Daily GK Update- 13th May, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Supreme Court launches ‘One Case One Data’ and ‘Su Sahay’: Surya Kant has launched the ‘One Case One Data’ digital initiative to integrate judicial administration from taluka courts to the Supreme Court of India into a unified system. The initiative aims to create a comprehensive, interconnected database with details of High Courts, district courts, and taluka courts for efficient case management. The Chief Justice also launched ‘Su Sahay’, an AI-powered chatbot integrated with the Supreme Court of India website, developed by the National Informatics Centre in collaboration with the Supreme Court Registry.

 

2. PM Modi Inaugurates India’s First PM MITRA Park at Warangal, Telangana: PM Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first functional PM MITRA Park at Warangal, Telangana. The park has been developed at a cost of ₹1,695.54 crore, spread over 1,327 acres, and is located near the proposed Nagpur–Vijayawada Greenfield Expressway (NH-163G). PM MITRA Scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Textiles, with National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation Limited acting as the Project Management Agency. The Government of India has approved 7 PM MITRA Parks in different states including Virudhnagar (Tamil Nadu), Warangal (Telangana), Navasari (Gujarat), Kalaburagi (Karnataka), Dhar (Madhya Pradesh), Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh), and Amravati (Maharashtra). The scheme has a total outlay of ₹4,445 crore and is planned for implementation over 7 years from 2021–22 to 2027–28.

 

3. Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 Rolled Out Nationwide from 1 July: The Centre has notified the implementation of the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 (VB-G RAM G), which will be rolled out nationwide from 1 July 2026. The Act guarantees 125 days of wage employment per financial year, replacing the earlier Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and enhancing employment support for rural households. A budget provision of ₹95,692 crore has been allocated in the current financial year for implementing the new rural employment framework across India. The Act focuses on timely wage payments, unemployment allowance if work is not provided, and includes special provisions such as childcare support for women workers at worksites to improve inclusivity.

 

4. J.P. Nadda and Shivraj Singh Chouhan Launch ‘SEHAT Mission’ to Link Agriculture with Nutrition and Public Health: Union Minister P. Nadda and Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the ‘SEHAT Mission’ in Delhi to strengthen the link between agriculture and public health. The mission stands for Science Excellence for Health through Agricultural Transformation and is a joint initiative of ICAR and ICMR. The SEHAT Mission focuses on bio-fortified and nutrient-rich crops, traditional millets, and a “One Health” approach to improve nutrition, disease prevention, and farmer welfare in India.

 

5. Surya Kant Announces High-Powered Panel for Modernisation of Courts in India: Surya Kant announced the formation of the ‘Judicial Infrastructure Advisory Committee’ to modernise courts across India and seek government funding of ₹40,000–50,000 crore for judicial infrastructure development. The high-powered committee will be headed by Aravind Kumar and will include Justices Debangsu Basak, Ashwani Kumar Mishra, and Somasekhar Sundaresan, along with officials from the CPWD and the Supreme Court. The committee has been directed to submit its recommendations to Sanjeev Sanyal by 31 August 2026, focusing on modern court complexes, e-courts, digital inclusion, improved facilities for litigants and lawyers, and faster disposal of cases through technology.

 

6. Ashok Kumar Panda Takes Charge as Chairman & Managing Director of SAIL: Ashok Kumar Panda has assumed charge as Chairman & Managing Director of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL). Before this appointment, he served as Director (Finance) and also held additional charge of Director (Commercial) in Steel Authority of India Limited for around nine months.

 

7. Himanta Biswa Sarma Sworn In as Assam CM for Second Consecutive Term: Himanta Biswa Sarma took oath as the Chief Minister of Assam for the second consecutive term, with Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya administering the oath. He became the 15th Chief Minister of the state. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) returned to power in Assam for the third straight term by winning 102 out of 126 seats in the Assam Legislative Assembly elections. Bharatiya Janata Party emerged as the largest party with 82 seats, while its allies — Asom Gana Parishad and Bodoland People’s Front — secured 10 seats each.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. APEDA India Facilitates First-Ever Export of Honey from Assam’s Baksa to USA: Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated the first-ever export of 20 Metric Tons of honey from Baksa district of Assam to the USA. The initiative included infrastructure support such as testing and laboratory equipment at the processing facility to ensure compliance with international food safety and quality standards. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry stated that the export will benefit local beekeepers and farmers by enabling nearly 43% higher price realisation and improving rural livelihoods through global market access.

