Thursday, May 07

Daily Current Affairs: 7 May 2026

Daily current affairs for 7 May 2026 with exam-focused key facts, connected news context, and revision notes for UPSC, SSC, banking and government exams.

Editorial note for exam revision Last updated: 7 May 2026. This briefing is structured for current affairs revision, with key updates and related coverage links to help readers connect recurring topics across days.

Today at a glance

Top current affairs to revise

  1. India and Vietnam set $25 billion bilateral trade target by 2030
  2. Asian Development Bank (ADB) Launches Critical Minerals-to-Manufacturing Financing Partnership Facility
  3. PRASHAST 2.0: NCERT's Digital Tool for Disability Screening
  4. Mission for Cotton Productivity: ₹5,659.22 Crore Outlay
  5. Vadinar Ship Repair Facility: ₹1,570 Crore Outlay
  6. India Semiconductor Mission (ISM): ₹3,936 Crore Investment for Two New Units in Gujarat

India and Vietnam set $25 billion bilateral trade target by 2030

Key Updates:

  • India and Vietnam agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
  • The two nations established a bilateral trade target of 25 billion USD to be achieved by 2030.
  • Investment flows will be expanded across high-technology manufacturing, renewable energy, logistics, electric vehicles, and digital services.
  • Market access was approved for Indian grapes and Vietnamese durians, with commitments to fast-track access for pomegranates and pomelos.
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) entered an agreement to facilitate cross-border digital payments using QR-based systems.
  • Vietnam will host a liaison officer at the Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) located in Gurugram.
  • India has implemented 66 quick impact projects across most provinces in Vietnam as part of its development partnership.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Asian Development Bank (ADB) Launches Critical Minerals-to-Manufacturing Financing Partnership Facility

Key Updates:

  • The Asian Development Bank (ADB) launched the Critical Minerals-to-Manufacturing Financing Partnership Facility to secure supply chains for clean energy, batteries, electric vehicles, and digital technology.
  • The Government of Japan committed USD 20 million and the Government of the United Kingdom contributed USD 1.6 million to the grant window for early-stage project work and technical assistance.
  • Korea Eximbank and the Korean Trade Insurance Corporation (K-SURE) signed memorandums of USD 500 million each to provide cofinancing and risk-sharing under the catalytic finance window.
  • The ADB is currently supporting battery manufacturing and recycling in India, geological data mapping in Mongolia, and regulatory reforms in the Philippines as part of its regional value chain strategy.
  • The bank established a Critical Minerals Database to track supply chain information and improve policy coordination while ensuring projects adhere to strict environmental and social requirements.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

PRASHAST 2.0: NCERT's Digital Tool for Disability Screening

Key Updates:

  • The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) developed PRASHAST 2.0, which stands for Pre-Assessment Holistic Screening Tool.
  • The platform is a digital tool for the early detection of disabilities in school children, covering all 21 types of disabilities listed under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.
  • It facilitates the issuance of disability certificates and access to support services under the Samagra Shiksha programme.
  • The tool employs a two-part screening process where Part I is for mainstream teachers and Part II is for special educators, counselors, or school heads.
  • The platform is integrated with national data sources such as UDISE+, APAAR ID, and the Swavlamban Card Portal to track enrolment, screening, and intervention.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Mission for Cotton Productivity: ₹5,659.22 Crore Outlay

Key Updates:

  • The Union Cabinet approved the Mission for Cotton Productivity (2026-27 to 2030-31) with a total outlay of ₹5,659.22 crore.
  • The mission aligns with the '5F vision' (Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign) and aims to increase cotton production to 498 lakh bales by 2031.
  • It seeks to enhance lint productivity from 440 kg/hectares to 755 kg/hectares by 2031.
  • The mission will benefit approximately 32 lakh farmers and initially focus on 140 districts across 14 states and 2,000 ginning/processing factories.
  • The programme will be implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Textiles, involving the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRPs).

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Vadinar Ship Repair Facility: ₹1,570 Crore Outlay

Key Updates:

  • The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved a ₹1,570 crore project to establish a ship repair facility at Vadinar, Gujarat.
  • The project will be jointly implemented by the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) and Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW).
  • DPA will invest ₹650 crore for civil infrastructure, including a 650-metre jetty, while CSL will invest approximately ₹920 crore for ship repair infrastructure, including two large floating dry docks.
  • The brownfield facility will be capable of repairing vessels up to 300 metres in length and is expected to be completed within 36 months.
  • The project is projected to generate around 290 direct jobs and over 1,100 indirect employment opportunities.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

India Semiconductor Mission (ISM): ₹3,936 Crore Investment for Two New Units in Gujarat

Key Updates:

