Current Affairs – 4 May, 2026
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📌 Defense • Military
Q.1) DRDO has launched an armored combat vehicle; what is its name?
Ans > Vikram VT-21
- Vikram VT-21 Advanced Armoured Platform (AAP): DRDO formally unveiled prototypes of the Vikram VT-21 on April 25, 2026, at the Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (VRDE) in Ahilyanagar (formerly Ahmednagar), Maharashtra. The programme is being executed by DRDO in partnership with Bharat Forge Limited (BFL) and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) under the Development-cum-Production Partner (DcPP) model.
- Platform Variants: The AAP family comprises both tracked and 8×8 wheeled variants, designed to meet requirements for a modular, future-ready armoured fighting vehicle platform with a gross vehicle weight of approximately 24 tonnes. Both variants feature a high degree of commonality with compact integrated powerpack, automatic transmission, and modular protection systems.
- Advanced Features: The vehicles are configured with provisions for laser warning receivers, countermeasure suites, loitering munitions integration, and mini unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) interfaces. The AAP incorporates a V-shaped hull for mine blast mitigation, modular ceramic-composite armour meeting STANAG 4569 Level IV (blast) and Level V (ballistic) standards, and 500mm ground clearance.
- Armament & Propulsion: Equipped with an unmanned turret mounting a 30mm autocannon, co-axial 7.62mm machine gun, and provision for anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs). Propulsion is provided by a 720hp diesel engine with automatic transmission, delivering amphibious capability across diverse terrains.
- Indigenous Content: Current indigenous content is approximately 65%, with plans to increase to 90% as the programme matures. The programme is aligned with India’s Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) requirement, with potential induction into service from 2028.
📌 Science • Technology
Q.2) Who has created the world’s first zero-emission ‘coal battery’?
Ans > China
- China’s Zero-Carbon Direct Coal Fuel Cell: On April 26, 2026, Chinese scientists led by Xie Heping (Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen University) unveiled the world’s first zero-carbon-emission direct coal fuel cell (ZC-DCFC). This breakthrough technology generates electricity from coal without combustion, achieving higher energy efficiency than conventional coal-fired power while producing zero CO2 emissions.
- How It Works: Coal is pulverised, dried, purified and surface-treated before being fed into the anode chamber. Oxygen is supplied to the cathode, and fine coal powder undergoes electrochemical oxidation across an oxide membrane, yielding electricity directly without any intermediate steam cycle or mechanical turbine. At the anode outlet, high-purity CO2 is captured in situ and catalytically converted into valuable chemical feedstocks like synthesis gas or mineralised into compounds like sodium bicarbonate.
- Significance: This challenges the stereotype of coal as a heavily polluting fuel source. By eliminating combustion entirely, the technology sidesteps the CO2 emissions that have long defined coal use, potentially revolutionising clean coal technology and extending the viability of coal resources in a carbon-constrained world.
- Research Leadership: The team is led by Xie Heping, a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences affiliated with Shenzhen University. The development represents a major milestone in electrochemical energy conversion and carbon capture utilisation.
📌 Energy • Power
Q.3) Which country has become the 33rd in the world to generate electricity using nuclear power?
Ans > Bangladesh
- Bangladesh Enters Nuclear Era: On April 28, 2026, Bangladesh began uranium fuel loading into the reactor core of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP), becoming the 33rd country in the world to use nuclear power for electricity generation. The plant is located in Rooppur, Pabna district, and is the largest single infrastructure project in Bangladesh’s history.
- Plant Specifications: The Rooppur NPP involves two units, each with a capacity of 1,200 megawatts, being constructed by Russian contractor Atomstroyexport (Rosatom). The project is implemented by the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission under the Ministry of Science and Technology.
- Fuel Loading & Timeline: After fuel loading, the electricity generation process will begin gradually on a trial basis. Approximately 300 megawatts of electricity is expected to be supplied to the national grid by August 2026. It may take around 10 months to achieve full electricity supply with ensured safety standards.
- Distinguished Attendees: The fuel loading inauguration ceremony included Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam, the Prime Minister’s Science and Technology Adviser Rehan Asif Asad, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, and Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev.
- Strategic Significance: After overcoming the Covid-19 pandemic, Russia-Ukraine war, and global crises, Bangladesh’s entry into nuclear power represents a historic milestone for energy security and economic development in South Asia.