 

2. India Hosts Kimberley Process Intersessional Meeting 2026 in Mumbai: India is hosting the Kimberley Process Intersessional Meeting 2026 in Mumbai from 11 to 14 May 2026 under its Chairship. India assumed the Chairship of the Kimberley Process on 1 January 2026, focusing on the 3Cs — credibility, compliance, and consumer confidence in the natural diamond sector. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) is an international initiative under the United Nations framework aimed at preventing conflict diamonds from entering the global diamond trade.

3. India Becomes World’s 3rd Largest in Renewable Energy Capacity: As of December 2025, India has become the world’s third-largest country in terms of installed renewable energy capacity, overtaking Brazil in global rankings. The “Renewable Energy Statistics 2026” report was released by the International Renewable Energy Agency. India has achieved a total of 283.46 GW installed capacity from non-fossil fuel sources as on 31 March 2026. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is targeting 500 GW of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030.

 

4. Prashant Pise Appointed as India’s Next Ambassador to Oman: Prashant Pise, an Indian Foreign Service officer of the 1995 batch, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Oman. He will succeed Godavarthi Venkata Srinivas in Muscat. Prashant Pise has served in several overseas postings, including Cairo (1997–2000) and Tripoli till 2004, besides handling Eurasia, Central Asia, CIS, and United Nations-related matters in the Ministry of External Affairs.

 

5. India Rejects Sanctioned Russian LNG Cargo: India rejected a Russian offer to sell liquefied natural gas cargoes subject to United States sanctions on 30 April 2026. The decision was conveyed during a visit to New Delhi by Russian Deputy Energy Minister Pavel Sorokin, who met Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and other officials. Liquefied natural gas is natural gas cooled to about minus 162 degrees Celsius for transport in specialised tankers. LNG cargoes are easier to trace through global shipping systems than crude oil cargoes, and this feature affects compliance checks under sanctions regimes. India continued to buy Russian crude oil with temporary United States sanctions waivers, while the sanctioned LNG cargo faced refusal on compliance grounds. India also remained open to Russian LNG volumes that were not under sanctions, although many such volumes were already committed to European buyers. The 138,200-cubic-metre tanker Kunpeng carried LNG from Russia’s sanctioned Portovaya plant in the Baltic Sea. The vessel remained stranded near Singaporean waters without a destination in May 2026 after it could not discharge cargo at the Dahej LNG terminal in Gujarat. The Portovaya LNG plant is located near the Baltic Sea and is linked to Russian gas export infrastructure. Dahej LNG terminal is one of India’s major LNG import terminals on the western coast.

 

6. India-Oman CEPA to Come Into Force from June 1: India and Oman have finalised the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which is expected to come into force on 1 June 2026. The agreement was signed in December 2025 and Oman ratified it through a Royal decree in February 2026. A Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is a trade pact between two or more economies that reduces or removes customs duties on specified goods and services. CEPA is a broader form of trade agreement that can cover goods, services, investment, and economic cooperation. India will get duty-free access for 98% of its exports to Oman under the agreement. These exports include textiles, agricultural products, and leather items. India will also reduce tariffs on Omani products such as dates, marbles, and petrochemical items.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. INS Sudarshini Completes Port Call at Mindelo, Cape Verde: Indian Navy sail training ship INS Sudarshini successfully completed a port call at Mindelo, Cape Verde. The visit was part of the Lokayan 26 expedition. It has departed for Antigua and Barbuda for the next phase of deployment.

