Daily current affairs for 8 May 2026 with exam-focused key facts, connected news context, and revision notes for UPSC, SSC, banking and government exams.
Editorial note for exam revisionLast updated: 8 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.
Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) record 15.9% non-food credit growth in FY26
Key Updates:
Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) recorded a year-on-year non-food credit growth of 15.9% in financial year 2025–26.
Total outstanding credit of SCBs stood at ₹212.9 lakh crore as of March 2026, an increase of ₹29.2 lakh crore over the previous year.
Sector-wise, services sector registered the highest credit growth at 19%, followed by personal loans (16.2%), agriculture and allied activities (15.7%), and industry (15%).
Industrial credit growth nearly doubled to 15% from 8.2%, with micro and small industries recording a sharp rise of 33.1%.
Personal loans grew by 16.2%, driven by vehicle loans and loans against gold jewellery, while housing credit remained stable.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data placed the banking system’s CASA ratio at a two-year low of 37.9% in December 2025 quarter against 40.1% in December 2023 quarter. Savings account share within total deposits fell 210…
Gross NPAs of Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) for domestic operations declined to a historic low of 2.15% as of September 2025. Public sector banks (PSBs) recorded a gross NPA ratio of 2.50%, private sector banks…
The Gross Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) ratio of Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) for domestic operations declined to a historic low of 2.15% as of September 2025. According to provisional data from the Reserve Bank of…
Government of India sets 60-day FDI clearance for 40 sub-sectors from land-bordering nations
Key Updates:
The Government of India has established a 60-day timeline to process and decide Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) proposals from countries sharing land borders, including China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Afghanistan.
The expedited clearance applies to 40 sub-sectors under six broad categories: capital goods manufacturing, electronic capital goods and electronic component manufacturing, polysilicon wafers, advanced battery components, rare earth permanent magnets, and rare earth processing.
Specific sub-sectors identified for fast-track approval include insulation items, castings and forgings for power plants, machine tools, display components (plasma, polymer, LCD, LED), camera modules, electronic capacitors, speakers and microphones for ICT products, Li-ion batteries, wearables, and rare earth metal facilities.
A mandatory condition for these proposals is that the majority shareholding and control of the investee entity must remain with resident Indian citizens or Indian-owned and controlled entities at all times.
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) mandated that Indian investee firms must report investment details prior to inward remittance under the Foreign Exchange Management (Mode of Payment and Reporting of Non-debt Instruments) Regulations, 2019, for access by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) reported total foreign direct investment (FDI) equity inflows of $47.87 billion for April-December FY26. Singapore was the top source of FDI equity…
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chamber India to strengthen the nation's startup ecosystem and promote innovation-led growth. Under…
The Government of India has allowed 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) in insurance companies through the automatic route. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), in Press Note 1 (2026…
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) notified that overseas companies with Chinese shareholding up to 10% can invest in India through the automatic route, subject to sectoral limits and…
International Organization for Migration (IOM) ranks India first in global remittance inflows
Key Updates:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that India received the highest remittances globally in 2024 with inflows of $137.67 billion, becoming the first nation to cross the $100 billion mark.
India's annual remittance inflows increased from $83.15 billion in 2020 to $137.67 billion in 2024.
The top five remittance-receiving countries in 2024 were India, Mexico, the Philippines, France, and Pakistan.
The United States was the largest source of remittances in 2024 with over $100 billion, followed by Saudi Arabia (over $46 billion), Switzerland (around $40 billion), and Germany (nearly $24 billion).
Under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10.C, the target is to reduce remittance transaction charges to below 3 per cent for sending $200, while South Asia recorded the lowest average cost at around 5 per cent.
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) projected India's economic growth at 6.4% for 2026 and 6.6% for 2027 in its Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2026…
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) released the Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2026. India's economic growth is projected to be 6.4% in 2026 and 6.6% in…
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), a United Nations (UN) agency, released the World Migration Report 2026, stating that 304 million people lived outside their country of birth as of mid-2024. The…
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) released the Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2026. India's economy is projected to grow at 6.4% in 2026 and 6.6% in…
State Bank of India (SBI) expects lending of ₹70,000-80,000 crore under ECLGS 5.0
Key Updates:
State Bank of India (SBI) expects eligible customer utilisation under the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) 5.0 to be in the range of ₹70,000-80,000 crore.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will facilitate an underwriting auction for government securities worth ₹34,000 crore on 8th May.
