Daily Current Affairs – 04-05-2026

National News

India’s First OptoSAR Satellite ‘Drishti’ Launched via SpaceX

An Indian startup GalaxEye, incubated at IIT Madras, launched its first satellite ‘Drishti’ on May 3, 2026, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California as part of the CAS500-2 mission. ‘Drishti’ is the world’s first satellite capable of capturing both optical and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images simultaneously using its proprietary OptoSAR technology. Optical sensors capture images using reflected sunlight but are affected by clouds, smoke, and darkness, whereas SAR uses microwave signals to capture images in all weather conditions. The satellite integrates both technologies in a synchronized manner to capture images of the same location at the same time, overcoming limitations of separate satellite data. The satellite is a fully India-made private satellite and was one among 45 payloads launched in the mission. The innovation is particularly relevant for tropical regions like India where cloud cover affects imaging.

South Coast Railway Zone to Begin Operations from June 1, 2026

The South Coast Railway (SCoR), the 18th railway zone of Indian Railways, is expected to begin operations from June 1, 2026, with the gazette notification to be issued soon, as announced by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on April 28, 2026. The headquarters of SCoR is located at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The formation of this zone is based on the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014. The Union Cabinet approved the creation of this zone on February 7, 2025. The zone covers major parts of Andhra Pradesh and includes parts of Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. It consists of four divisions: Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Guntur, and Guntakal. The zone was formed by reorganising parts of the East Coast Railway (ECoR) and South Central Railway (SCR). The headquarters is being constructed on 52.2 acres of land at Mudasarlova, with an allocation of ₹184 crore, and the foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January 2025. The region is significant for railway freight as it connects mineral-rich areas and major ports including Visakhapatnam Port.

100% FDI Allowed in India’s Insurance Sector

The Government of India has enabled 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the insurance sector through amendments to the Foreign Exchange Management (Non-Debt Instruments) Rules, allowing foreign companies to establish wholly owned insurance firms or acquire existing private insurers in India, except Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) where FDI remains capped at 20%. The policy allows foreign investment up to 100% of paid-up share capital in Indian insurance companies under the automatic route, subject to approval and verification by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). India currently has 60 insurance companies, including 26 life insurance companies and 34 general insurance companies, with 53 private sector insurers. The rules mandate that in companies with foreign investment, at least one among the Chairperson, Managing Director, or Chief Executive Officer must be an Indian citizen. The policy also applies to insurance intermediaries such as brokers, reinsurance brokers, corporate agents, third-party administrators, surveyors, and insurance repositories. The reforms are linked to the passage of the Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, also known as ‘Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha’, which amended the Insurance Act, 1938, LIC Act, 1956, and IRDAI Act, 1999.

India Issues National Guidelines for Childhood Diabetes Screening and Treatment

The Government of India has released the first national guidelines for childhood diabetes covering Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, aiming to ensure universal screening for children from birth to 18 years through community and school-based platforms. The initiative integrates diabetes care into the public health system, providing free diagnosis, insulin therapy, glucometers, test strips, and follow-up care at public health facilities. Suspected cases will undergo blood glucose testing and be referred to district-level health centres for confirmation and treatment. The guidelines are implemented under the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), which targets early detection and management of 32 health conditions including birth defects, diseases, and developmental delays. The framework promotes the “4Ts” awareness model—Toilet, Thirsty, Tired, Thinner—for early identification of Type 1 diabetes symptoms. The Union Health Ministry also released a 144-page guideline document and updated the RBSK 2.0 guidelines, expanding screening to include non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and hypertension, along with mental health conditions and developmental disorders.

India Rejects Nepal’s Objection to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Lipulekh Pass

The Government of India rejected objections raised by Nepal regarding the use of the Lipulekh Pass for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026, stating that the route has been in use since 1954. The response was given by MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, reaffirming India’s consistent position on the route and boundary issues. Nepal had raised concerns claiming the area as part of its territory and objected to the planned yatra by India and China. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 is scheduled between June and August 2026, with around 1,000 pilgrims travelling in groups through two routes: Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand) and Nathu La Pass (Sikkim). India also stated its willingness to resolve boundary issues with Nepal through bilateral dialogue and diplomacy.

India’s Longest Railway Tunnel on Rishikesh–Karnaprayag Line

India’s longest railway tunnel, Tunnel No. 8, measuring 14.58 km, has been completed between Devprayag and Janasu as part of the Rishikesh–Karnaprayag broad gauge railway project in Uttarakhand. This project is a key component of the 125 km Char Dham rail connectivity project, aimed at improving access to pilgrimage sites. The project, estimated at ₹37,000 crore, is expected to be completed by 2028 and will connect the Garhwal region with the rest of India. Around 83% of the railway line is being constructed underground considering the Himalayan terrain. Advanced technologies such as Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM) and the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) are being used. The project is being executed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL).