  • The Union Cabinet approved two semiconductor manufacturing projects under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) in Gujarat with a combined investment of ₹3,936 crore.
  • Crystal Matrix Limited (CML) will establish India's first commercial Mini/Micro-LED display manufacturing unit based on Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology in Dholera.
  • The CML facility will produce 72,000 square metres of Mini/Micro-LED display panels and 24,000 sets of RGB GaN epitaxy wafers annually.
  • Suchi Semicon Private Limited (SSPL) will set up an Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) facility in Surat with an annual capacity of over 1,033 million chips.
  • Total semiconductor projects under ISM have reached 12, with cumulative investments of approximately ₹1.64 lakh crore.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Mission Mausam: IITM Launches ₹60 Crore Urban Climate Observatory in Chennai

Key Updates:

  • The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, established an Urban Testbed and Aerosol Observatory in Chennai under the Mission Mausam initiative of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
  • Inaugurated on May 6, 2026, at the SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Ramapuram, the facility is India's first integrated urban weather and aerosol observatory.
  • The observatory houses approximately 15 scientific instruments valued at over ₹60 crore and is capable of monitoring nearly 50 categories of atmospheric parameters.
  • The facility's infrastructure includes around 100 Automatic Weather Stations (AWS), three X-band radars, and a phased-array radar for continuous monitoring of rain bands and convective systems.
  • Mission Mausam, launched in September 2024, aims to strengthen weather forecasting and disaster preparedness for sectors including agriculture, water resources, aviation, disaster management, and energy planning.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0 to Retain Pari Passu Model with ₹76,000 Crore Outlay

Key Updates:

  • The Government of India will retain the pari passu model for the upcoming phase of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0, where government incentives are released in proportion to a company’s own capital expenditure.
  • The first phase of the mission, ISM 1.0, was launched in 2021 with an outlay of ₹76,000 crore, and cumulative investment commitments reached ₹1.64 lakh crore by May 5, 2026, surpassing the original target of ₹1.60 lakh crore.
  • Under the ISM, the Centre provides 50 per cent fiscal support for project costs, which is disbursed step-by-step as firms invest their own funds rather than being front-loaded.
  • The Union Cabinet has approved two additional projects by Crystal Matrix Limited and Suchi Semicon, bringing the total number of sanctioned projects under the mission to 12.
  • The approved projects include the country’s first commercial mini/micro-LED display facility using gallium nitride (GaN) technology and a semiconductor packaging unit, both to be established in Gujarat.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Waste Tyre Management Overhaul: NITI Aayog Proposes GST Cuts and National Standards for Recycled Products

Key Updates:

  • NITI Aayog and the Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI) organised the Paryavaran NITI Manthan conference in New Delhi on 4 May 2026 to reform waste tyre management.
  • India recycled approximately 3 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) of tyres in 2024-2025, including 1.6 MMT from domestic waste and 1.4 MMT from imports.
  • The proposal introduces national standards for Tyre Pyrolysis Oil (TPO) and recovered Carbon Black (rCB) to recover an estimated annual revenue loss of ₹7,500 crore.
  • NITI Aayog recommended reducing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on recycled tyre products from 18 per cent to 5 per cent and introducing separate six-digit Harmonised System of Nomenclature (HSN) codes.
  • Proposed regulations include mandatory continuous emission monitoring for pyrolysis units and formalising recyclers through the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Udyam Assist initiative.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Duty-free imports of yellow peas and black gram extended until March 2027 to curb pulse prices

Key Updates:

  • The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has extended the duty-free import window for yellow peas and black gram until 31 March 2027.
  • For yellow peas, the government has removed the minimum import price and lifted port restrictions, allowing shipments to enter through any port.
  • Traders importing yellow peas are required to register under the Import Monitoring System.
  • The duty-free exemption for yellow peas applies to all shipments with a bill of landing issued on or before 31 March 2027.
  • The free import policy for black gram, which was previously valid until March 2026, has been extended by one year until 31 March 2027.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

World Pulses Day observed globally on February 10 (Mid of February)

World Pulses Day is celebrated annually on February 10 to highlight the importance of pulses in nutrition, food security, and sustainable agriculture. The United Nations (UN) first declared the observance of World Pulses…

Mission for Cotton Productivity: ₹5,659.22 Crore Outlay

Key Updates:

  • The Union Cabinet approved the Mission for Cotton Productivity for the period 2026-27 to 2030-31 with a total outlay of ₹5,659.22 crore.
  • The mission aligns with the '5F vision' (Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign) to enhance cotton productivity and promote high-quality cotton exports.
  • It aims to achieve a production of 498 lakh bales (170 kg lint each) by 2031 by increasing lint productivity from 440 kg/hectares to 755 kg/hectares.
  • About 32 lakh farmers will benefit, with an initial focus on 140 districts in 14 states and 2,000 ginning/processing factories.
  • The mission will be implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Textiles, involving the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRPs).