Kotak Mahindra Bank received approval from the RBI to acquire up to 9.99% stake in AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB).
Axis Bank raised $500 million in an offshore loan from MUFG.
Union Bank shed approximately ₹75,000 crore in bulk deposits in FY26, including ₹30,000 crore in Q4.
Punjab National Bank (PNB) has partnered with Kiwi to launch the RuPay-based PNB Kiwi Credit Card. The collaboration aims to introduce credit-enabled Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments to 180 million customers.
Jio Financial Services Limited and Allianz Group (Allianz) have signed a binding agreement to form a 50:50 primary insurance joint venture (JV). The JV will operate in the general and health insurance segments of the…
NPCI Bharat BillPay Ltd (NBBL) partnered with Juspay to introduce a switch and software development kit (SDK) for its Banking Connect platform. The solution provides a single integration layer for banks and partners.
Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited (Jio) and Bank of Baroda (BoB) have partnered to launch 'bob World Lite', a mobile banking application for feature phone users. The application is specifically designed for the JioPhone…
JANANI: Digital Maternal and Child Healthcare Platform for Unified Health Services
Key Updates:
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) launched JANANI (Journey of Antenatal, Natal and Neonatal Integrated Care) to unify pregnancy tracking and newborn care under a digital system.
Developed as an upgraded version of the Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) portal, the platform was unveiled at the National Summit on Innovation and Inclusivity: Best Practices Shaping India’s Health Future.
The platform has recorded 1.34 crore beneficiary registrations, over 30 lakh registrations of pregnant women, over 30 lakh Mother and Child Health (MCH) cards, and over 1 lakh biometric verifications.
JANANI features QR-enabled digital MCH cards and interoperability with other platforms including U-WIN and POSHAN for seamless data exchange.
Registration is available through Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA), Aadhaar-linked OTP or biometric verification, and mobile numbers.
The National Health Authority (NHA) conducted a two-day Chintan Shivir in Pune to accelerate healthcare transformation for Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) and Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission…
The Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) and Bombay Parsi Panchayat organised a Universal Parsi Registration Drive in Mumbai that recorded 300 fresh registrations on the Jiyo Parsi portal. Jiyo Parsi, launched in 2013-14…
The Samriddh Gram: Integrated Phygital Service Delivery Model is enabled by BharatNet, an initiative of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). The initiative has been nominated for the World Summit on the…
Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya M. Scindia inaugurated the Samriddhi Kendra at Umri village in Guna district, Madhya Pradesh. The Samriddhi Kendra is an Integrated Phygital (Physical + Digital) Service…
Union Cabinet approves amendment to Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act for Vande Mataram
Key Updates:
The Union Cabinet approved amending the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act to place the National Song, Vande Mataram, on par with the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana.
Vande Mataram was penned by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in 1875, while Jana Gana Mana was composed by Rabindranath Tagore.
The amendment extends legal protections to Vande Mataram, making disruptions or disrespectful acts legally enforceable rather than just advisory.
Acts of disruption include interrupting the song (shouting slogans, playing loud music, making noise, organising protests), mocking or parodying (jokes, gestures, mimicking, altering lyrics), refusing protocol (remaining seated, walking around, talking loudly), and disrupting institutional events (school assemblies, government functions, official ceremonies).
Penalties for such acts include up to 3 years imprisonment, a fine, or both.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has ordered that all six stanzas of Vande Mataram will now be sung at schools and official government events. The official version of the national song, composed by Bankim Chandra…
The U.S. administration unveiled drawings for a 250-foot Triumphal Arch across the Potomac River on 10 April. The project is intended to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States in July.
The 78th edition of Zomi National Day was celebrated at the Centenary Hall of the Evangelical Baptist Convention (EBC) in Churachandpur, Manipur. Manipur deputy chief minister Losi Dikho attended as chief guest…
The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, has launched the Vande Mataram Frames National Filmmaking Competition to celebrate 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram. The competition features a total prize pool…
The Union Cabinet approved the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) 5.0 with an outlay of Rs 18,100 crore to address short-term liquidity mismatches caused by the West Asia Crisis.
Eligible borrowers include Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), non-MSMEs with existing working capital limits, and scheduled passenger airlines with outstanding credit facilities as of March 31, 2026.