ONGC and CSIR-NCL Pilot Project for DME as LPG Alternative

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) in collaboration with CSIR–National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune is set to launch a pilot project to produce Dimethyl Ether (DME) as an alternative to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). The project is planned for a duration of three years, with the first year dedicated to setting up the plant, and aims to achieve a production capacity of 2.5 tonnes for industrial testing. The project will assess the commercial viability of DME and its use in industrial heating and processing as a substitute for LPG. The technology for DME production has been developed by CSIR-NCL scientists. This initiative is aimed at strengthening domestic energy capability and reducing dependence on LPG imports, especially amid concerns over global energy uncertainties and supply disruptions.

AICTE Internship Portal Registrations

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), functioning under the Ministry of Education, has recorded over 4.7 crore student registrations on its National Internship Portal in the last 4.5 years, as stated by Chief Coordinating Officer (CCO) Buddha Chandrasekhar. Out of these, more than 2.9 crore student profiles have been verified. The portal has provided over 79.57 lakh internship opportunities, and more than 32.78 lakh students have completed internships. AICTE has partnered with 81,483 companies and signed MoUs with 12,077 colleges. This initiative operates under the National Educational Alliance for Technology and the National Educational Technology Forum, and is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry requirements.

National Fire Safety Week 2026 Launched

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched a nationwide Fire Safety Week from May 4 to May 10, 2026 in coordination with all States and Union Territories and other central ministries. The initiative was inaugurated by Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava, who led a nationwide pledge on “Fire Safety in Healthcare Facilities”. The Ministry also released the National Guidelines on Fire and Life Safety in Healthcare Facilities (2026) to strengthen safety frameworks across health institutions. The guidelines introduce enhanced protocols for high-risk areas such as ICUs, NICUs, PICUs, and Operation Theatres. As part of the observance, activities such as nationwide audits, mock drills, evacuation exercises, demonstrations, and webinars are being conducted to improve preparedness and awareness.

Sports News

Mittal and Poonawalla Acquire Stake in Rajasthan Royals IPL Franchise

Indian-origin billionaires Lakshmi Mittal and Adar Poonawalla acquired a stake in the IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals (RR) through a deal valued at $1.65 billion (₹15,660 crore). A new consortium including the Mittal family, Adar Poonawalla, and existing majority owner Manoj Badale has been formed. The consortium also owns Paarl Royals (SA20 League) and Barbados Royals (Caribbean Premier League). After the deal, the Mittal family will hold about 75% stake, Adar Poonawalla around 18%, and the remaining 7% will be held by Manoj Badale and other existing investors. The deal is subject to approval by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Competition Commission of India (CCI). Rajasthan Royals, one of the original IPL teams since 2008, was earlier acquired by Manoj Badale for $67 million.

South Korea Wins Uber Cup 2026

South Korea defeated China by 3-1 in the Uber Cup 2026 final to win the title for the third time. In the singles match, world number one An Se Young defeated Wang Zhiyi in straight sets. Kim Ga-eun, ranked 17th in the world, defeated Olympic champion Chen Yufei. In doubles, the Chinese pair Liu Shengshu–Tan Ning defeated Jeong Na-eun–Lee So-hee, while the Korean pair Baek Ha-na–Kim Hye-jeong defeated Jia Yifan–Zhang Shuxian to secure the title.

India Wins Bronze in Thomas Cup 2026

The Thomas Cup 2026 badminton tournament was held in Horsens, Denmark, where the Indian men’s badminton team was defeated by France in the semifinals with a score of 0-3, finishing the tournament with a bronze medal. Due to injury, Lakshya Sen did not participate, and H.S. Prannoy played in his place. In the first singles match, Ayush Shetty lost to Christo Popov (World No. 4) with scores of 11-21, 9-21. In the second match, Kidambi Srikanth was defeated by Alex Lanier (World No. 10) with scores of 16-21, 18-21. In the third match, H.S. Prannoy lost to Toma Junior Popov with scores of 19-21, 16-21. This marks the fourth time India has won a bronze medal in the Thomas Cup, with previous bronze medals in 1952, 1955, and 1979, while India had won the championship in 2022.