 

2. INS Sagardhwani Completes Port Visit to Cam Ranh: The Indian Navy’s oceanographic research vessel INS Sagardhwani completed a successful port visit to Cam Ranh, Vietnam. The visit aimed to strengthen maritime and scientific cooperation between India and Vietnam, enhancing bilateral collaboration in ocean research and naval engagement.

 

3. Indian Coast Guard Holds ACV Girder-Laying Ceremony in Goa: The Indian Coast Guard held the girder-laying ceremony for the 4th, 5th and 6th Air Cushion Vehicles at the Rassaim Yard of Chowgule Shipyard in Goa on 11 May 2026. The project covers six indigenously fabricated Air Cushion Vehicles under a contract signed with Chowgule & Company Private Limited, Goa, on 24 October 2024. An Air Cushion Vehicle, also called a hovercraft, moves on a cushion of air created by lift fans and skirt systems. It can operate over water, mudflats, marshy terrain and other low-friction surfaces. The six ACVs are being built in India with about 50% indigenous material. The design basis for the project comes from Griffon Hoverwork in the United Kingdom, while construction is taking place at Chowgule Shipyard in Goa.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. India to Host Asian Weightlifting Championships 2026 in Gandhinagar After 44 Years: India is set to host the prestigious Asian Weightlifting Championships 2026 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, marking its return after 44 years, with the last hosting in New Delhi in 1982. The event highlights India’s growing role in international sports, as it hosts the continental championship for the first time in decades. World Athletics Day 2026 was celebrated on 7 May under the global body World Athletics (formerly IAAF), promoting athletics worldwide.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. China Develops AI Wastewater-to-Fertiliser Technology: China has developed an AI-powered electrochemical technology that converts nitrate-laden wastewater into ammonia for fertiliser production. The method uses a dual-atom catalyst and operates at room temperature, unlike the conventional Haber-Bosch process used for industrial ammonia synthesis. The technology uses artificial intelligence to identify a highly effective dual-atom catalyst, often abbreviated as DAC. A dual-atom catalyst contains two adjacent active metal atoms that can improve reaction selectivity and efficiency in chemical conversion processes. The new method converts nitrates found in agricultural runoff and industrial wastewater into ammonia. The process transforms nitrate ions in wastewater into ammonia through electrochemical reduction. Ammonia is a key feedstock for nitrogen fertilisers such as urea and ammonium compounds. The reported conversion efficiency is nearly three times higher than that of earlier technologies for nitrate-to-ammonia conversion.

 

2. Scientists Find Possible Dwarf Galaxy Inside Milky Way: A study published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society in May 2026 has proposed the existence of a hidden ancient dwarf galaxy named Loki within the Milky Way. The finding is based on chemical and orbital data from 20 metal-poor stars located within 2 kiloparsecs of the Sun. A dwarf galaxy is a small galaxy with fewer stars and lower mass than a major galaxy such as the Milky Way. Dwarf galaxies often merge with larger galaxies during hierarchical galaxy formation, a process used in cosmology to describe the growth of galaxies through repeated mergers. The Milky Way has previously absorbed several dwarf galaxies, including Gaia-Enceladus, Sequoia, Thamnos, and Kraken. Such merger remnants are studied through stellar chemistry, orbital motion, and stellar ages.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SBI Projects India’s GDP Growth at 6.6% for 2026–27: According to the State Bank of India Research report, India’s economy is projected to grow at 6% in FY 2026–27 despite global economic headwinds. The report estimates real GDP growth at around 7.2% in the fourth quarter of the previous fiscal year, indicating continued economic resilience.

 

2. India Raises Gold, Silver Import Tariffs to 15%: India raised the effective import tariff on gold and silver to 15% on 13 May 2026, from 6% earlier. The revised structure includes a 10% basic customs duty and a 5% Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess on imports of both precious metals. The 15% effective tariff applies to gold and silver imports under the revised government orders issued on 13 May 2026. The duty structure combines basic customs duty and Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess, which are levied on imported goods under Indian customs law. India’s gold imports rose by over 24% in financial year 2025-26 to a record $71.98 billion. Gold became the second-largest import item after crude oil in the same period and accounted for nearly 9% of India’s total import bill.