The National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited (NCGTC) will provide fee-free guarantee coverage of 100% for MSMEs and 90% for non-MSMEs and the airline sector.
MSMEs and non-MSMEs can avail additional credit up to 20% of peak working capital utilised during the fourth quarter of FY26 (capped at Rs 100 crore), while airlines can avail up to 100% additional credit (capped at Rs 1,500 crore).
The loan tenure is five years with a one-year moratorium for MSMEs and non-MSMEs, and seven years with a two-year moratorium for airlines.
The Union Cabinet approved the fifth version of the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS 5.0) to provide financial support to businesses facing liquidity pressures due to the West Asia crisis. The scheme aims to…
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved three multi-tracking railway projects worth ₹23,437 crore to expand the national rail network by 901 kilometres. Managed by the Ministry of Railways (MoR), the…
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, approved the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-III (PMGSY-III) until March 2028. The total financial outlay for the scheme has been…
Assam Finance Minister Ajanta Neog tabled an interim budget of ₹62,294.78 crore for the financial year 2026–27 to seek a Vote on Account. The 16th Finance Commission increased the inter-se share for Assam to 3.258 per…
Cabinet Approves ECLGS 5.0, Railway Projects, and Sugarcane FRP Increase
Key Updates:
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) issued new guidelines for states to shift the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) base year to 2022-23 to align with national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) revisions.
The Union Cabinet approved the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme 5.0 (ECLGS 5.0) to provide additional credit to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and airlines facing economic challenges.
The government increased the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane by ₹10 to ₹365 per quintal for the 2026-27 season, a move expected to benefit one crore farmers.
The Union Cabinet approved three new railway projects with an estimated cost of ₹23,437 crore to enhance infrastructure and connectivity across 19 districts in six states.
The timeline for the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-III (PMGSY-III) was extended with an increased financial outlay of over ₹83,000 crore to support rural road development and connectivity.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved three multi-tracking railway projects worth ₹23,437 crore to expand the national rail network by 901 kilometres. Managed by the Ministry of Railways (MoR), the…
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will support $70 billion in new energy and digital infrastructure projects across the Asia-Pacific region by 2035. Under the Pan-Asia Power Grid Initiative, ADB aims to mobilise $50…
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced five new reforms under the Reform Express initiative, raising the 2026 total to nine. Indian Railways launched stainless steel containers with top-loading and hydraulic…
The Union Cabinet approved infrastructure and policy proposals worth Rs 12,236 crore, covering railways, aviation, urban transport, power sector reforms and agriculture. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)…
Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) 2.0 Guidelines Released for Comprehensive Child Health Screening
Key Updates:
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) released the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) 2.0 Guidelines at the National Summit on Good Practices and Innovations in Public Healthcare Service Delivery.
The updated framework expands the established 4Ds approach—Defects at Birth, Diseases, Deficiencies, and Developmental Delays—to include mental health conditions, behavioural concerns, and non-communicable diseases.
RBSK 2.0 follows a lifecycle-based approach to provide a comprehensive continuum of care for children from birth to 18 years of age.
Health screening services are delivered through Mobile Health Teams at Anganwadi Centres and schools to identify risk factors for conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.
The guidelines introduce digital health cards, real-time data systems, and a robust referral tracking system to ensure children identified with health conditions receive facility-based diagnosis and treatment.
India's maternal mortality ratio fell from 508 per one lakh livebirths in 1990 to 116 per one lakh livebirths in 2023. India recorded 24,700 maternal deaths in 2023.
The revised Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) 2.0 guidelines expand child health screening to include mental health conditions and early risk factors for diabetes and hypertension among children aged 0-18 years.…
India ranks second globally in childhood obesity after China, overtaking the United States, according to the World Obesity Atlas 2026. In 2025, India had 14.9 million children aged 5–9 and over 26 million aged 10–19 who…
The WHO Foundation and Novo Nordisk have launched a joint initiative in India to prevent childhood obesity through school-based programmes. The initiative aligns with the Indian government’s Ayushman Bharat School Health…
NITI Aayog launches Central Prabhari Officer (CPO) portal for real-time governance
Key Updates:
NITI Aayog has launched the Central Prabhari Officer (CPO) portal to strengthen real-time governance and improve coordination among stakeholders.
The portal is designed to accelerate last-mile delivery under the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) and Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP).