📌 Defense • Military
Q.4) Which indigenous missile’s maiden ‘Salvo Launch’ was successfully conducted by DRDO and the Indian Navy in April 2026?
Ans > Naval Anti-ship Missile-Short Range (NASM-SR)
- Maiden NASM-SR Salvo Launch: On April 29, 2026, DRDO and the Indian Navy successfully conducted the first salvo launch of the Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Short Range (NASM-SR) from a Sea King Mk.42B helicopter off the coast of the Bay of Bengal at Chandipur, Odisha. Two missiles were launched in quick succession from the same helicopter.
- Missile Specifications: NASM-SR weighs 375 kg and is 3.6 metres long, propelled by a solid rocket booster with a maximum range of 55 km. It features a terminal Imaging Infrared (IIR) seeker for precision targeting and an omni-directional multi-EFP warhead weighing 100 kg developed by DRDO.
- Advanced Capabilities: The missile demonstrated waterline hit capability — a strike profile designed to target a ship’s hull at or near the waterline to maximise flooding and structural damage. It includes fibre-optic gyroscope-based INS, radio altimeter, electro-mechanical actuators, jet vane control, and a high-bandwidth two-way data link for lock-on-after-launch and in-flight retargeting.
- Production & Integration: Missiles are produced by Adani Defence & Aerospace as Development-cum-Production Partner (DcPP). NASM-SR is also planned for integration with MH-60R Seahawk, HAL Dhruv ALH, C-295 MRMR, and MQ-9B platforms.
- Strategic Importance: NASM-SR is India’s first indigenous helicopter-launched anti-ship missile, replacing the ageing British-origin Sea Eagle missile. It significantly enhances the Indian Navy’s anti-surface warfare (ASuW) envelope in the Indian Ocean Region.
📌 Sports • Judo
Q.5) Inunganbi Takhellambam, who was in the news, is related to which sport?
Ans > Judo
- Inunganbi Takhellambam — Asian Judo Bronze: Inunganbi Takhellambam (born 24 January 1999) is an Indian judoka from Manipur who won a bronze medal at the 2026 Asian Judo Championships held in Ordos City, China in April 2026. She competes in the middleweight -70kg weight class.
- Historic Achievement: Her bronze medal was India’s first medal in 13 years at the continental championship, following Angom Anita Chanu’s bronze in the women’s -52kg category at Bangkok in 2013. She defeated Mongolia’s Lkhagvadulam Sarantsetseg by ippon in the bronze medal match.
- Career Progression: In August 2025, she won gold at the Amman Asian Open in Jordan. She is now preparing for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Asian Games, with upcoming competitions including a Grand Slam in Kazakhstan (May 8-10), a training camp in Japan, Qingdao Grand Prix (June 26-28), and Taipei Asian Open (July 11-12).
- Background: Takhellambam is supported by the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) and the Manipur Judo Association. Her achievement has been celebrated by the Manipur sports minister with plans for felicitation in June 2026.
📌 Science • Policy
Q.6) Which state’s Cabinet approved the ‘Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy 2026’ in April 2026 to promote innovation?
Ans > Maharashtra
- Maharashtra AI Policy 2026: The Maharashtra cabinet approved the ‘AI Policy 2026’ on April 29, 2026, targeting investments of over ₹10,000 crore and creation of 1.5 lakh jobs by 2031. The policy was announced by Electronics, IT and AI Minister Ashish Shelar.
- Key Components: The policy proposes launching a Maharashtra AI Mission, establishing five AI innovation cities, and six sectoral Centres of Excellence. It aims to train 2 lakh youth and professionals in AI technologies and develop 50 AI tools and use-cases for industry adoption.
- Infrastructure & Investment: The state plans to create a shared computing backbone with at least 2,000 GPUs under a ‘compute-as-a-service’ model, a State AI Data Exchange, and datasets in Marathi, regional dialects, and tribal languages. A ₹500 crore AI startup fund will be created (₹250 crore state contribution), with grants up to ₹1 crore for startups and ₹1.25 crore for women-led ventures.
- MSME Support: 5,000 MSMEs will receive financial support to adopt AI technologies. Incentives include capital subsidies, stamp duty exemptions, power tariff benefits, and concessions in electricity tariffs for AI-driven industries.