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Make in India procurement norms: 60% local content target for HVDC substations by 2035

Key Updates:

  • The Ministry of Power (MoP) revised the "Make in India" procurement norms for the power sector via an official order dated April 30.
  • The MoP introduced a phased roadmap to achieve a minimum of 60 per cent local content in High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) substations of the LCC type.
  • The revised roadmap applies to HVDC substations under the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) or turnkey project category.
  • The changes fall under the Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India) framework, which provides purchase preference linked with local content in the power sector.
  • The phased local content targets are 30% until 31.03.2028, 40% from 01.04.2028 to 31.03.2030, 50% from 01.04.2030 to 31.03.2032, and 60% from 01.04.2032 to 31.03.2035.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Accessible India Campaign: BIS Publishes Six New Standards for Priority Assistive Products

Key Updates:

  • The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) published six new standards for medical assistive technologies under the National List of Essential Assistive Products (NLEAP) initiative of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
  • The mobility aid standards include IS 18558 (Part 1) for Elbow crutches, IS 5145 for Walking sticks, IS 18558 (Part 4) for Walking sticks with three or more legs, and IS 19631 for Portable Ramps.
  • Accessible design standards were introduced for Information Contents, Figuration and Display Methods of Tactile Guide Maps (IS 19189) and Application of Braille on Signage Equipment and Appliances (IS 19190).
  • The BIS Technical Committee (MHD 09), chaired by Dr. Sanjay Wadhwa of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) New Delhi, includes experts from Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) Kanpur and Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS) Jaipur.
  • These standards support the Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyaan) of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Supreme Court Endorses Minimum ICU Standards for Hospitals (End of April)

The Supreme Court (SC) endorsed minimum standards for intensive care units (ICUs) specifying infrastructure, equipment, and staffing requirements. A bench of Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R Mahadevan directed states…

Guidance Document on Diabetes Mellitus in Children: Free-of-cost care package for children

Key Updates:

  • The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) released the Guidance Document on Diabetes Mellitus in Children at the National Summit on Best Practices in Public Healthcare Service Delivery.
  • The document establishes a standardised national framework for the screening, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of childhood diabetes.
  • The initiative aims to ensure universal screening of all children from birth to 18 years through community and school-based platforms.
  • The framework provides a comprehensive, free-of-cost care package at public health facilities, including screening, diagnostic services, lifelong insulin therapy, monitoring devices such as glucometers and test strips, and regular follow-up care.
  • The initiative promotes the 4Ts awareness framework—Toilet, Thirsty, Tired, and Thinner—to enable the recognition of early warning signs of Type 1 Diabetes.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

South Coast Railway (SCoR) Notified with Visakhapatnam Headquarters

Key Updates:

  • The Union government notified the creation of the South Coast Railway (SCoR) zone with headquarters at Visakhapatnam, effective from June 1, 2026.
  • The new zone has been established under sub-section (4) of Section 3 of the Railways Act, 1989, by carving it out of the East Coast Railway (ECoR) and South Central Railway (SCR).
  • SCoR will comprise the Guntakal, Guntur, and Vijayawada divisions of the SCR and a truncated Waltair division, which will be renamed the Visakhapatnam division.
  • A new Rayagada division will be constituted under the ECoR, which is headquartered at Bhubaneswar, effective from June 1, 2026.
  • The SCR, headquartered at Secunderabad, will retain the Hyderabad and Nanded divisions along with a reorganised Secunderabad division.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Colombia and Netherlands launch Santa Marta Conference to accelerate transition away from fossil fuels

Key Updates:

  • The Santa Marta Conference was launched by Colombia and the Netherlands to initiate multilateral coordination for the transition away from fossil fuels (TAFF).
  • The coalition consists of 57 countries and the European Union (EU), representing one third of global GDP and one third of fossil fuel consumption.
  • The second Conference is scheduled to be held in 2027 in Tuvalu, co-organised by Tuvalu and Ireland.
  • The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced its departure from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) on 28 April.
  • Three priority workstreams were established with support from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), and the NDC Partnership coalition.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

France Unveils Roadmap to Phase Out Fossil Fuels by 2050 (End of April)

France announced a roadmap to phase out coal by 2030, oil by 2045, and gas by 2050 for energy purposes. The plan was unveiled during a global conference in Santa Marta, Colombia, which was co-hosted by Colombia and the…

Netherlands and India Collaborate on Sustainable Spice Value Chains (May 06, 2026)

Key Updates:

  • The Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands for South India and the World Spice Organisation (WSO) organised a seminar on “Sustainable Spice Value Chains”.
  • India exports over 250 varieties of spices and value-added products to more than 180 countries.
  • The Spices Board promotes Good Agricultural Practices, Scientific Crop-Management Practices, Integrated Pest Management, Hygienic Processing Systems, and Farmer-Capacity Building Programmes.
  • The Netherlands collaborates with India through trade partnerships and sustainability initiatives aligned with United Nations (UN) sustainable development goals.
  • The National Sustainable Spices Program (NSSP), launched in 2019, covers chilli, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and pepper, involving over 35,000 farmers through Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).

