Daily Current Affairs – 08-05-2026

National News

Somnath Temple Renovation – 75 Years

Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the event scheduled on May 11 marking the 75th anniversary of the renovation of the Somnath Temple. The event also commemorated the completion of 1000 years since the attack on the temple through the Somnath Swabhiman Parv festival. The reconstruction of the temple was initiated under the leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who announced the renovation plan on November 13, 1947, during Diwali. The reconstruction work was completed in 1951, and the inauguration was attended by the then President Rajendra Prasad. The article also mentioned important spiritual centres such as Kashi Vishwanath, Ayodhya, Ujjain, Trimbakeshwar, and Srisailam in connection with heritage preservation and development of pilgrimage infrastructure under the policy of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’.

Free Annual Health Check-up Scheme for Workers

Union Minister of Labour and Employment Mansukh Mandaviya launched a free annual health check-up scheme for workers aged 40 years and above across India on May 7 at the ESIC Medical College and Hospital, New Delhi. Under the scheme, full-body medical examinations will be conducted once every year through camps organized by ESIC (Employees’ State Insurance Corporation) hospitals across the country. The Union Government also recently implemented 4 new labour laws to strengthen workers’ welfare, social security, and employment benefits. The number of beneficiaries under the Union Government’s social security schemes increased from 30 crore to 94 crore in the last 10 years, while beneficiaries under the ESIC scheme increased from 7 crore to 15 crore.

Subsidy Scheme for Indian-Registered Merchant Ships

The Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has extended the subsidy scheme for Indian companies registering merchant ships in India for another 5 years till 2030-31. The scheme was originally approved by the Union Cabinet in July 2021 with an allocation of ₹1,624 crore for a period of five years. The subsidy is provided to Indian shipping companies participating in global tenders issued by Central Ministries and Public Sector Undertakings for importing government cargo. Under the scheme, merchant ships registered in India after February 1, 2021, and less than 10 years old, are eligible for a subsidy of either 15% of the lowest foreign bid or the difference between the Indian and foreign bids, whichever is lower. Ships registered before February 1, 2021, are eligible for a subsidy of 10%.

Royal Enfield Investment in Andhra Pradesh

Royal Enfield will establish a new manufacturing plant in Satyavedu, Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh, with an investment of ₹2,200 crore. The project received approval from the State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB) headed by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. Land has been allocated in Vanelluru and Rallakuppam villages located near the Andhra Pradesh–Tamil Nadu border. The project is expected to generate around 5,000 direct and indirect jobs. The new plant will increase the company’s annual production capacity by about 9 lakh vehicles. A vendor park will also be established to develop a supply chain ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh. The first phase of the project is scheduled for completion by 2029, and the second phase by 2032. Andhra Pradesh Human Resources Development Minister Nara Lokesh stated that the project will support industrial growth in South Andhra Pradesh.

Skyroot Aerospace Becomes India’s First Space Unicorn

Skyroot Aerospace, a Hyderabad-based private space company from Telangana, became India’s first space-sector Unicorn after crossing a valuation of 1 billion US dollars through a recent investment of around 60 million US dollars. Major investors in the funding round included GIC of Singapore, Sherpalo Ventures, Keenko Group, and Arkam Ventures. The company is currently working on the final stages of launching Vikram-1, India’s first private earth-orbit launch vehicle. Skyroot Aerospace CEO Pawan Kumar Chandana stated that the launch vehicle is aimed at providing low-cost launch services for global satellite companies. Sherpalo Ventures founder Ram Shriram also highlighted the company’s role in developing cost-effective space infrastructure.