- Governance Framework: Maharashtra will become the first state to create a separate framework for ethical AI, including annual AI readiness audits across government departments. The policy is modelled on the Centre’s ‘IndiaAI Mission’ framework with seven pillars: infrastructure, data ecosystems, skilling, innovation, startup support, sectoral deployment, and governance.
📌 Finance • SEBI
Q.7) Which platform did the ‘Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)’ implement in May 2026 to enhance investor protection and transparency?
Ans > PaRRVA
- SEBI PaRRVA Framework Operationalised: SEBI operationalised the Past Risk and Return Verification Agency (PaRRVA) framework from May 4, 2026, to enhance transparency and investor protection in financial markets. The framework was originally issued on April 4, 2025.
- Verification & Data Roles: CARE Ratings Limited has been granted recognition as the PaRRVA (verification agency), while the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE) functions as the PaRRVA Data Centre (PDC), responsible for maintaining and processing the data infrastructure.
- Pilot Phase: A pilot phase was launched on December 8, 2025, to test operational workflows and data validation processes with participating entities. Full-scale operations commenced on May 4, 2026, following successful completion of the pilot.
- Scope of Verification: PaRRVA validates performance claims related to investment advisory services, research services, and algorithmic trading offerings. Verified performance data can be used by regulated entities in advertisements, subject to applicable regulatory guidelines.
- Investor Benefit: Investors can access verified and comparable metrics across services, reducing scope for selective or misleading performance disclosures. The framework mandates third-party verification to enhance trust and standardisation in performance reporting.
📌 Government • App
Q.8) Which state has launched the “E-Shram Saathi” mobile app for the protection and empowerment of workers’ rights?
Ans > Chhattisgarh
- Chhattisgarh E-Shram Saathi App: The Government of Chhattisgarh launched the ‘e-Shram Saathi’ mobile application, inaugurated by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai. The app functions as a ‘Digital Labour Chowk’ connecting workers with employment opportunities and welfare schemes through a single platform.
- Objectives: The initiative aims to ensure last-mile delivery of benefits, enhance transparency, and strengthen the social and economic security of workers. Workers can access job information, register themselves, and get details of various government schemes directly from their homes.
- Technology Integration: The government emphasised technology-driven monitoring, digital inspections, and better implementation of labour laws to improve governance in the labour sector. This represents a significant step toward digital empowerment of labourers in the state.
- Worker Welfare: The app is designed to bridge the gap between workers and government welfare schemes, ensuring that benefits reach intended beneficiaries efficiently. It supports the broader goal of formalising the informal labour sector and improving working conditions.
📌 Social Issues • Demography
Q.9) According to the “Women and Men in India 2025” report the Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) in India has increased from 904 in 2017-19 to how much in 2021-23?
Ans > 917
- Sex Ratio at Birth Improved to 917: According to the Sample Registration System (SRS) Report 2023 and the ‘Women and Men in India 2025’ publication, India’s Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) has improved to 917 females per 1,000 males in 2021-23, up from 904 in 2017-19, 914 in 2020-22, and 896 in 2015-17.
- State-wise Performance: Chhattisgarh and Kerala report the highest Sex Ratio at Birth at 974 and 971 respectively. Uttarakhand has the lowest at 868. Rural SRB is 914 while urban SRB is 925 during 2021-23.
- PC&PNDT Act Impact: The improvement reflects strengthened implementation of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994. Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda highlighted this progress at the 31st Central Supervisory Board meeting.
- Broader Context: The ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ initiative has significantly contributed to promoting the value of the girl child. States like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, and Haryana have implemented proactive measures including sting operations and state task forces to combat gender-biased sex selection.
- UNFPA Recognition: UNFPA noted that India’s Sex Ratio at Birth improvement from 896 (2015-17) to 917 (2021-23) demonstrates that when communities, governments, and civil society work together, positive change is possible in addressing gender-biased sex selection.
📌 Technology • Aviation
Q.10) Where will India’s first commercial seaplane airline be launched by Skyhop Aviation?
Ans > Lakshadweep
- Skyhop Aviation Seaplane Service: SkyHop Aviation has received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), becoming India’s first dedicated commercial seaplane operator. The company will launch operations in Lakshadweep, connecting 5 islands with each other and the mainland.
- Aircraft & Operations: Operations will begin with a 19-seater modified De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft fitted with floats. Test flights were conducted at Ganga Barrage and Tehri Lake in Uttarakhand, including water take-offs and landings on April 6, 2026.