Related Current Affairs Coverage

India and Japan sign agreements in quantum technology and health research on May 06, 2026

Key Updates:

  • India and Japan exchanged agreements in quantum science and medical devices during a high-level bilateral meeting in New Delhi on May 06, 2026.
  • A Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) in health and medical devices was signed between the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
  • A Letter of Intent (LoI) on cooperation in Quantum Science and Technology was signed between Japan's Cabinet Office and the DST.
  • The engagement is part of the India-Japan Science, Technology and Innovation Partnership, building on the outcomes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Japan in August 2025.
  • India's deep-tech focus includes national missions in Quantum Technologies, Cyber-Physical Systems, Electric Mobility, Clean Energy, and Advanced Computing.
  • Collaboration under India's National Quantum Mission covers quantum computing, communication, sensing, and secure communication networks.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

World Quantum Day observed on April 14 (Mid of April)

World Quantum Day is an annual event observed on April 14 to promote awareness and understanding of quantum science. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) hosted a STEM Open House for local high school…

India to host first International Big Cat Alliance Summit in New Delhi on June 1 and 2

Key Updates:

  • India will host the inaugural summit of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) in New Delhi on June 1 and 2.
  • The summit is themed “Save Big Cats, Save Humanity, Save Ecosystem”.
  • Launched in 2023 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the IBCA focuses on seven big cat species: lions, tigers, leopards, snow leopards, cheetahs, jaguars, and pumas.
  • The summit will result in the adoption of the “Delhi Declaration”, which is expected to be the first global framework dedicated exclusively to big cat conservation.
  • The event will involve participation from Heads of State, government representatives, more than 400 experts, and officials from 95 big cat range countries.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Vietnam President To Lam arrives in India on 5 May 2026 on first state visit

Key Updates:

  • Vietnam President To Lam arrived in India on 5 May 2026 on his first state visit since assuming office earlier that month.
  • He was received at the airport by Union Minister Nityanand Rai and accorded a warm welcome.
  • The visit marks ten years of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Vietnam, as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
  • President To Lam also serves as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam.
  • His itinerary includes visits to Bodh Gaya and Mumbai, reflecting cultural and economic dimensions of the partnership.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Vietnamese President To Lam to visit India from May 5-7 (Start of May)

Vietnamese President To Lam will undertake a State visit to India from May 5 to 7 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced. President To Lam, who also serves as…

India and Myanmar discuss boosting defence ties and maritime security in Bay of Bengal region (May 2-5, 2026)

Key Updates:

  • Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi visited Myanmar from May 2-5, 2026, to intensify the 'Act East Policy'.
  • Admiral Tripathi met Admiral Htein Win, Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Navy, in Naypyitaw on 04 May 2026 to enhance maritime security in the Bay of Bengal region under MAHASAGAR.
  • The naval engagements focused on capacity building, training exchanges, mobile training teams (MTTs), hydrography, and greater interoperability.
  • Admiral Tripathi met Myanmar's defence minister General Htun Aung and naval commanders Rear Admiral Aung Aung Naing and Rear Admiral Khun Aung Kyaw.
  • The Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) Sagar entered Yangon Harbour as part of India's maritime engagement in the region.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Nepal President promulgates Constitutional Council Ordinance on May 5, 2026

Key Updates:

  • President Ramchandra Paudel of Nepal promulgated the Constitutional Council (Functions, Duties, Powers and Procedure) Ordinance, 2026 on May 5, 2026.
  • The ordinance enables the government to appoint individuals to key positions in constitutional bodies, including the post of Chief Justice.
  • The Constitutional Council is a six-member body chaired by the Prime Minister.
  • The council includes the Chief Justice, Speaker, and National Assembly Chair as members.
  • The remaining members of the council are the Deputy Speaker and the Leader of the Opposition in the House of Representatives.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Sindhi Bhasha Diwas observed on 10 April 2026 (Mid of April)

Sindhi Bhasha Diwas is observed annually on 10 April. Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, the Vice-President of India, released the updated version of the Constitution of India in the Sindhi language on 10 April 2026.