Central Prabhari Officers (CPOs) will submit field observations and recommendations in real time via mobile devices to inform policy actions and administrative interventions.
The platform enables Districts to view suggestions provided by CPOs and submit responses, while State Planning Secretaries coordinate implementation across departments.
Officers at NITI Aayog and various Line Ministries and Departments will monitor these inputs to ensure data-driven governance and faster administrative response.
The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) operationalised an Internal Audit Portal developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC). The portal (ruralaudit.dord.gov.in) enables Secretary-level access for direct…
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched Nivesh Mitra 3.0, an upgraded single-window investment portal, in Lucknow. The portal consolidates over 530 services from 43 departments into fewer than 200…
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched the CM Jan Sunwai Portal and mobile app for public grievance submission. Complaints can be registered via portal, app, call centre (1902), or offline through the Chief Minister’s…
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari launched the upgraded RAJMARG PRAVESH web portal to streamline issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for facilities along National Highways. The…
100 Days Ayushman Student Coverage Mission to Expand Youth Health Coverage in Nagaland
Key Updates:
Nagaland launched the ‘100 Days Ayushman Student Coverage Mission’ to expand health coverage for its younger citizens.
The mission is being implemented from May to August, led by the Nagaland Health Protection Society (NHPS) in collaboration with district administrations.
Registration and Ayushman card generation camps will be conducted in selected educational institutions.
Eligible students will be enrolled under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) and the Chief Minister Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS).
The initiative aims to strengthen student health security through universal registration and improved access to healthcare benefits.
Ayushman Bharat Diwas is celebrated annually on April 30 to recognise the impact of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). PM-JAY was launched on September 23, 2018, in Ranchi, Jharkhand.
Maharashtra government launched the ₹65.25 crore 'Majha Gaon, Arogyasampann Gaon' rural healthcare initiative on World Health Day. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the campaign in Mumbai in the presence of…
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele ousted in no-confidence vote on 7 May 2026
Key Updates:
Jeremiah Manele was ousted as Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands after a 26-22 vote of no confidence on 7 May 2026.
The no-confidence motion was moved by former deputy prime minister Frederick Kologeto and the 'New Coalition' seized control of the 50-seat Parliament.
In his final statement, Manele warned Opposition leader Matthew Cooper Wale to 'be very careful of who you are dealing with and sitting next to'.
Manele raised concerns that a recent Appeal Court decision could 'open the door to more political instability' by involving courts in parliamentary processes.
The removal raises immediate questions about the future of the 2022 security pact and Solomon Islands' ties with China.
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley won a third consecutive term after her Barbados Labor Party captured all 30 seats in Parliament. The general election was held on Wednesday, with results announced by state-owned…
The United Kingdom has set aside a bill to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius due to lack of support from United States President Donald Trump. The UK government stated it would only proceed with the deal if it had…
Sanae Takaichi is the Prime Minister of Japan and leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). The LDP won 316 of the 465 seats in Japan’s lower house of parliament.
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu conveyed non-recognition of the UK-Mauritius Chagos Islands deal through two written objections (November 2024 and January 2026) and a phone call with UK Deputy Prime Minister David…
India and European Union launch ₹169 crore EV battery recycling partnership
Key Updates:
India and the European Union (EU) launched a ₹169 crore (€15.2 million) joint programme to enhance electric vehicle (EV) battery recycling capacity and recover critical raw materials.
The initiative was announced under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), specifically within Working Group 2 focused on green and clean energy technologies.
The programme focuses on recovering critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, graphite, and nickel from used batteries.
A joint EU-India pilot line will be established in India to test and deploy innovative recycling technologies.
The deadline for submitting proposals for the third coordinated call for EV battery recycling technologies is September 15, 2026.
Rocklink India, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Germany-based Rocklink Group, has set up its first integrated recycling facility in the Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Corporation (UPSIDC) Industrial Area in…
The Delhi government released the draft Electric Vehicle Policy 2026–2030 to accelerate electric vehicle (EV) adoption through financial incentives and infrastructure mandates. The policy proposes a 100 per cent…
Rocklink India Pvt. Ltd. has established an integrated recycling facility for lithium-ion batteries and rare earth magnets at the Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Corporation (UPSIDC) Industrial Area in…
The Ministry of Mines approved 58 companies for participation under the incentive scheme for promotion of critical mineral recycling. The scheme has an outlay of ₹1,500 crore and is part of the National Critical Mineral…
India and Vietnam Review Defence Ties and Sign 13 Agreements in New Delhi on 6 May 2026
Key Updates:
Union Minister for Defence Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, General Phan Van Giang, in New Delhi on 6 May 2026.