Possible Ban on Paraquat Dichloride Herbicide

The Central Government is considering a nationwide ban on Paraquat Dichloride, a widely used herbicide, following recommendations from an expert committee that studied its toxicity and public health impact. The chemical has been linked to kidney failure, lung damage, Parkinson’s disease, and fatal poisoning. The proposed ban is expected to affect a large agrochemical market with more than 1,500 licensed holders. The herbicide is widely used in crops such as tea, rubber, coffee, cotton, paddy, wheat, maize, potato, grapes, and apple, and also for weed control in canals and water bodies. In December 2015, the Registration Committee under the Ministry of Agriculture allowed continued use of the chemical with safety measures such as warning labels and improved packaging. The latest move follows recommendations of the Anupam Verma Committee, which reviewed 66 pesticides banned or restricted in other countries. The government later formed another sub-committee to reassess the safety, efficiency, and toxicity of Paraquat Dichloride. Import of the herbicide increased from 8,598 tonnes in 2019-20 to 20,786 tonnes in 2022-23. Domestic sales increased to 1.05 lakh tonnes in 2023-24. Telangana imposed a 60-day ban from April 1 on the sale, distribution, and use of the herbicide, while Odisha had imposed similar restrictions in 2023. A study published in The National Medical Journal of India described Paraquat Dichloride as a highly toxic chemical that can cause severe illness or death through ingestion, inhalation, or skin absorption.

APEDA Extends Organic Farmers Verification Deadline

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has extended the deadline for 100% physical verification of farmers cultivating organic crops in farmer groups till July 3. This is the second extension for the verification process that began on November 3, 2025. The extension was granted due to issues such as network problems, updating farmer records, and temporary migration of farmers. According to APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev, about 52% of farmers have been verified so far. In July 2022, the Central Government informed the Lok Sabha that 19,29,243 farmers had been certified under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) through recognized certification agencies, and 4,712 organic farmer groups were operational. After July 3, unverified farmers will not be allowed to perform activities on the Tracenet system, including yield updates and sale of produce. APEDA has also directed farmer groups with less than 20% verification to complete at least 50% verification by June 3. From June 4, transaction certificates will not be issued to groups failing to meet the target until 100% verification is completed. APEDA also stated that action will be taken against certification agencies showing slow or unsatisfactory progress under NPOP regulations.

Skyroot Aerospace Becomes India’s First Space Unicorn

Skyroot Aerospace, a space technology start-up based in Hyderabad, Telangana, achieved unicorn status after raising $60 million in a new funding round at a valuation of $1.1 billion. It became the first Indian space technology start-up to cross the $1 billion valuation mark. The funding round was led by Sherpalo Ventures and GIC, with participation from Greenko Group founders, Arkam Ventures, BlackRock, Playbook Partners, and Sanghvi Family Office. Pawan Kumar Chandana, Founder and CEO of Skyroot Aerospace, stated that the funds will be used for the launch of Vikram-1, expansion of manufacturing, and development of the Vikram-2 launch vehicle with advanced cryogenic stages. Ram Shriram, founder of Sherpalo Ventures, will join the company’s board. A.K. Bhatt, Director General of the Indian Space Association, described the achievement as an important milestone for India’s private space ecosystem and highlighted India’s aim to secure a larger share in the global space economy by 2033.

India Aircraft Leasing Summit 2.0

The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), along with the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), organised the 2nd India Aircraft Leasing and Financing Summit 2.0 (IALFS 2.0) on May 8, 2026 at GIFT City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The summit was presided over by Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, while Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel attended as the Chief Guest. The event focused on strengthening GIFT IFSC as a global hub for aircraft leasing and aviation finance. The summit discussed the development of India’s domestic aviation financing and leasing ecosystem and the expansion of India’s commercial aircraft fleet across various categories.

International Ophthalmology Research Conference 2026

The Army Hospital (Research and Referral), New Delhi, in association with the All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS), will organise India’s first international ophthalmology research conference titled AIOS-AFOU 2026 on May 9 and 10, 2026 at the Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantonment. The two-day event will be inaugurated by Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth. The conference will be attended by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), the three service chiefs and the Defence Secretary. Around 200 ophthalmologists and military eye specialists from across India are expected to participate. More than 100 professors from institutions including AIIMS New Delhi, PGI Chandigarh, L.V. Prasad Eye Institute Hyderabad, Sankara Nethralaya Chennai and Aravind Eye Care System will take part in the conference.

INS Sagardhwani Visits Vietnam

The Indian Naval research vessel INS Sagardhwani arrived at Cam Ranh Port, Vietnam, on May 5, 2026 as part of India-Vietnam scientific cooperation. The ship was received by Senior Colonel Tran Van Quang, Deputy Commander of the Khanh Hoa Military Command, along with representatives of the Vietnam People’s Navy and Coast Guard. INS Sagardhwani will hold scientific discussions with the Institute of Oceanography at Nha Trang to strengthen cooperation in marine science and ocean research. During the visit, the Indian Navy and the Vietnam People’s Navy will conduct training exchanges, cross-training visits, sports events and joint yoga sessions. INS Sagardhwani, commissioned in July 1994, is a specialised oceanographic research vessel that contributes to marine acoustics and naval oceanographic studies.