 

Daily GK Update- 12th May, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Supreme Court on Casteist Remarks Inside Private House: The Supreme Court of India on 11 May 2026 held that caste-based abuses made inside a private residence and outside public view do not attract the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. The bench of Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra and Justice N.V. Anjaria examined the requirement of “within public view” under Sections 3(1)(r) and 3(1)(s) of the Act. The case was Gunjan @ Girija Kumari vs. State of NCT of Delhi & Anr., and it arose from a property dispute in Delhi. An FIR was registered at Kirti Nagar Police Station in January 2021, and the complainant alleged casteist slurs and criminal intimidation against four family members. The Supreme Court quashed the FIR and the criminal proceedings after finding that the incident occurred inside the four walls of a house.

 

2. Government Cuts Royalty Rates for Oil and Gas Production: The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas notified revised royalty rates for crude oil and natural gas production on 8 May 2026. The revised structure applies to onshore, offshore, deepwater, and ultra-deepwater fields in India. Royalty is a statutory payment made to the government for the extraction of natural resources from a licensed area. In the oil and gas sector, royalty is calculated on production or on the well-head value, as prescribed under the applicable policy and field category. The royalty on onshore crude oil production has been reduced to 10% from 16.66%. The royalty on offshore crude oil production has been reduced to 8% from 9.09%. The royalty rate for natural gas has been reduced to 8% from 10%. The new natural gas formula uses a flat deduction for calculating the well-head price. 

 

3. Kartavya-KAAMS App for School Attendance: The Department of School Education and Literacy, Government of Karnataka, introduced the Karnataka Advanced Attendance Management System (KAAMS), also called the Kartavya-KAAMS mobile application, through a circular dated 27 April 2026. The system is designed for attendance monitoring of permanent teachers, Head Masters, equivalent cadre officers, and non-teaching staff in government educational institutions and offices in Karnataka. The application requires users to mark attendance twice a day from their duty location. Staff members record “In Time” attendance within the authorised workplace and “Out Time” attendance before leaving the institution. The system applies from the academic year 2026-27 and replaces the earlier biometric attendance system from 1 May 2026 across government departments, boards, and corporations.

 

4. Centre Notifies 1% Construction Welfare Cess: The Government of India notified a 1% cess on the total cost of construction incurred by employers for building and other construction works under the Code on Social Security, 2020. The notification was issued under Section 100(1) of the Code on Social Security, 2020, and it replaced a notification dated 26 September 1996. Collections from the cess are used for welfare measures for construction workers, including health benefits, financial aid, insurance, and educational support for workers’ children. The funds are managed through Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Boards, which function under the welfare framework for workers in the unorganised sector. Under the new labour codes, individuals building houses costing less than ₹50 lakh are exempt from paying the building cess from 21 November 2025. Earlier, the threshold was ₹10 lakh or properties above 100 square metres.

 

5. Annapurna Bhandar Scheme Announced in West Bengal: West Bengal announced the proposed Annapurna Bhandar scheme on 11 May 2026 after the first cabinet meeting of the new BJP government. The scheme is linked to financial support for eligible women in the state and is scheduled for rollout from 1 June 2026. The Annapurna Bhandar scheme is a state welfare initiative for women in West Bengal. Eligible women are expected to receive Rs 3,000 per month through direct bank transfers. The scheme has been described as a replacement or major upgrade to the earlier Lakshmir Bhandar scheme. Lakshmir Bhandar was a women-centric welfare scheme in West Bengal. It provided Rs 1,500 per month to general category women and Rs 1,700 per month to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe beneficiaries. The new proposal places Annapurna Bhandar in the same policy area of direct cash support to women.