- Founder & Vision: Avani Singh, Founder and CEO of SkyHop Aviation, stated the aim is to offer safe, reliable connectivity to regions where conventional airport infrastructure is limited. The airline hopes to contribute to regional access and national integration.
- Expansion Plans: Beyond Lakshadweep, SkyHop is evaluating opportunities in other parts of India where seaplane connectivity can make a real difference, particularly in regions with water bodies and limited airport infrastructure.
- Regulatory Milestone: This marks the first time a structured, commercial seaplane network is being rolled out at scale in India. Previous experiments with seaplanes were limited and did not establish sustained commercial operations.
📌 Government • Panchayat
Q.11) How many Gram Panchayats have been placed in the ‘Leading’ (A Grade) category in the ‘Panchayat Development Index (PAI) 2.0 Report’ released by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj?
Ans > 3,635
- PAI 2.0 Report Released: The Ministry of Panchayati Raj released the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0 Report for 2023-24 on National Panchayati Raj Day (April 24, 2026). The index achieved 97.30% participation from 2,59,867 Panchayats across 33 States and UTs.
- Front Runner Category: 3,635 Gram Panchayats emerged in the Front Runner category (Grade A), representing the highest performers. This is a significant improvement from version 1.0 which had 80.79% participation.
- Performance Categories: Panchayats are classified into five grades: Achiever (A+), Front Runner (A), Performer (B), Aspirant (C), and Beginner (D). The Performer category (Grade B) houses the largest group with 1,18,824 GPs (approximately 45.72% of participating bodies).
- Theme-wise Achievements: Under Theme 1 (Poverty Free & Enhanced Livelihoods), 3,313 GPs achieved A+ grade. Under Theme 2 (Healthy Panchayat), 1,015 GPs reached A+ grade for excellence in preventive healthcare, nutrition, and sanitation.
- Framework Refinement: PAI 2.0 rationalised the indicator set from 516 indicators in version 1.0 to 150 indicators for sharper focus, evaluating each Panchayat against 150 indicators and 230 data points across nine thematic areas to achieve the Localization of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs).
📌 Economy • Appointments
Q.12) Who has been recently appointed as the new Vice-Chairman of Infosys?
Ans > Nitin Paranjpe
- Nitin Paranjpe Appointed Vice-Chairman: IT giant Infosys appointed Nitin Paranjpe as non-executive Vice-Chairman of its board with immediate effect in May 2026. The appointment was approved by the Board of Directors following a recommendation by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee.
- Distinguished Career: Paranjpe is currently the non-executive Chairman of Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) and non-executive Vice-Chairman of Heineken N.V. He brings 37+ years of experience from Unilever, where he started as a management trainee in 1987 and held top positions including COO, Chief People & Transformation Officer, and President of major global business divisions.
- Educational Background: He studied mechanical engineering at the College of Engineering, Pune, and completed his MBA in Marketing from Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai. He became one of the youngest CEOs of Hindustan Unilever.
- Role at Infosys: As Vice-Chairman, Paranjpe will support Chairman Nandan Nilekani in guiding the Board and shaping the company’s strategic agenda. Nilekani clarified that he will continue as Chairman as long as necessary and there is no plan for a chairman transition.
- Strategic Significance: The appointment strengthens Infosys’ governance framework amid a dynamic global technology landscape, bringing extensive consumer business expertise to the IT services giant.
📌 Economy • GDP
Q.13) Which percentage of India’s GDP is contributed by 47 million-plus cities?
Ans > 60%
- Cities Drive India’s Economy: According to World Bank India estimates, 47 million-plus cities in India contribute nearly 60% of the country’s GDP. These urban centres are the engines of economic growth, employment generation, and innovation.
- Investment Requirements: The World Bank estimates that India needs to invest $840 billion (approximately ₹70 lakh crore) by 2036 in urban infrastructure to sustain growth and meet the needs of its rapidly urbanising population.
- Urbanisation Trends: India is one of the fastest urbanising countries in the world. By 2030, it is estimated that 40% of India’s population will live in urban areas, up from about 35% currently. This makes urban infrastructure investment critical for inclusive growth.
- Key Urban Sectors: Major contributions come from services (IT, finance, hospitality), manufacturing, trade, and real estate. Cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Pune are major economic hubs driving national output.