Sports News

World Cup Archery – Indian Women’s Team Enters Final

At the World Cup Archery Stage 2 tournament held in Shanghai, China, the Indian recurve women’s team comprising Deepika Kumari, Ankita Bhakat, and Kumkum Mohanta entered the final and assured India of a medal. India defeated Uzbekistan 6-2 in the first round, Vietnam 5-4 in the quarterfinals, and South Korea 5-1 in the semifinals. India will face China in the final on Sunday. In the men’s recurve team event, the Indian team comprising Tarundeep Rai, Dhiraj Bommadevara, and Yashdeep Bhoge lost to Bangladesh 2-6 in the second round. In the mixed recurve event, Dhiraj Bommadevara and Ankita Bhakat lost to Brazil 4-5, while in the compound mixed team event, Ojas Pravin Deotale and Aditi Swami lost to the USA pair 156-157 in the quarterfinals.

Asian Junior Boxing Championship – India Assures 12 Medals

At the Asian Junior Boxing Championship for Under-15 and Under-17 categories held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, the Indian women’s team in the U-17 category advanced to the semifinals and confirmed 12 medals. Indian boxers Rocky (46 kg), Khushi (48 kg), Mamta (52 kg), Laxmi (54 kg), Navya (57 kg), Ishika (60 kg), Harnoor (66 kg), Himanshi (70 kg), Jyoti (75 kg), and Gurseerat (80+ kg) won their quarterfinal matches to enter the semifinals. Ovi lost in the 50 kg category to an Uzbek boxer. In the men’s 44-46 kg category, Narendra Kumar Nella defeated his Jordanian opponent through RSC (Referee Stops Contest).

International News

Hantavirus Outbreak in Cruise Ship

A Hantavirus outbreak was reported on the Dutch cruise ship M.V. Hondius, which started its journey from Argentina. The World Health Organization (WHO) is monitoring the situation. The virus has been identified as the Andes strain, a South American type that can spread from human to human and is transmitted through rodent droppings. So far, 3 people, including a Dutch couple and a German woman, have died, and 8 people have been infected. After the first death on April 24, more than 40 passengers from around 12 countries disembarked at Saint Helena Island, a British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic Ocean, and returned to their countries. Singapore isolated two elderly passengers, Switzerland confirmed one infection, and two passengers in Britain entered self-isolation. The ship is currently heading towards Spain’s Canary Islands with more than 140 passengers and crew members still on board.

WTO Members Agree on E-Commerce Duty Moratorium

At a high-level meeting of the World Trade Organization (WTO) held in Cameroon, member countries failed to extend the long-standing moratorium on customs duties for cross-border electronic transmissions. Following this, 19 WTO member countries, including the United States, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Australia, Norway, Argentina, Canada, and the European Union members, entered into a separate agreement not to impose duties on electronic transmissions. The agreement came into effect from May 8. The WTO moratorium, first agreed in 1998, had prevented taxation on cross-border digital transactions such as online streaming of music and movies and software downloads. The issue reportedly remained unresolved due to a lack of agreement with Brazil.

Apple to Invest ₹100 Crore in Clean Energy

Apple has announced an investment of ₹100 crore to expand renewable energy capacity in India in partnership with CleanMax. The investment aims to develop more than 150 megawatts of new renewable energy capacity, which can supply electricity to around 1.5 lakh Indian households annually. The initiative is intended to increase renewable energy usage across Apple’s supply chain in India. Earlier, Apple had collaborated with CleanMax on rooftop solar projects to operate its offices and retail stores using 100% renewable energy. The project supports Apple’s target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 across its overall operations. Apple also stated in its environmental progress report that it has reduced global greenhouse gas emissions by more than 60% compared to 2015.

