- The Ministry of Power (MoP) revised Make in India norms for HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current) substations in May 2026, targeting 60% local content by 2035. This move strengthens India’s domestic manufacturing capacity in advanced power transmission.
- The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) released the Guidance Document on Diabetes Mellitus in Children on May 3, 2026, India’s first national framework for the 0–18 age group. It makes childhood diabetes a formal public health priority, introducing universal screening via schools and RBSK 2.0 mobile teams.
- The Union Government notified the South Coast Railway (SCoR) Zone on May 4, 2026, making it India’s 18th railway zone under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014. Operations will start on June 1, 2026, with headquarters at Visakhapatnam.
- The United States launched “Project Freedom” on May 4, 2026, to escort stranded merchant ships through the Strait of Hormuz after Iran’s blockade disrupted nearly 90% of global shipping traffic. The operation, led by U.S. Central Command, aims to restore safe passage in one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.
- On May 6, 2026, reform-linked MoUs were signed in New Delhi with Mizoram and Ladakh under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0. The aim was to strengthen the Har Ghar Jal vision by 2028 through sustainable, community-led rural water supply systems.
- SpaceX launched the CAS500-2 mission on May 3, 2026 (local time May 2) from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, USA. The mission carried South Korea’s CAS500-2 Earth observation satellite as the primary payload. It was a high-efficiency rideshare, deploying a total of 45 satellites — CAS500-2 plus 44 other payloads from international customers.
- The 2026 BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals concluded on May 3, 2026, in Horsens, Denmark. China won the Thomas Cup (Men’s Championship), defeating France 3–1 to secure their 13th title. South Korea clinched the Uber Cup (Women’s Championship) with a clinical team performance.
- World Laughter Day 2026 was celebrated on May 3, the first Sunday of May, as a global awareness event. It is not just about comedy but about promoting peace, well-being, and happiness through laughter. The 2026 theme — “World Peace through Laughter” — emphasized that inner joy and positive emotions are the foundation of global harmony.
- International Firefighters’ Day (IFFD) was observed worldwide on May 4, 2026. This annual tribute honors the bravery of firefighters serving on the front lines and memorializes those who lost their lives in duty. The 2026 focus — “Protecting the Responders” — emphasized safety, respect, and global solidarity for those who safeguard communities.
- World Portuguese Language Day 2026 was observed on May 5. It celebrates Portuguese as a global language of culture, identity, and cooperation, spoken by over 260 million people worldwide. The 2026 focus highlighted its role in multilingualism, cultural diversity, and international cooperation.
- World Asthma Day 2026 was observed on May 5 (first Tuesday of May). Organized by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), this year’s campaign spotlighted global inequality in respiratory healthcare. The official 2026 theme was: “Access to anti-inflammatory inhalers for everyone with asthma – still an urgent need.”
- Shashi Shekhar Vempati, former CEO of Prasar Bharati, was appointed as the new Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) on May 6, 2026. He succeeds lyricist Prasoon Joshi, who has taken charge as Chairman of Prasar Bharati.
- Italian motorsport legend and Paralympic champion Alex Zanardi passed away at the age of 59 on May 1, 2026, in Bologna. His family confirmed the news, stating he died peacefully surrounded by loved ones.
- Ted Turner, the legendary founder of CNN and pioneer of the 24-hour news cycle, died on May 6, 2026, at the age of 87. His passing marks the end of an era in global media, as he reshaped television news, sports, and entertainment with bold vision and philanthropy.
Questions:
Q.1 Under the revised Make in India norms, India aims to achieve what percentage of local content in HVDC substations by 2035?a) 40%
b) 60%
c) 50%
d) 75%
Answer: b) The revised norms target 60% local content in HVDC substations by 2035 to reduce import dependence and encourage indigenous production.
Q.2 Who was appointed as the new Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in May 2026?
a) Shashi Shekhar Vempati
b) Prasoon Joshi
c) Amit Khare
d) Shekhar Kapur
Answer: a) Former Prasar Bharati CEO Shashi Shekhar Vempati became the new CBFC Chairperson.