 

6. ICMR, ICAR Launch SEHAT Initiative: The Indian Council of Medical Research and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research launched SEHAT, or Science Excellence for Health through Agricultural Transformation, on 11 May 2026 in New Delhi. SEHAT is a national mission-mode programme that links agricultural research with health outcomes in India. SEHAT is designed as a joint programme of ICMR and ICAR for convergence between agriculture, nutrition, and public health. The initiative is associated with the shift from curative healthcare to preventive healthcare in India. The programme gives priority to biofortified crops, integrated farming systems, occupational health of agricultural workers, and One Health preparedness. It also addresses malnutrition and non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer.

 

7. Department Organises National Conference on Laboratory Animal Welfare: The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying organised a National Conference on “Laboratory Animal Welfare: Policies and Best Practices” in New Delhi on 11 May 2026. The conference was convened by the Committee for Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals, which functions under the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying. The Committee for Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals, or CCSEA, is the statutory body associated with the regulation of experiments on animals in India. It operates under the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India. Laboratory animal welfare covers the care, housing, handling, and use of animals in scientific research. It includes standards for minimising pain, distress, and suffering during experiments and related procedures.

 

 

 

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Rejects Sanctioned Russian LNG Cargo: India rejected a Russian offer to sell liquefied natural gas cargoes subject to United States sanctions on 30 April 2026. The decision was conveyed during a visit to New Delhi by Russian Deputy Energy Minister Pavel Sorokin, who met Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and other officials. Liquefied natural gas is natural gas cooled to about minus 162 degrees Celsius for transport in specialised tankers. LNG cargoes are easier to trace through global shipping systems than crude oil cargoes, and this feature affects compliance checks under sanctions regimes. India continued to buy Russian crude oil with temporary United States sanctions waivers, while the sanctioned LNG cargo faced refusal on compliance grounds. India also remained open to Russian LNG volumes that were not under sanctions, although many such volumes were already committed to European buyers.

 

2. AERB Clears Restart of Tarapur Unit-2: The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) approved the restart and continued operation of Unit-2 of the Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS) on 7 May 2026. The clearance allows the unit to operate for another 10 years after a major refurbishment and safety upgrade programme by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). Tarapur Atomic Power Station is located near Boisar in Palghar district of Maharashtra. Unit 1 and Unit 2 of TAPS were India’s first boiling water reactors (BWRs), and both began commercial operation in 1969. Tarapur Unit-1 was cleared for restart in December 2025 and is operating at its rated capacity of 160 MWe.

 

3. Pune Plans India’s First Low Emission Zone: Pune is set to establish India’s first Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in Shivajinagar, a densely polluted area in the central business district. The initiative is being developed by the Pune Municipal Corporation with support from ITDP India and is linked to the Maharashtra Electric Vehicle Policy 2021. A Low Emission Zone is a designated urban area where access is restricted for vehicles with high tailpipe emissions. Such zones are used in several countries to regulate older diesel and petrol vehicles, and they usually rely on emission standards, entry charges, or outright restrictions. The proposed LEZ in Pune is expected to cover about 7% to 10% of the city area around Shivajinagar. The first phase is planned to target Bharat Stage-III and older vehicles, including vehicles registered before 2011. Owners of polluting vehicles may be allowed to pay a daily pollution charge for entry, while higher penalties are planned for non-payment.

 

4. India Adds Record 44 GW Solar Capacity in 2025: India added 44 GW of solar capacity in 2025, taking the total installed solar capacity to 150 GW. By March 2026, India’s installed solar power capacity had reached 150.2 GW AC, and the country ranked as the world’s third-largest producer of solar power. India’s solar capacity refers to the installed electricity generation capacity from photovoltaic and related solar systems measured in gigawatts. The 44 GW addition in 2025 placed India among the largest annual solar capacity expanders globally. The United States typically adds 30 GW to 40 GW of solar capacity in a year, while the European Union and China recorded higher annual additions. India recorded 14.4 GW of solar photovoltaic installations in the first quarter of 2026. This figure was nearly double the 7.7 GW added in the first quarter of 2025. Solar photovoltaic systems convert sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor cells.