Economy News

RBI Approval for Kotak Mahindra Bank Stake Acquisition

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved Kotak Mahindra Bankto acquire up to 9.99% stake each in Federal Bankand AU Small Finance Bank. The approval letter dated May 6 was received by both banks. According to the approval, Kotak Mahindra Bank, its subsidiaries, and investment schemes managed by them can together acquire up to 9.99% of share capital or voting rights in AU Small Finance Bank and Federal Bank. Following the announcement, shares of AU Small Finance Bank, Federal Bank, and Kotak Mahindra Bank recorded gains in the Mumbai Stock Exchange trading.

Tamil Nadu News

CMRL Receives Global Environmental Award

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has been selected for the 2026 Global Environmental Leadership Project Award in the Transport Sector – Metro Rail category at the Global Environmental Excellence Awards. The award will be presented during the Global Energy Leader Summit to be held in New Delhi on May 22. The recognition was given for integrating environmental aspects in the planning, construction, and operation stages of the Chennai Metro Rail project.

NCRB Report on Crimes Against Women in Tamil Nadu

According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report titled “Crime in India 2024”, Tamil Nadu recorded 11,363 cases of crimes against women in 2024, compared to 8,943 cases in 2023 and 9,207 cases in 2022. The state recorded a crime rate of 29.4 cases per one lakh women, and charge sheets were filed in 93% of the registered cases. In 2024, the state recorded 419 rape cases, 33 attempted rape cases, and 24 cases related to sexual intercourse by deceit. Cases registered also included 1,237 assaults intended to outrage women’s modesty, 50 cases of disrobing attempts, 421 sexual harassment cases, including 23 workplace harassment complaints, 521 stalking cases, and 1,911 kidnapping cases. Under domestic violence-related offences, 3,344 cases of cruelty by husband or relatives, 34 dowry death cases, and 2,042 cases under the Dowry Prohibition Act were registered. The report also recorded 198 cybercrime cases against women and 10 cases under the Domestic Violence Act. Among major cities in Tamil Nadu, Chennai recorded the highest number of crimes against women with 1,093 cases, followed by Coimbatore with 377 cases.

Tamil Nadu Leads in Road Accidents: NCRB Report 2024

According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report, Tamil Nadu recorded the highest number of road accidents in India in 2024 with 69,828 traffic accidents, compared to 69,491 cases in 2023. The state reported 20,390 deaths and 71,868 injuries due to traffic accidents, accounting for 10.2% of India’s total road accident deaths. Among these, 67,526 road accident cases and 17,994 deaths were specifically related to road crashes. Overspeeding was identified as the major cause of accidents, leading to 13,765 deaths, the highest in the country. On State Highways, Tamil Nadu recorded 21,688 accidents and 6,099 deaths, the highest in India under the highway category. In National Highways, the state recorded 6,359 deaths, the second highest after Uttar Pradesh. The report stated that 11,786 two-wheeler rider deaths and 4,176 pedestrian deaths were recorded in the state. The highest number of accidents occurred between 6 PM and 9 PM, with 16,823 accidents, while May 2024 recorded the highest monthly accidents at 5,640 cases. The report also noted that Tamil Nadu recorded zero deaths at railway crossings in 2024, but incidents on railway tracks and premises caused 2,396 deaths and 203 injuries. The NCRB report further stated that Tamil Nadu recorded 19,965 suicides in 2024, the second highest in India after Maharashtra, accounting for 11.7% of total suicides in the country. The state recorded 32 family or mass suicide cases involving 79 deaths. Major reasons included family problems in 7,737 cases and illness-related causes in 5,847 cases.

States’ News

Aircraft Testing Facility in Andhra Pradesh

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is planning to establish an Aircraft Integration and Flight Testing Facility at Puttaparthi in Sri Sathya Sai district, Andhra Pradesh. The facility is important for the development of India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme and future indigenous fighter aircraft and unmanned aerial systems projects. The Ministry of Defence has granted in-principle approval for the project. Under the project, the Andhra Pradesh Government will allocate 150 acres of land near the Puttaparthi runway for the testing facility and an additional 200 acres for office and residential infrastructure. The project also includes extension of the runway to 10,000 feet and development of aviation infrastructure such as ATC tower, navigation aids and weather support systems. The initiative aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat and Andhra Pradesh Defence and Aerospace Policy 4.0. The Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) has also been permitted to develop industrial land banks, including 300 acres for private aerospace and defence manufacturing partners.