India to host 4th India-Africa Forum Summit on May 31

Key Updates:

  • India will host the 4th India-Africa Forum Summit on May 31, marking the first such event in a decade.
  • The theme of the summit is 'India Africa Strategic Partnership for Innovation, Resilience and Inclusive Transformation (IA SPIRIT)'.
  • The main summit will be followed by the Big Cat Alliance summit, which is expected to see participation from around 10 African countries.
  • Africa is currently the second-largest recipient of India's overseas development partnership support.
  • India has extended over 190 lines of credit (LoCs) amounting to over $10 billion to 41 African countries.
  • India has completed 20 projects worth $4.5 billion in priority sectors: power, water supply, agriculture, transport, rural electrification, and digital connectivity.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

United States pauses 'Project Freedom' initiative in the Strait of Hormuz

Key Updates:

  • The United States (US) launched 'Project Freedom', a humanitarian initiative designed to guide commercial ships stranded by Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
  • The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway through which 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas pass.
  • Approximately 22,500 mariners on 1,550 commercial vessels from 87 countries were reported trapped in the Gulf.
  • US Central Command (Centcom) deployed guided-missile destroyers, over 100 land and sea-based aircraft, multi-domain unmanned platforms, and 15,000 service members to support the operation.
  • The initiative was paused by President Donald Trump at the request of Pakistan, which is serving as the intermediary in negotiations between the US and Iran.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

World's Most Polluted Cities 2026 Ranking Released

Key Updates:

  • As of 4 May 2026, the real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) Ranking 2026 identifies Cobh in Cork, Ireland, as the most polluted city in the world with an AQI of 208.
  • The top three most polluted cities globally are Cobh (208), Dungarvan (196), and Clonmel (192), all located in Ireland.
  • Kashgar in Xinjiang, China, is ranked fourth with an AQI of 162, and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is ranked ninth with an AQI of 146.
  • Five Indian cities are listed among the top 10 most polluted: Bikaner, Rajasthan (AQI 160), Patna, Bihar (AQI 154), Aurangabad, Bihar (AQI 152), Begusarai, Bihar (AQI 150), and Muzaffarpur, Bihar (AQI 136).
  • Pollution drivers in these Indian cities include the construction industry and dry winds in Bikaner, traffic and construction dust in Patna, industrial presence in Aurangabad and Begusarai, and vehicular emissions and seasonal fires in Muzaffarpur.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

150-Million-Year-Old Archaeopteryx Fossil Reveals Evolution of Powered Flight

Key Updates:

  • Scientists have analysed a 150-million-year-old Archaeopteryx fossil from the Jurassic period that serves as a critical evolutionary link between dinosaurs and modern birds.
  • The Archaeopteryx specimen possesses a unique mix of anatomical features, including bird-like wings and feathers combined with dinosaur-like teeth, claws, and a long tail.
  • A report by the Natural History Museum of Utah (NHMU) indicates that specialised feathers acted as an aircraft fairing to fill the gap between the wing and torso to prevent turbulent drag.
  • The fossil evidence suggests that Archaeopteryx was capable of active powered flight rather than simple gliding, proving that complex flight mechanics were present during the Jurassic era.
  • Research published in The Royal Society highlights that early birds developed advanced feeding adaptations and complex mouth structures alongside flight capabilities to enhance survival.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-Madras) Establishes Deep-Tech Centre in California

Key Updates:

  • The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-Madras) Global Research Foundation established its first centre in the United States at Menlo Park, California, on April 24.
  • The centre will be developed with a total planned investment of USD 7.5 million, including a greenfield investment of USD 4.5 million from IITM Global.
  • Enabled through a partnership with CA Startups, the centre serves as a launchpad for Indian deep-tech startups to access global capital, markets, mentorship, and partnerships.
  • IITM Global announced plans to establish a second centre on the US East Coast to connect with policy, financial, and academic ecosystems.
  • The IIT-Madras incubated deep-tech startups showcased include Atri AI, Zerowatt, Satori XR, Greenvironment, and ePlaneCompany.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Envirocatalysts Launches Air Quality Dashboard Highlighting Ozone Rise in Delhi and NCR

Key Updates:

  • Envirocatalysts, a Delhi-based research and public policy think tank, launched a public air quality dashboard based on Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data since 2015.
  • Delhi's annual average ozone levels rose from 52 µg/m³ in 2021 to 66 µg/m³ in 2025, with peaks occurring in May due to photochemical reactions between nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds.
  • Regional ozone increases were recorded in Meerut (53 to 76 µg/m³), Noida (54 to 74 µg/m³), and Muzaffarnagar (55 to 73 µg/m³), while Bharatpur recorded annual averages of 84 µg/m³ in both 2024 and 2025.
  • Between 2015 and 2025, Delhi's PM2.5 levels declined from 117.5 µg/m³ to 96.4 µg/m³, and PM10 levels fell from 244 µg/m³ to 197 µg/m³.
  • In April 2026, the highest PM2.5 levels were recorded in Ghaziabad (99 µg/m³), Gurgaon (92 µg/m³), and Faridabad (82 µg/m³).
  • PM2.5 levels rose sharply in April 2026 across Hapur (36 to 67 µg/m³), Meerut (55 to 84 µg/m³), Gurgaon (73 to 92 µg/m³), Ghaziabad (81 to 99 µg/m³), and Noida (53 to 66 µg/m³).