 

5. India to Host Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit: India will host the Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV) in New Delhi from 28 May to 31 May 2026. The summit will be held with the African Union Commission and will bring together leaders and representatives from across the African continent. The India-Africa Forum Summit is a diplomatic platform for India and African states. The previous summit was held in 2015, and IAFS-IV marks the return of the forum after more than a decade. The theme of IAFS-IV is “IA SPIRIT: India-Africa Strategic Partnership for Innovation, Resilience, and Inclusive Transformation.” The programme includes a Senior Officials Meeting on 28 May 2026 and the India-Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on 29 May 2026.

 

6. India Hosts ISO ‘Space Systems and Operations’ International Meetings for the First Time: Bureau of Indian Standards organised the 35th Plenary and Working Groups meetings of ISO TC 20/SC 14 on “Space Systems and Operations” in New Delhi, marking the first time India hosted these important international space standards meetings. ISO TC 20/SC 14 develops global standards covering the complete lifecycle of space systems, including design, production, launch, operations, and space-based services to ensure safety, interoperability, and sustainability.

 

7. India and Vietnam Target $25 Billion Bilateral Trade by 2030: India and Vietnam have set a target to increase bilateral trade to $25 billion annually by 2030 from around $16 billion recorded in the last financial year during talks between Narendra Modi and To Lam. Reserve Bank of India and the State Bank of Vietnam signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in financial innovation and digital payments.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Coast Guard Holds ACV Girder-Laying Ceremony in Goa: The Indian Coast Guard held the girder-laying ceremony for the 4th, 5th and 6th Air Cushion Vehicles at the Rassaim Yard of Chowgule Shipyard in Goa on 11 May 2026. The project covers six indigenously fabricated Air Cushion Vehicles under a contract signed with Chowgule & Company Private Limited, Goa, on 24 October 2024. An Air Cushion Vehicle, also called a hovercraft, moves on a cushion of air created by lift fans and skirt systems. It can operate over water, mudflats, marshy terrain and other low-friction surfaces. The six ACVs are being built in India with about 50% indigenous material. The design basis for the project comes from Griffon Hoverwork in the United Kingdom, while construction is taking place at Chowgule Shipyard in Goa.

 

2. Tri-Service Women Crew Nears Global Sailing Homecoming: The Indian Army Sailing Vessel IASV Triveni, crewed by 10 women officers from the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force, is sailing from Cape Town to Mumbai after a global circumnavigation that began on 11 September 2025. The 50-foot yacht was built in Puducherry and is expected to complete the expedition in June 2026. The voyage, named Samudra Pradakshina, started from Mumbai and covered more than 23,000 nautical miles by 8 May 2026. The crew stopped at Australia, New Zealand, Argentina and Cape Town during the circumnavigation. Circumnavigation means sailing around the Earth or a major part of it by sea. Cape Horn, Cape Leeuwin and the Cape of Good Hope are among the best-known capes used in long-distance ocean voyages.

 

3. Rolls-Royce Plans India Expansion in Fighter Jets, Nuclear Energy: Rolls-Royce, a British engineering company, has outlined plans to expand its presence in India across defence, civil aviation, and energy sectors. The company has linked its India strategy with military engine development, local manufacturing, and nuclear energy opportunities. Rolls-Royce is scaling up its military engine programme in India and is exploring co-development of a next-generation combat jet engine. The proposed engine core is in the 120 kN class, which is a thrust category used for fighter aircraft propulsion. The company has also proposed full technology transfer with intellectual property ownership for India. The expansion plan includes localisation of engine manufacturing for the Indian Army, Navy, and Coast Guard. The proposed combat jet engine co-development is intended to support the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft programme, which is India’s indigenous fifth-generation fighter aircraft project. Rolls-Royce has also planned to increase its supply chain sourcing in India.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Scientists Find Possible Dwarf Galaxy Inside Milky Way: A study published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society in May 2026 has proposed the existence of a hidden ancient dwarf galaxy named Loki within the Milky Way. The finding is based on chemical and orbital data from 20 metal-poor stars located within 2 kiloparsecs of the Sun. A dwarf galaxy is a small galaxy with fewer stars and lower mass than a major galaxy such as the Milky Way. Dwarf galaxies often merge with larger galaxies during hierarchical galaxy formation, a process used in cosmology to describe the growth of galaxies through repeated mergers. The Milky Way has previously absorbed several dwarf galaxies, including Gaia-Enceladus, Sequoia, Thamnos, and Kraken. Such merger remnants are studied through stellar chemistry, orbital motion, and stellar ages.