- Policy Imperatives: This data underscores the importance of the Smart Cities Mission, AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation), and urban infrastructure development in India’s growth strategy. Quality of urban governance directly impacts national economic performance.
📌 Defense • Navy Exercise
Q.14) Where has the 4th edition of the bilateral diving exercise ‘IN-SLN DIVEX 2026’ between the Indian and Sri Lankan Navies been successfully conducted?
Ans > Colombo, Sri Lanka
- IN-SLN DIVEX 2026 in Colombo: The 4th edition of the bilateral diving exercise IN-SLN DIVEX 2026 between the Indian Navy and Sri Lankan Navy was conducted in Colombo, Sri Lanka from April 21 to 28, 2026. The exercise reaffirmed the growing maritime partnership between the two nations.
- Indian Navy Deployment: The Indian Navy deployed its Diving Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel INS Nireekshak for the exercise. The Sri Lankan Navy fielded its diving teams, jointly enhancing operational coordination and professional synergy in deep-sea diving operations.
- Exercise Objectives: The bilateral diving exercise focused on advanced deep-sea diving operations, submarine rescue procedures, underwater engineering, and maritime salvage techniques. It strengthened interoperability and mutual understanding between the two navies.
- Strategic Context: The exercise comes amid deepening India-Sri Lanka maritime cooperation, with India being a key development partner for Sri Lanka. Regular bilateral exercises like SLINEX (naval exercise) and DIVEX demonstrate the commitment to regional maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region.
- Historical Significance: The 4th edition marks the continuity of this bilateral engagement, which has grown in scope and complexity since its inception. These exercises are crucial for maintaining undersea domain awareness and disaster response capabilities in the region.
📌 Government • Appointments
Q.15) Who has been appointed by the Central Government as the new President of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT)?
Ans > Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal
- Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal Appointed NCLT President: Justice (retd) Anupinder Singh Grewal, former Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, has been appointed as President of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet cleared his appointment on April 29, 2026.
- Breaking Convention: His elevation is historically significant because the position of NCLT president has traditionally gone to retired Chief Justices of High Courts. Justice Grewal is the first senior puisne judge of a high court to be appointed to this role, breaking a long-standing convention.
- Tenure & Background: He will hold office for five years from the date he assumes charge or until he attains the age of 67, whichever is earlier. Born on March 10, 1964, in Ludhiana district, he studied at St Stephen’s College, Delhi, and earned his law degree from the University of Delhi in 1992.
- Legal Career: He enrolled as an advocate in 1992 and practised at the Punjab and Haryana High Court. He held several law officer positions for Punjab including Assistant Advocate General, Deputy Advocate General, Senior Deputy Advocate General, and Additional Advocate General. He also served as Central Government Counsel and Senior Panel Counsel.
- NCLT Significance: Set up under the Companies Act, 2013, the NCLT is India’s principal forum for adjudicating company law disputes, insolvency proceedings under the IBC, mergers and amalgamations, and cases involving oppression and mismanagement. As president, Justice Grewal will oversee its functioning across benches nationwide.
📌 Arts • Awards
Q.16) Which artist has been selected for the Karnataka Lalithakala Academy’s Honorary Award?
Ans > M.G. Doddamani
- M.G. Doddamani — Karnataka Lalithakala Academy Honorary Award: Kalaburagi artist M.G. Doddamani has been selected for the Karnataka Lalithakala Academy’s Honorary Award for 2024-25, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the visual arts. His art is noted for its deep engagement with social themes and cultural narratives.
- Artistic Contribution: Doddamani’s work reflects a strong connection to Karnataka’s cultural heritage, particularly from the Kalaburagi region (formerly Gulbarga) in North Karnataka. His artistic practice spans multiple mediums and addresses contemporary social issues through traditional visual language.
- Karnataka Lalithakala Academy: The Karnataka Lalithakala Academy is the state’s premier institution for promoting visual arts, including painting, sculpture, and applied arts. The Honorary Award is one of its highest recognitions, conferred on artists who have made exceptional contributions to the field over their careers.
- Regional Significance: Doddamani’s recognition highlights the rich artistic traditions of North Karnataka, which has produced many distinguished artists despite being less represented in mainstream art discourse compared to Bengaluru or Mysuru.
- Cultural Impact: The award brings attention to the role of regional art academies in nurturing and recognising talent outside major metropolitan centres, supporting the decentralisation of cultural recognition in India.
