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.

 

Daily GK Update- 7th May, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

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.

 

3. Centre Launches Free Health Check-up Scheme for Workers Above 40: The Union Labour Ministry launched a nationwide free annual health check-up scheme for workers above 40 years of age on 7 May 2026. The initiative operates through Employees’ State Insurance Corporation hospitals and affiliated facilities under the Code on Social Security, 2020. The scheme provides annual health screening for insured workers above 40 years of age. It covers early detection of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension, and occupational illnesses. Treatment and medicines identified during the check-ups are also provided through ESIC facilities. The launch took place at ESIC Medical College & Hospital, Basaidarapur, Delhi, and was observed simultaneously at 11 other ESIC hospitals across India. ESIC hospitals and affiliated centres conduct the screenings under the social security framework for workers covered by the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation.

 

4. Bengaluru Records Highest Suicide Rate Among Indian Cities: Bengaluru recorded one of the highest suicide counts among Indian cities in the National Crime Records Bureau’s Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India series. The city’s suicide rate remained close to 20 per lakh population in 2022, 2023 and 2024, placing it at the top among major Indian cities on this measure. The National Crime Records Bureau is a central agency under the Ministry of Home Affairs. It publishes the annual Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India report, which compiles data on accidental deaths, suicides and related causes across States, Union Territories and selected cities. In 2024, Bengaluru recorded 2,403 suicides in the 53 mega-cities category, while Delhi recorded 2,905 suicides. Delhi had a lower suicide rate of 9.8 per lakh population because of its larger population base. The NCRB’s 2023 data, released in September 2025, placed Bengaluru at 2,370 reported suicide deaths. This figure was higher than the 2,313 suicides recorded in 2022.

 

5. Telangana Tops Human Trafficking Cases in India: Telangana recorded 423 human trafficking cases in 2024, the highest among all States and Union Territories in the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) Crime in India 2024 data. India registered 2,135 human trafficking cases in 2024, and Telangana accounted for nearly 20% of the national total. Human trafficking is recorded as a cognisable offence under the Indian Penal Code and related special laws in police statistics. The NCRB compiles state-wise crime data through the annual Crime in India report, which covers registered cases, victims, arrests, chargesheets, and convictions. In Telangana, 814 victims were identified in 2024, including 792 females. Of these, 770 victims were trafficked for sexual exploitation for prostitution. In 2023, Telangana police rescued 626 persons, including 604 women, from human trafficking. The conviction rate in Telangana stood at 3.7% in 2023, with nine convictions out of 1,058 arrests and 873 chargesheeted individuals.

 

6. Odisha Records Highest Violent Crime Rate: Odisha recorded the highest rate of violent crimes in India in 2024, with 161.6 victims per lakh population, as per the Crime in India-2024 data released by the National Crime Records Bureau. Bihar ranked second in violent crime rate in 2024 with 83 victims per lakh population, while Odisha also reported 75,403 violent crime cases in absolute terms. Violent crime rate is usually measured as the number of victims or cases per lakh population. In 2024, Odisha ranked first in this category, while Bihar ranked second despite a lower rate and a higher absolute count of some offences in comparison with smaller states. Odisha registered 75,403 violent crime cases in 2024, which placed it fourth in India after Bihar, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. The state had 43,566 violent crime cases in 2022 and 31,749 in 2023, before the sharp rise in 2024.

 

7. Supreme Court Links FGM to POCSO Act: Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is under examination before a nine-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court of India in a Public Interest Litigation filed against the practice, which is associated with the Dawoodi Bohra community. In earlier hearings in July 2018, a three-judge bench observed that FGM prima facie appeared to violate the right to privacy and appeared to be an offence under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. FGM refers to the partial or total removal or injury of female external genitalia for non-medical reasons. In India, the practice has been examined in relation to bodily injury, child protection, health, dignity, and religious freedom under Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution. The Supreme Court has recorded that FGM causes irreversible physical and mental trauma to minor girls. The practice has also been discussed in relation to the protection of children from sexual offences, since Section 3 of the POCSO Act defines penetrative sexual assault against a child.

 

8. Bengaluru Records Highest Cybercrime Cases: Bengaluru registered 17,561 cybercrime cases in 2024, the highest among metropolitan cities in India, as per the National Crime Records Bureau’s Crime in India 2024 data. The city also recorded a cybercrime rate of 206.6 cases per one lakh population in 2024. Cybercrime is an offence committed using computers, digital devices, networks, or online platforms. In the metropolitan category, Bengaluru accounted for more than half of the cyber offences reported in 2024. Karnataka reported 21,993 cybercrime cases in 2024, which placed it among the leading states in cybercrime registration. Across India, cybercrime cases rose to 1,01,928 in 2024 from 86,420 in 2023, marking a 17.9% increase.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 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.