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Scientists Discover New Giant Tree Genus Daturodendron in the Andes

Key Updates:

  • A new genus of giant tree named Daturodendron has been officially recognised in the Andean cloud forests, reaching heights of 66 feet (20 metres).
  • The tree belongs to the Solanaceae family and the Datureae tribe, making it a relative of tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, and Brugmansia.
  • Researchers from the University of Cartagena and the Royal Botanic Gardens identified the genus using phylotranscriptomic analysis of nearly 300 genes.
  • The Daturodendron genus is found exclusively in the high-altitude Andes of Colombia and Peru.
  • The tree produces tropane alkaloids, specifically scopolamine and hyoscyamine, and provides insights into the evolution of fleshy berries into dry dehiscent capsular fruits.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

SpaceX Falcon 9 Launches CAS500-2 and 45 Rideshare Payloads

Key Updates:

  • SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on May 3.
  • The primary payload was CAS500-2, a 500-kilogram imaging satellite developed by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI).
  • Indian startup GalaxEye launched Mission Drishti, which is the world's first "OptoSAR" satellite combining an optical imager and a synthetic aperture radar.
  • The mission carried seven Hawk for Earth Observation (HEO) satellites built by Argotec for the IRIDE constellation, which has received over 1 billion euros in investment from the Italian government.
  • Other secondary payloads included three Pelican satellites by Planet, six imaging satellites by EarthDaily, two SAR satellites by Iceye, one BRO-21 satellite by Unseenlabs, two satellites by Lynk Global, and one Jackal spacecraft by True Anomaly.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

China launches Pakistani satellite PRSC-EO3 (Start of May)

China launched the Pakistani satellite PRSC-EO3 from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Centre in Shanxi Province. The satellite was launched using a Long March-6 carrier rocket.

China and Korea claim Thomas and Uber Cup 2026 titles

Key Updates:

  • The Badminton World Federation (BWF) Thomas & Uber Cup 2026 was held in Horsens, Denmark.
  • The Republic of Korea won the Uber Cup by defeating the People's Republic of China 3-1 on 3 May 2026.
  • The Republic of Korea has now secured Uber Cup titles in 2010, 2022, and 2026.
  • The People's Republic of China won the Thomas Cup by defeating France 3-1.
  • The People's Republic of China has won two consecutive Thomas Cup titles, having previously defeated Indonesia in 2024.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

France defeats India in Thomas Cup 2026 semi-finals (Start of May)

The Indian men's badminton team secured a bronze medal at the Thomas Cup 2026 after losing to France in the semi-finals. This achievement marks India's second medal in the history of the tournament, following their gold…

16th-century Telugu inscription discovered in Anantapur on May 06, 2026

Key Updates:

  • A Telugu inscription dating back to the 16th century was discovered on the north wall of the Sri Bugga Ramalingeswara Swamy temple in Tadipatri, Anantapur district.
  • Historian MyNaa Swamy estimated the inscription dates to either 1574 or 1634 CE based on the Telugu cyclic year of Bhava recorded on Chaitra Bahula Dwadashi.
  • The inscription records the obeisance paid by Basavappa, son of Satram Cheruvupalli Kalayya from Mahimaluru in Udayagiri Seema, to Sri Tatiparti Rameshwara Deva.
  • During the Vijayanagara Empire, Tadipatri served as an important part of the Pennabadi Seema within the Gutti Kingdom.
  • The base of the inscription carries carvings of Basavappa and his wife Naga Easwaramma, using the word Pendlamu which is characteristic of the local Rayalaseema dialect.

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Gajapati Dynasty Inscriptions Discovery: 14 March 2026 (Mid of March)

A 15th-century Telugu medieval inscription belonging to the Gajapati rulers of Odisha was discovered at the Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. The inscription identifies Kumaraguru Mahapatra as a…

World Laughter Day 2026 observed on May 3, 2026

Key Updates:

  • World Laughter Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of May to promote health, happiness, and world peace through laughter.
  • Largest laughter yoga class record set by students of Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha on 29 August 2017 with 15,991 tribal students led by Dr. Madan Kataria.
  • Most number of people laughing simultaneously record set by Achariya World Class Educational Institutions, Puducherry on 12 December 2012 with 12,000 participants laughing non-stop for five minutes.
  • Longest marathon laughter therapy class record set by Harish Rawat in Noida, Uttar Pradesh from 30 June to 1 July 2018 for a total duration of 36 hours and 2 minutes.
  • Longest duration of laughing by an individual record set by Sunilkumar S.V. in Kochi, Kerala on 10 May 2022 for 4 hours, 1 minute, and 14 seconds.