Jannik Sinner Wins Mutua Madrid Open 2026

At the Mutua Madrid Open 2026 held in Spain, Italy’s Jannik Sinner won the men’s singles title by defeating Germany’s Alexander Zverev (World No. 3 seed) with scores of 6-1, 6-2. With this victory, Jannik Sinner (World No. 1) became the first player to win consecutive titles in five ATP Masters 1000 tournaments, including Paris Masters 2025, and Indian Wells, Miami Masters, Monte-Carlo Masters, and Madrid Open 2026. This match marked the 14th meeting between Sinner and Zverev, with Sinner registering his 10th win. Out of the 9 Masters 1000 tournaments, Sinner has now won 8 titles, with only the Rome Masters remaining. He received ₹11.26 crore prize money and 1,000 ranking points. In men’s doubles, the 3rd seeded pair Henry Patten (Britain) and Harri Heliövaara (Finland) defeated Guido Andreozzi (Argentina) and Miguel Ángel Reyes-Varela (France) with scores of 6-3, 3-6, 10-7. In women’s doubles, the 2nd seeded pair Kateřina Siniaková (Czech Republic) and Taylor Townsend (USA) defeated Mirra Andreeva and Diana Shnaider (Russia) with scores of 7-6 (7/2), 6-2.

Sunil Narine Joins 200-Wicket Club in IPL

Sunil Narine, representing Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has become the first overseas bowler to take 200 wickets in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He is the third bowler overall to reach this milestone after Yuzvendra Chahal and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Narine has also become the first player to achieve this feat while playing for a single franchise. He has played 197 matches and taken 201 wickets at an average of 25.53.

Tamil Nadu News

Neolithic Findings at Molapalayam, Coimbatore

A Neolithic archaeological site at Molapalayam in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu has revealed significant findings including pit dwellings and burial remains of two children during recent excavations conducted by researchers from the Department of Maritime History and Maritime Archaeology, Tamil University, Thanjavur. The site is dated to the period 1600 BCE to 1200 BCE and is associated with the Noyyal River Valley. Excavations have identified a total of six skeletons, with most skulls oriented towards the east. Important discoveries include marine shells such as Turbinella pyrum, shell beads, pendants, ornaments, and cut shells, indicating contact between inland agro-pastoral communities and coastal regions around 3,600 years ago. Other artefacts found include Neolithic stone axes, microlithic tools, bone tools, grinding stones, rubbing stones, and a terracotta lamp. The findings highlight the lifestyle of agro-pastoral communities engaged in animal husbandry, hunting, and millet-based food practices in the region during the Neolithic period.

Reports and Indices

India Leads in Virtual Water Exports: AIIB Report

According to a report by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) titled “Where the Water Flows: Infrastructure and Governance for a Sustainable Water Cycle”, India is the largest exporter of virtual water despite facing severe freshwater scarcity. Virtual Water Trade (VWT) refers to the export of water-intensive products such as rice, cotton, sugar, and textiles, which indirectly exports freshwater resources. The report highlights that countries like India, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam are major exporters, while high-income countries such as the United States, Japan, Germany, and the United Kingdom are major importers. These high-income nations outsource water-intensive production despite having relatively lower water scarcity. In contrast, low- and middle-income countries remain net exporters while facing higher water stress. China and Bangladesh act as net importers due to their role in global value chains, with China shifting from exporter to importer over the past two decades. The report indicates that global VWT patterns are driven by trade specialization rather than water availability.

States’ News

Punjab Police Introduces AI-Based Voice Bank for Crime Control

The Punjab Police has deployed an AI-powered voice identification system under the Punjab Artificial Intelligence System (PAIS), which includes a ‘Voice Bank’ with over 84,000 voice samples of known criminals and suspects. The system integrates a database of more than 3,90,000 criminals and includes features such as phonetic search and a ‘Gang Tree’ analysis tool to map organised crime networks. The initiative aims to tackle crimes linked to around 60 gangs operating from countries such as Canada, the United States, and Italy, often using encrypted applications and international virtual numbers. The system supports the ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign and enables identification of suspects through voice matching, aiding in crime prevention and investigation.

Important Days

International Firefighters’ Day

International Firefighters’ Day is observed every year on May 4 to recognize the sacrifice, bravery, and service of firefighters across the world. The day is associated with St. Florian, who is regarded as the patron saint of firefighters, and his feast day falls on May 4. This observance was first proposed in 1999, following the tragic deaths of five firefighters in a bushfire in Australia. The day aims to raise awareness about fire safety, honor firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty, and appreciate those who continue to protect people and property from fire-related hazards. Symbolically, people show support by wearing red and blue ribbons, representing fire and water.

Coal Miners Day (India)

Coal Miners Day is observed in India on May 4 to acknowledge the hard work and contribution of coal miners to the country’s economic and industrial development. Coal is one of the primary sources of energy in India, playing a crucial role in electricity generation and industrial production. This day highlights the challenges and risks faced by miners, including working in hazardous underground conditions. It also emphasizes the importance of worker safety, welfare measures, and sustainable mining practices. The observance serves to recognize the vital role played by coal miners in supporting India’s energy needs and infrastructure growth.