The two nations signed 13 agreements to provide for deeper two-way engagement and reviewed the growing strategic trust under the India-Vietnam Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Discussions focused on expanding cooperation in key areas including maritime security, defence industry collaboration, and joint research, co-development, and co-production.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reiterated India’s commitment to working with Vietnam under the Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth for All in the Region (MAHASAGAR) vision.
Vietnam President To Lam was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan on his maiden visit to India during the high-level exchanges.
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.
Vietnamese President To Lam is visiting India from 5 May to 7 May to discuss expanding defence ties and the potential purchase of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. BrahMos is a joint venture between Indian and Russian…
India and Austria concluded 15 arrangements covering defence, technology, innovation and trade. A Joint Working Group on counter‑terrorism was agreed to be set up between the two countries.
India and the Republic of Korea (ROK) aim to increase bilateral trade from $27 billion to $50 billion by 2030. The two nations decided to upgrade the India-Korea trade agreement by next year.
India commemorates first anniversary of Operation Sindoor against terror infrastructure in PoK and Pakistan
Key Updates:
India observed the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor, a military countermeasure initiated following the Pahalgam terror attack on 22 April 2025.
The operation involved decisive military action by the Indian Armed Forces against terror infrastructure and terrorists located in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) released footage of the 88-hour military response, which included precision strikes that commenced at 1:05 AM.
The Headquarters of the Indian Defence Staff (HQ IDS) designated the operation as a symbol of national resolve to safeguard the sovereignty of the country.
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi stated that India would identify and punish terrorists and their backers, asserting that terror and trade cannot coexist.
Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi flagged off the culmination ceremony of Bharat RannBhoomi Darshan D2D Expedition at the National War Memorial in New Delhi. The 22-day expedition covered…
India's Ministry of Defence signs ₹1,476 crore contract with Bharat Electronics Ltd for Indian Army systems
Key Updates:
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a ₹1,476 crore contract with Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) to procure five ground-based mobile electronic systems for the Indian Army.
The mobile electronic systems are intended to boost the surveillance and networking infrastructure of the Indian Army.
The systems will feature a minimum of 72 per cent indigenous content.
The contract was inked under the Buy (Indian-Indigenously designed, developed and manufactured) category in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
The procurement aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make-in-India initiatives to strengthen the indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem.
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) signed an MoU with SASMOS HET Technologies Limited to strengthen indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities. The MoU was exchanged between BEL chairman and managing director Manoj Jain…
The Ministry of Defence signed a Rs 1,950 crore contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for procurement of two mountain radars and associated infrastructure for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The mountain radar is…
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Bengaluru-based Bellatrix Aerospace signed an MoU on Thursday to collaborate on design, development and manufacturing of satellite systems and payloads for Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO)…
The Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) of the Indian Army has partnered with the IIT-Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation to develop indigenous military technologies. A Nodal Indigenisation Centre…
CSIR-CRRI and BPCL Develop India's First Plastic Waste-Based Phoenix Geocell for Road Construction
Key Updates:
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) developed the Phoenix Geocell, India's first technical textile geocell made from end-of-life mixed plastic waste.
The technology converts mixed municipal plastic waste into structural strips of 4–8 mm thickness to create honeycomb structures with thermal stability up to 250 degrees Celsius.
The innovation was demonstrated on July 11, 2025, at Loop 1 of the elevated DND–Faridabad–KMP Expressway near Delhi with support from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
The geocell system underwent durability and performance testing under extreme temperatures and varying terrain conditions in Leh and Bikaner.
The project was recognised by the India Book of Records and Asia Book of Records and aligns with the Swachh Bharat Mission, Waste to Wealth Mission, and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Ministry of Culture (MoC) will conduct a three-month nationwide survey from Monday to map India’s manuscript heritage. Survey teams will identify manuscripts in institutions, private collections and with individual…
The MP Birla Planetarium (MPBP) conferred the MP Birla Memorial Award on Yashwant Gupta, the director of the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR). The biennial…
Prasar Bharati extended free access to its PB-SHABD (Shared Audio-Visuals for Broadcast and Dissemination) platform until March 2027. PB-SHABD was launched in March 2024 and delivers daily news content in video, audio…
Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) 2026 nominations opened on 28 March 2026 and will close on 11 May 2026. Nominations, including self-nominations, are submitted online through the Ministry of Home Affairs Awards Portal…
Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) Sign 5-Year Cybersecurity Pact
Key Updates:
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has entered into a five-year partnership with the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) to bolster India's digital identity infrastructure.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was formalised between UIDAI Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Vivek Chandra Verma and S.O. Junare, Director of the Gujarat Campus of NFSU.