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World Portuguese Language Day observed on 5 May 2026

Key Updates:

  • World Portuguese Language Day is celebrated annually on 5 May to honour a language spoken by approximately 265 million people globally.
  • United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted that the Portuguese language is spoken across four continents, including cities such as Lisbon, Maputo, São Paulo, and Dili.
  • The Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) is marking its 30th anniversary in the year 2026.
  • Cape Verdean writer and poet Corsino Fortes is noted for describing the language as the homeland that individuals carry within themselves.
  • The UN emphasises that multilingualism is a core requirement for achieving mutual understanding and effective multilateralism.

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Spanish Language Day observed on April 23 (End of April)

Spanish Language Day (Día del Idioma Español) is observed annually on April 23. The day was established by the United Nations (UN) to celebrate the history, culture, and use of Spanish.

English Language Day observed on April 23 (End of April)

English Language Day is observed on April 23 to commemorate the contributions of William Shakespeare. The date marks the birth and death anniversary of William Shakespeare, who added over 1,700 new words and phrases to…

Himanta Biswa Sarma Resigns as Chief Minister (CM) of Assam

Key Updates:

  • Himanta Biswa Sarma submitted his resignation as the CM to Governor Laxman Acharya at Lok Bhawan following the formal notification of the Assam Assembly Elections 2026 results.
  • The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured a third consecutive term in the state by winning 102 out of 126 assembly seats.
  • The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged as the largest party with 82 seats, while its allies Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bodoland People's Front (BPF) won 10 seats each.
  • The BJP appointed J. P. Nadda as the central observer and Nayab Singh Saini as the co-observer to oversee the selection of the legislative party leader.
  • The Indian National Congress (INC) secured 19 seats, falling short of the 22 seats required to claim the post of the Leader of the Opposition in the assembly.

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Kumar Mangalam Birla Appointed Non-Executive Chairman of Vodafone Idea Limited

Key Updates:

  • Kumar Mangalam Birla was appointed Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vodafone Idea Limited with effect from May 5, 2026.
  • Ravinder Takkar stepped down as Non-Executive Chairman of Vodafone Idea Limited on May 5, 2026.
  • Ravinder Takkar was appointed Non-Executive Vice Chairman of Vodafone Idea Limited with effect from May 5, 2026.
  • Both Kumar Mangalam Birla and Ravinder Takkar continue to serve as Non-Executive Directors on the board.
  • The company filed the disclosure with the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) and BSE Limited (BSE) pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Regulations, 2015.

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William Walsh Appointed CEO of IndiGo (Start of April)

IndiGo has announced the appointment of William Walsh as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He succeeds Pieter Elbers, who stepped down from the position of CEO on 11 March.

Ted Turner Dies Media Mogul

Key Updates:

  • Ted Turner, the founder of Cable News Network (CNN), died at the age of 87.
  • He launched CNN in 1980 as the first dedicated rolling news channel.
  • He established the Turner Broadcasting System (TBS) and launched channels including TNT, Turner Classic Movies, and Cartoon Network.
  • He won the America's Cup in 1977 and owned sports teams including the Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Hawks, and Atlanta Thrashers.
  • He donated $1bn to the United Nations (UN) and invested in clean energy.

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Martial artist and actor Chuck Norris passes away at age 86 (End of March)

Chuck Norris, born Carlos Ray Norris on 10 March 1940, was a six-time undefeated World Professional Middleweight Karate champion. He served in the United States Air Force (USAF) during the Korean War, where he began…

Ted Turner Dies Founder of Cable News Network (CNN)

Key Updates:

  • Ted Turner, the founder of Cable News Network (CNN), died at the age of 87 in Lamont, Florida.
  • He launched CNN in 1980 as the first 24-hour cable news network.
  • His media empire included cable channels TBS, TNT, and Turner Classic Movies.
  • He owned the Atlanta Hawks for 19 years and the Atlanta Braves for 20 years, during which the Braves won the 1995 World Series.
  • He brought the America's Cup yachting trophy back to the United States in 1977 and devoted land to save the American bison.