 

2. China Develops AI Wastewater-to-Fertiliser Technology: China has developed an AI-powered electrochemical technology that converts nitrate-laden wastewater into ammonia for fertiliser production. The method uses a dual-atom catalyst and operates at room temperature, unlike the conventional Haber-Bosch process used for industrial ammonia synthesis. The technology uses artificial intelligence to identify a highly effective dual-atom catalyst, often abbreviated as DAC. A dual-atom catalyst contains two adjacent active metal atoms that can improve reaction selectivity and efficiency in chemical conversion processes. The new method converts nitrates found in agricultural runoff and industrial wastewater into ammonia.

 

3. Saudi Scientists Develop Electricity-Free Cooling Technology: Scientists at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia developed an electricity-free cooling system named Nescod, which stands for No Electricity and Sustainable Cooling on Demand. The system uses ammonium nitrate and water in a chemical cooling process and operates without compressors or continuous electrical power. Nescod works on the principle of endothermic dissolution, a process in which a substance absorbs heat while dissolving in water. In this system, ammonium nitrate dissolves in water and lowers the surrounding temperature. The system uses solar energy to evaporate water and regenerate the salt for repeated cooling cycles. Ammonium nitrate is an inorganic salt with the chemical formula NH4NO3 and is known for its use in fertilisers and cooling applications.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SEBI Proposes GARUDA Green-Channel for AIF Launches: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) proposed GARUDA, a green-channel mechanism for Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), on 11 May 2026. GARUDA stands for Green-Channel: AIF Rollout Upon Document Acknowledgement and is linked to the filing and acknowledgement of Placement Memorandums (PPMs) for AIF schemes in India. Alternative Investment Funds are privately pooled investment vehicles regulated by SEBI under the SEBI (Alternative Investment Funds) Regulations, 2012. AIFs in India are classified into Category I, Category II and Category III, and they include venture capital funds, private equity funds, hedge funds and angel funds. SEBI proposed to reduce the launch time for regular AIF schemes from 30 days to 10 working days after filing the PPM through a merchant banker, if SEBI raises no objections. For the first scheme of an AIF, launch would be allowed from the date of registration or after 10 working days of filing the application, whichever is later.

 

2. Government Revises BOT Guidelines for Highway Projects: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways revised the Build-Operate-Transfer guidelines for highway projects on 11 May 2026. The revised framework allows large funds and institutional investors to bid for BOT projects under the Public-Private-Partnership model. Build-Operate-Transfer is a public-private partnership model in which a private concessionaire finances, builds, operates, and maintains a highway for a fixed concession period. The concession period in highway BOT projects is usually 20 to 30 years, and the asset is transferred to the government after the contract period ends. The revised guidelines permit sovereign wealth funds, infrastructure funds, pension funds, private equity funds, Alternative Investment Funds, and foreign investment funds to participate in BOT bids. The modified Request for Proposal framework assesses institutional investors mainly on financial strength, while construction expertise can be arranged through concessionaires or engineering partners after award.

3. Axis Bank Signs $500 Million Offshore Loan Deal with Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group: Axis Bank, India’s third-largest private sector lender, has signed a $500 million offshore loan agreement with Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG). The three-year loan facility will be priced based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR), a global benchmark interest rate used in international financial markets. An offshore loan refers to a loan borrowed from a bank or financial institution located outside the borrower’s home country, helping companies and banks access international funding sources.

 

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.