International
World Red Cross & Red Crescent Day — 8 May 2026
2026 theme: ‘United in Humanity’. Observed on the birth anniversary of Henry Dunant (8 May 1828) — founder of ICRC and first Nobel Peace Prize laureate (1901). ICRC founded in 1863, Geneva, inspired by the 1859 Battle of Solferino. First Red Cross Day: 8 May 1948; renamed to include Red Crescent in 1984.
Governance
CBFC — Shashi Shekhar Vempati Appointed Chairperson
Shashi Shekhar Vempati (former CEO, Prasar Bharati; Padma Shri 2026) appointed Chairperson, Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for 3 years; succeeds Prasoon Joshi. CBFC established 1951 under Cinematograph Act, 1952; HQ Mumbai; under Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB). Vempati previously led Doordarshan, AIR, Rajya Sabha TV, and BARC.
International
India–Vietnam Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
Vietnam President To Lam visited India 5–7 May 2026. Bilateral ties upgraded to Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Trade target: USD 25 billion by 2030. 13 MoUs signed (digital tech, health, culture, education, tourism). 27 cooperation agreements at India-Vietnam Business Forum, Mumbai. Focus areas: defence, maritime, renewable energy.
Defence
DRDO’s TARA — India’s First Indigenous Glide Weapon
TARA = Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation. India’s first indigenous glide weapon system — converts unguided bombs (250 kg, 450 kg, 500 kg) into precision-guided weapons. Guidance: INS, GPS, and electro-optical. Developed by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad. Maiden flight-trial off Odisha coast; part of Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence.
Business & Economy
Kotak Mahindra Bank — RBI Approval for Stake Acquisition
RBI approved Kotak Mahindra Bank (KMBL) to acquire up to 9.99% stake each in AU Small Finance Bank and Federal Bank. Governed by Banking Regulation Act, 1949 and Banking (Acquisition and Holding of Shares) Directions, 2025. KMBL will become one of the largest institutional shareholders of Federal Bank upon completion.
Governance
NCRB ‘Crime in India 2024’ — Key Statistics
India’s overall crime rate: 418.9 in 2024 (down from 448.3 in 2023). Delhi — highest cognisable offences among 19 metro cities: 2,75,402 cases (also lowest charge-sheeting rate). Total cognisable offences: 35.44 lakh cases. Suicides (ADSI 2024): 1,70,746 cases. Bengaluru suicide rate: ~20 per lakh population.
Education
NITI Aayog Report — India’s School Education System
India has the world’s largest school education system: 14.71 lakh schools, 24 crore+ students across 36 states/UTs. ~8,000 ghost schools (zero enrolment); highest in West Bengal (3,812) and Telangana (2,245). Concerns: Higher secondary GER 38.4%, secondary dropout rate 11.5%. Report covers 2014–25; released by Suman K. Bery and Nidhi Chhibber.
Technology
Pixxel — NRO Contract & Firefly Constellation
Pixxel (Indian space-tech startup) secured contract from National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), USA under CSO programme. Constellation: Firefly — 6 hyperspectral satellites (launched 2025). Technology: Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI) — advanced spectral analysis for defence, environment, agriculture, and intelligence. Executed by Pixxel Federal; VP: Allyson Jenkins.
Monetary Policy
New Base Year for GSVA/GSDP — 2022–23
NSO / MoS&PI notified uniform guidelines for Gross State Value Added (GSVA) with new base year 2022–23 for National Accounts. Previous base year: 2011–12 (used by 34 states/UTs). Exceptions: Lakshadweep, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu. Ensures standardised framework and improved comparability of GSDP performance across states.
Defence
BRO — 66th Raising Day (7 May 2026)
Border Roads Organisation (BRO) established 7 May 1960; 66th Raising Day in 2026. Mission: strategic road and bridge infrastructure in northern and northeastern India border areas. Border Roads Development Board (BRDB) approved 14 March 1960 by Union Cabinet; reconstituted in 1985 under Defence Minister. Key to India’s border security infrastructure.