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Pravindra Singh Chauhan and nine advocates elevated as judges of Punjab and Haryana High Court

Key Updates:

  • The Supreme Court (SC) Collegium approved the elevation of 10 advocates as judges of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on May 4.
  • The elevated advocates are Pravindra Singh Chauhan, Harmeet Singh Deol, Rajesh Gaur, Minderjeet Yadav, Monica Chhibber Sharma, Puja Chopra, Sunish Bindlish, Navdeep Singh, Divya Sharma, and Ravinder Malik.
  • Pravindra Singh Chauhan served as the Advocate General of Haryana and was a member of the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission.
  • Other appointments include Rajesh Gaur (Additional Advocate General of Haryana), Minderjeet Yadav (former Deputy Advocate General and former chairman of the Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana), and Monica Chhibber Sharma (Senior Deputy Advocate General for Punjab).
  • Navdeep Singh is a retired Army Major, Divya Sharma served as Senior Panel Counsel for the Union Government, and Sunish Bindlish was the standing counsel for the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).
  • These appointments will increase the strength of the Punjab and Haryana High Court from 58 to 68 judges.
  • The sanctioned strength of the Punjab and Haryana High Court is 85 judges, comprising 64 permanent and 21 additional judges.

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Shashi Shekhar Vempati Appointed Chairperson of Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)

Key Updates:

  • The Government of India notified the appointment of Shashi Shekhar Vempati as the chairperson of the CBFC for a three-year term effective from the date of joining.
  • Shashi Shekhar Vempati is an alumnus of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay and a co-founder of AI4India Org, an organisation working to democratise artificial intelligence technology.
  • Prasoon Joshi, who served as the CBFC chairperson for over eight years, has been appointed as the chairman of Prasar Bharati.
  • The CBFC functions as a statutory body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to regulate the public exhibition of films under the Cinematograph Act, 1952.
  • The organisation is headquartered in Mumbai and maintains nine regional offices in Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Thiruvananthapuram, Hyderabad, New Delhi, Cuttack, and Guwahati.

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Prasoon Joshi Appointed Chairman of Prasar Bharati (Start of May)

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced the appointment of lyricist and writer Prasoon Joshi as the Chairman of the Prasar Bharati Board on 3 May 2026. Prasoon Joshi has served as the Chairperson of the…

R. B. Choudary Passes Away as Film Producer; he was 76

Key Updates:

  • R. B. Choudary died in a car accident near Udaipur on May 5.
  • He was a veteran film producer and the founder of Super Good Films.
  • He entered Tamil cinema in 1989 after previously working in the steel, exports, and jewellery sectors and the Malayalam film industry.
  • He produced several films including Cheran Pandian, Nattamai, Poove Unakkaga, Suryavamsam, Thullatha Manamum Thullum, Aanandham, Jilla, and Godfather.
  • His final project was the film Maareesan, featuring Vadivelu and Fahadh Faasil.

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Prasoon Joshi Appointed Chairman of Prasar Bharati (Start of May)

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced the appointment of lyricist and writer Prasoon Joshi as the Chairman of the Prasar Bharati Board on 3 May 2026. Prasoon Joshi has served as the Chairperson of the…

Rahul Arunoday Banerjee Passed Away Bengali Actor (End of March)

Bengali actor Rahul Arunoday Banerjee passed away at the age of 43 due to accidental drowning at Talsari Beach in Digha. The incident occurred on Sunday, 29 March, near the Odisha-West Bengal border during the filming of…

Veteran Kannada filmmaker Joe Simon dies at 80. (Mid of February)

Joe Simon died of a heart attack at the age of 80 while attending a meeting at the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) in Bengaluru. Simon directed popular Kannada films such as Sahasa Simha, Snehada Kadalalli…

Alex Zanardi Dies Former Formula One (F1) Driver and Paralympic Champion

Key Updates:

  • Alex Zanardi, a former Formula One (F1) driver and Paralympic champion, died at the age of 59 on 1 May.
  • He made his F1 debut in 1991 and won back-to-back championships in the CART series in the United States in 1997 and 1998.
  • He won four gold medals and two silver medals at the 2012 London and 2016 Rio Paralympic Games.
  • Zanardi claimed 12 World Championship gold medals in para-cycling.
  • The Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) called for a minute's silence at all sports events in Italy in his honour.

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Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office Act, 2023: Challenge to CJI's Exclusion

Key Updates:

  • The Supreme Court (SC) is hearing petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioner Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office Act, 2023.
  • The Act, enacted by Parliament in December 2023, removed the Chief Justice of India (CJI) from the committee responsible for appointing the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other election commissioners.
  • Under the 2023 Act, the selection committee consists of the Prime Minister, a Union minister nominated by the Prime Minister, and the leader of Opposition or leader of the largest opposition party in the Lok Sabha.
  • The petitions challenging the law were filed by multiple petitioners, including the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Congress leader Jaya Thakur.
  • The SC noted that the Constitution bench in the Anoop Baranwal case had previously laid down an interim mechanism for appointments until Parliament enacted a law.

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