The collaboration focuses on six strategic domains: academic enrichment, information security, forensic capabilities, cybersecurity technical support, research in cutting-edge technologies, and educational outreach.
Joint research efforts under this agreement will explore artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, deepfake detection, and cryptographic technologies.
The partnership aims to strengthen digital resilience and forensic capabilities to safeguard digital public infrastructure while providing student placement and capacity building opportunities.
Ms. Sagarika Chakraborty, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IIRIS, and Prof. Dr. Harpreet Kaur, Vice Chancellor of National Law University (NLU), Jodhpur, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the IIRIS…
Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND) and Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) signed a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance information sharing and coordination. The MoU was signed by…
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) launched its first structured Bug Bounty Programme to further strengthen the security of the Aadhaar system. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology…
Survey of India (SoI), the national nodal agency for geospatial data under the Department of Science and Technology, signed a five-year MoU with Digital University of Kerala (DUK). The MoU focuses on academic and…
NLC India Limited (NLCIL) signs agreement with EDF-France for nuclear power development
Key Updates:
NLC India Limited (NLCIL) signed a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) with EDF – France on 27 April 2026 to explore the development of nuclear projects in India.
The collaboration focuses on Evolutionary Power Reactor (EPR) and Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technologies as complementary solutions for carbon-free nuclear power.
EDF – France is the largest nuclear operator globally and specializes in Pressurised Water Reactors (PWR) and European Pressurised Reactors (EPR).
India has established a target to achieve 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047 to support the Viksit Bharat and Net Zero Carbon initiatives.
The Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill was passed by Parliament on 18 December 2025 to modernize nuclear sector governance.
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…
NTPC and Électricité de France (EDF) signed a non-binding MoU on 8 April 2026 to explore cooperation in developing nuclear power projects in India. The agreement sets a framework for jointly assessing the feasibility of…
India's first Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, achieved criticality on 6 April at 8:25 pm. The achievement marks the formal entry into the second stage of India's three-stage nuclear power…
India has set a target to scale up its nuclear power capacity from the current 8.8 gigawatt (GW) to 100 GW by 2047. Central Electricity Authority (CEA) Chairperson Ghanshyam Prasad announced the roadmap during an…
Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti observed on May 7, 2026
Key Updates:
Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti 2026 was observed on May 7, marking the 165th birth anniversary of the Nobel laureate.
Rabindranath Tagore was born on May 7, 1861, in Kolkata to parents Debendranath Tagore and Sarada Devi.
He became the first Asian to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913 for his poetry collection titled Gitanjali.
Tagore authored India’s national anthem, Jana Gana Mana, and established Visva-Bharati University in Santiniketan.
In West Bengal, the anniversary is celebrated on the 25th day of Boishakh according to the Bengali calendar.
Vairamuthu has been conferred the 60th Jnanpith Award, India’s highest literary honour, announced by Bharatiya Jnanpith on Saturday. He becomes the third Tamil writer to receive the Jnanpith Award after Akilan and…
Sundar Pichai was named to TIME's 100 Most Influential People of 2026 for democratising Artificial Intelligence, with Google integrating tools such as Gemini CLI, NotebookLM and Antigravity under his leadership. Ranbir…
Ramakrishna Paramahansa Jayanti falls on 19 February 2026. Dwitiya Tithi begins at 04:57 PM on 18 February 2026 and ends at 03:58 PM on 19 February 2026.
Kids’ Athletics Day observed on 7 May
Key Updates:
Kids’ Athletics Day is held annually on 7 May.
The Kids’ Athletics programme was launched in 2022 and has reached 1.3 million children in schools, clubs, and communities globally.
World Athletics aims to reach a total of 2 million children this year by engaging more than 700,000 additional participants.
Sebastian Coe is the President of World Athletics.
Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, is the host of the 2026 World Athletics Relays.