 

2. India-EU Free Trade Agreement to Take Effect in 2027: The India-European Union Free Trade Agreement was politically concluded on 27 January 2026 after nearly two decades of negotiations. The agreement is expected to take effect in early 2027 after legal vetting and ratification in the European Union and India. The India-EU Free Trade Agreement is a bilateral trade pact between India and the European Union, which is a 27-member economic and political bloc. The agreement is intended to liberalise trade in goods and services, expand investment flows, and provide a framework for regulatory cooperation. The European Union ratification process usually takes about one year. It requires approval by the Council of the European Union and consent from the European Parliament. EU legal teams are examining the negotiated text, and this scrutiny is expected to conclude by July 2026.

3. India and UAE Review Strategic Partnership: India and the United Arab Emirates reviewed the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s official visit to Abu Dhabi on 7 May 2026. The visit included meetings on trade, investment, energy, connectivity, defence, technology, and regional issues in West Asia. The India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is a bilateral framework that covers political, economic, energy, security, and people-to-people cooperation. India and the UAE elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2017. The UAE is one of India’s major trading partners in West Asia. Bilateral cooperation includes crude oil, liquefied natural gas, renewable energy, ports, logistics, and digital infrastructure. Vikram Misri met Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation of the UAE, to review cooperation across multiple sectors. He also met Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Mubadala Investment Company, on investment and technology cooperation. 

 

4. Life Found Two Metres Underground in Atacama Desert: A microbial ecosystem containing bacteria, archaea and DNA was found two metres below the surface of Chile’s Atacama Desert. The Atacama Desert is the driest hot desert in the world and is often used in astrobiology studies because of its Mars-like conditions. Microbial life in the Atacama has been recorded below the surface, where soil moisture and temperature conditions can differ from the upper layer. Earlier studies had identified microbial life mainly within the top 30 centimetres of soil, while later findings extended the known depth to at least 4 metres in some locations. The Atacama Desert lies in northern Chile and includes regions such as the Yungay Valley. Its hyper-arid climate, high solar radiation and low organic content make it one of the most studied terrestrial analogues for Mars.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. 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.

 

2. 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.

 

3. DRDO Plans Aircraft Integration Complex in Puttaparthi: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) plan to establish an Aircraft Integration and Flight Testing Complex in Puttaparthi in Sri Sathya Sai district, Andhra Pradesh. The project has in-principle approval from the Ministry of Defence and is linked to the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme and other indigenous combat aircraft and unmanned aerial systems. An aircraft integration and flight testing complex is a specialised aviation facility used for assembly, systems integration, ground checks, and flight trials of aircraft. Such facilities usually include runways, hangars, air traffic control systems, navigational aids, and meteorological support infrastructure.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Archery World Cup: India Reaches Women’s Recurve Final: The Indian women’s recurve team defeated South Korea 5-1 in the Archery World Cup Stage 2 at Shanghai, China, on 7 May 2026 and entered the final. The team included Deepika Kumari, Ankita Bhakat and Kumkum Mohod. The recurve bow is the only archery discipline included in the Olympic Games. A recurve team event in international archery usually consists of three archers, and each match is decided by set points. South Korea has won 10 Olympic gold medals in women’s archery and remains one of the strongest teams in the recurve format. India’s win over South Korea was its fourth victory against the South Korean women’s recurve team in international competition. The Archery World Cup is organised in stages across different host cities, and Stage 2 was held in Shanghai in 2026. The competition includes individual, team and mixed team events in recurve and compound archery.

 

2. 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. 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.

 

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.

 

3. Plastic Waste Converted into Hydrogen Fuel Using Sunlight: Plastic waste conversion into hydrogen fuel uses solar-driven photoreforming, a process in which light-sensitive photocatalysts break down polymers at low temperatures to produce hydrogen and industrial chemicals. Research in 2026 included systems that used plastic waste, solar power, and corrosive battery acid to generate clean fuel and chemical by-products. Photoreforming is a photocatalytic process that uses sunlight or artificial light to drive chemical reactions on organic materials. In plastic photoreforming, polymers such as polyethylene and polypropylene are converted into hydrogen, syngas, acetic acid, and hydrocarbon products. The process operates at ambient temperature and pressure in some laboratory systems. It differs from conventional water splitting because plastics are easier to oxidise than water, which can reduce the energy requirement for hydrogen generation.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. NITI Aayog Proposes Standards for Tyre Pyrolysis Oil: NITI Aayog has proposed new standards for tyre pyrolysis oil and recovered carbon black, two products obtained from the thermal decomposition of waste tyres in the absence of oxygen. Tyre pyrolysis is an industrial process used to convert end-of-life tyres into oil, gas, char, and steel, and recovered carbon black is a solid carbon-rich material obtained from the process. Pyrolysis is a thermochemical conversion method that breaks down organic material at high temperatures without combustion. In the case of waste tyres, the process generally produces tyre pyrolysis oil, recovered carbon black, steel wire, and pyro-gas. The process is used in waste management and material recovery for used tyres.