles cases and 2,897 laboratory-confirmed cases. During the same period, 166 measles-related deaths were recorded, with a case fatality rate of 0.9 per cent, and 79 per cent of the deaths were among children under five years of age. On 4 May 2026, Bangladesh recorded 17 child deaths in a single day, which was the highest daily toll during the outbreak. On 8 May 2026, 12 more children died within 24 hours, including six deaths in the Dhaka division.

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. HNLMS De Ruyter Arrives at Kochi to Boost India–Netherlands Maritime Cooperation: The Royal Netherlands Navy ship HNLMS De Ruyter (F804) arrived at Kochi, marking a key step in strengthening maritime cooperation between India and the Netherlands. Before its departure from Kochi, the Dutch warship will conduct a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with an Indian Navy vessel to enhance naval interoperability and coordination.

 

2. INS Sunayna Arrives in Myanmar During Indian Navy Chief Dinesh K Tripathi’s Regional Visit: INS Sunayna arrived at Yangon Harbour in Myanmar as part of India’s maritime engagement and regional cooperation efforts. The visit coincided with the visit of Dinesh K Tripathi to Myanmar.

 

3. DRDO and IAF Conduct Maiden TARA Flight Trial: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted the maiden flight trial of the Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation (TARA) weapon system on 7 May 2026 off the coast of Odisha. The system was released from a Jaguar aircraft, and TARA is India’s first indigenous glide weapon system. TARA stands for Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation. It is a modular range extension kit that converts unguided warheads into precision-guided munitions. The system is designed to improve the range, accuracy, and lethality of low-cost weapons against ground-based targets. DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in Hyderabad developed TARA with other DRDO laboratories and Indian industry partners. Production activities for the system have already started with Development cum Production Partners (DcPP) and other Indian industries.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. New Delhi to Host 22nd Commonwealth Table Tennis Championship: New Delhi will host the 22nd Commonwealth Table Tennis Championship from July 27 to August 2. The championship will be jointly organised by the Table Tennis Federation of India and the Delhi government, with participation from 35 Commonwealth nations.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Timor Green Pigeon Faces Extinction Risk: The Timor Green Pigeon (Treron psittaceus) is an endemic bird species of Timor Island and nearby islands such as Rote, Semau, Atauro and Jaco. A study published in Oryx in May 2026 assessed the species using fieldwork conducted over 1,400 days between 2002 and 2025. The Timor Green Pigeon belongs to the genus Treron, which includes green pigeons found in parts of Asia and the Indo-Pacific region. The species is recorded mainly in Timor-Leste, with most sightings concentrated in Lautem District and Nino Konis Santana National Park. In Indonesia, the species is regarded as functionally extinct, with no sightings in West Timor since 2005. The study estimated the global population at about 100 to 500 individuals, compared with earlier estimates of up to 2,000. Hunting for meat is the main threat to the species, along with habitat loss caused by deforestation and land conversion. The bird has also been recorded only in small numbers on Rote Island over the past two decades.

 

2. Buff-tip Moth Threatens Ladakh Farm Economy: Phalera cf. bucephala, commonly called the buff-tip moth, is a moth species in the order Lepidoptera. The species has been linked with agricultural concern in Ladakh, a high-altitude cold desert region in India where farming depends on short growing seasons and limited irrigation. The buff-tip moth belongs to the family Notodontidae. Adult moths of this group are known for wing patterns that provide camouflage, and the buff-tip moth is named for its pale, buff-coloured wing tips. The scientific name uses the abbreviation “cf.”, which is used in taxonomy to indicate a probable identification that needs confirmation. Ladakh lies in the Trans-Himalayan region and includes districts such as Leh and Kargil. Agriculture in the region depends on barley, wheat, peas, and vegetables grown during a short summer season. Farming in cold desert areas often uses glacier meltwater, spring water, and small irrigation channels.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. S&P Global Cuts India FY2026–27 Growth Forecast to 6.6% Amid Global Economic Risks: S&P Global has lowered India’s growth forecast for Financial Year 2026–27 by 50 basis points to 6.6%, reflecting a moderation in the economic outlook. According to the “India Forward” report (jointly prepared by S&P Global and Crisil), India faces external economic risks such as energy supply disruptions, rising oil and gas prices, and currency volatility.

 

2. Canada Bill C-22 and Encryption Debate: Canada’s Bill C-22, formally called the Supporting Authorized Access to Information Act (SAAIA), is a proposed law under debate in the House of Commons in 2026. Apple and Meta have opposed the bill over provisions linked to encryption, metadata retention, and possible government access to electronic service providers’ systems. Bill C-22 is linked to lawful access powers in Canada and includes provisions on electronic service providers, metadata retention, and investigative powers. Part 2 of the bill can allow the Public Safety Minister to order retention of metadata for up to one year, including transmission data, device data, routing data, and location data. Encryption is a method of converting readable information into coded form, and end-to-end encryption is used in messaging and cloud services. Apple stated on 6 May 2026 that the bill could allow the Canadian government to force companies to break encryption by inserting backdoors into products. Meta’s Canada policy officials stated on 7 May 2026 that the bill could require companies to build or maintain capabilities that break, weaken, or circumvent encryption.