International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) is observed annually on April 6. The 2026 theme is 'Sport: Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers'.
Odisha in India will host the World Athletics Indoor Championships from 3-5 March 2028. Astana in Kazakhstan will host the 2030 edition of the championships from 15-17 March 2030.
ASMITA (Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women) League athletics events will be held on 8 March 2026 in 250 districts. Over two lakh girls will compete in 100m, 200m, and 400m races in Under-13, 13–18, and 18+ age…
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) announced ASMITA League athletics events on 8 March 2026 in 250 districts. Over 2 lakh girls will compete in 100m, 200m, 400m races across Under-13, 13–18 and 18+ age groups.
International Day of the Midwife observed on May 5, 2026
Key Updates:
International Day of the Midwife is observed on May 5, 2026.
Midwives provide essential sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn and adolescent health services worldwide.
Midwives support women and gender-diverse people before, during, and after birth.
The observance involves the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM), its partners, allies, and more than 135 midwives’ associations.
The participating midwives' associations span across more than 115 countries.
India's maternal mortality ratio fell from 508 per one lakh livebirths in 1990 to 116 per one lakh livebirths in 2023. India recorded 24,700 maternal deaths in 2023.
National Safe Motherhood Day is observed annually on 11 April in India. The day was first established in 2003 by the White Ribbon Alliance India (WRAI).
International Women's Day 2026 is observed globally on March 8. The United Nations (UN) announced the 2026 theme as 'Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls'.
World Hand Hygiene Day 2026 observed on May 5 with theme 'Hand Hygiene: one action that saves lives'.
Key Updates:
World Hand Hygiene Day 2026 was observed on May 5, 2026.
The theme for World Hand Hygiene Day 2026 is 'Hand Hygiene: one action that saves lives'.
Dr Jarbas Barbosa stated that hand hygiene is an action that saves lives.
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) contribute to the burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
A webinar for World Hand Hygiene Day 2026 was held on May 5, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. EST.
World Water Day 2026 is observed on Sunday, March 22, 2026. The official theme for 2026 is 'Water and Gender' with the campaign slogan 'Where water flows, equality grows'.
World Health Organization (WHO) reported an estimated 10.6 million people developed TB in 2022, including 1.3 million children. WHO recorded 1.3 million TB deaths among HIV-negative individuals and an additional 300,000…
World Day for Safety and Health at Work is observed annually on 28 April to promote safe, healthy and decent work. The day has been observed by the International Labour Organization (ILO) since 2003.
National Cartoonists Day observed globally on May 5
Key Updates:
National Cartoonists Day is observed every year on May 5.
The day was established by the National Cartoonists Society in the late 1990s.
The date May 5 commemorates the debut of the first colour comic strip in the New York World in 1895.
The first colour comic strip featured the character The Yellow Kid, created by Richard F. Outcault.
The day honours the evolution of the craft from early newsprint to modern digital and animated formats.
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…
International Design Day is observed annually on 27 April to reflect on the role design plays in shaping society. The theme for International Design Day 2026 is "The Spaces In Between".
World Creativity and Innovation Day is observed on April 21. The initiative was promoted by Marci Segal from Toronto, Canada, and officially started in 2001.
World Puppetry Day is celebrated annually on March 21. Cirque Du Soleil marked the occasion at the Disney Springs venue by showcasing intricate puppets from the production Drawn to Life.
Soma Mandal Named Regional Winner of 2026 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards
Key Updates:
Soma Mandal was named the regional winner for the South Asia region of the 2026 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards by the International Education group at Cambridge University Press & Assessment (Cambridge).
She was selected for her dedication to empowering pupils to participate in the worldwide fight against climate change.
Soma Mandal is a science teacher at GD Goenka Public School, Delhi, with over 10 years of teaching experience.
The award benefits include a trophy, publicity, £500 worth of books for her class, and a feature on a 'Thank you' page in new Cambridge textbooks from November 2026.
The 2026 competition received over 12,000 nominations from 126 different countries and identified nine regional winners.
The Ministry of Ayush has invited applications for the Prime Minister’s Awards for Yoga-2026 to recognise exemplary contributions to the development and promotion of Yoga at national and international levels. Each award…
Spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev launched the Bhavya Bharat Bhushan Award to recognise individuals for their contributions to the growth and well-being of the nation. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the…