📌 Culture • Education
Q.17) Where has the Adi Vidya Foundation (AVF) launched India’s first ‘Spiritual Science Curriculum’?
Ans > Delhi-NCR
- India’s First Spiritual Science Curriculum: The Adi Vidya Foundation, a non-profit public charitable knowledge trust, launched India’s first Spiritual Science Curriculum at the first National Conference on Spirituality in Schools held at the India International Centre, New Delhi (Delhi-NCR) on April 30, 2026.
- Conference & Vision: The one-day conference brought together policymakers, education leaders, school principals, mental health professionals, and spiritual leaders. Shantanu Prakash, Founder of Adi Vidya Foundation, stated: ‘We have built an education system that focuses on everything except what matters most… Our aim is to bring the focus on SQ (Spiritual Quotient) on an equal footing with IQ and EQ.’
- Curriculum Focus: The programme introduces structured learning focused on self-awareness, emotional resilience, values-based thinking, and inner well-being. It addresses spirituality not in religious terms, but as a framework for inner development aligned with globally recognised principles of meaningful learning.
- NEP 2020 Alignment: The conference builds on the National Education Policy 2020 vision, which emphasises holistic development and promotes integration of physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being through values-based learning and Indian Knowledge Systems.
- Distinguished Speakers: Included Gauranga Prabhu Das ji, Pundrik Goswami Ji Maharaj, Dr R Balasubramaniam, Himanshu Gupta IAS, Veditha Reddy IAS, and other eminent personalities. The event concluded with a cultural evening featuring classical music by the Mohan Brothers.
📌 Science • Space
Q.18) How many total common Civilians has ISRO planned to include for the first time in the second batch of ‘Gaganyaan Mission’ astronauts?
Ans > 4
- Gaganyaan Second Batch — 4 Civilians: ISRO is preparing to select a second batch of astronauts for the Gaganyaan programme, planning to include 4 civilians for the first time alongside military personnel. This marks a major expansion of India’s human spaceflight ecosystem beyond Indian Air Force test pilots.
- First Batch vs Second Batch: The first selection round was limited to Indian Air Force test pilots. The new intake will include civilians from Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) backgrounds, reflecting ISRO’s vision of building a diverse, long-term human spaceflight capability.
- Long-term Vision: This expansion aligns with India’s ambitious space goals including the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (Indian Space Station) and crewed missions to the Moon by 2040. A broader astronaut corps is essential for sustaining long-duration missions and complex orbital operations.
- Selection Criteria: Civilian candidates will undergo rigorous physical, psychological, and technical training at the Astronaut Training Facility being established in Bengaluru. The training will cover spacecraft systems, spacewalks, robotics, and emergency procedures.
- Historical Context: This follows global trends where space agencies like NASA and ESA have expanded astronaut selection beyond military pilots to scientists, engineers, doctors, and educators, enriching mission capabilities and public engagement.
📌 Energy • Policy
Q.19) Which country has set a 2050 deadline to phase out the use of fossil fuels?
Ans > France
- France’s Fossil Fuel Phase-out Roadmap: France unveiled a comprehensive ‘Roadmap for Transitioning away from Fossil Fuels’ on April 28, 2026, at the First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels in Santa Marta, Colombia. The plan sets explicit deadlines: coal by 2030, oil by 2045, and natural gas by 2050.
- Global First: Analysts say no other country has published such a clear and comprehensive plan with specific phase-out dates for all fossil fuels. The roadmap brings existing climate and energy policies under one umbrella with an explicit goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
- Current Consumption: Fossil fuels accounted for less than 60% of France’s final energy consumption in 2023 (down from 65% in 2011). Coal represents less than 1%, oil 38%, and fossil gas 19% of final consumption. France already generates two-thirds of its electricity from nuclear plants.
- Key Targets: 66% of new car sales to be electric by 2030; 1 million heat pumps installed per year by 2030; gas boilers banned in new buildings by end of 2026; triple solar capacity by 2035; 15GW offshore wind by 2035; new EPR2 nuclear reactors and extension of existing fleet lifespan.
- Energy Sovereignty: The roadmap emphasises that the transition strengthens France’s energy sovereignty. More than 60% of fossil fuels were sourced from abroad in 2023. The plan aims to ensure that reduced dependence on oil does not translate into new dependence on imported vehicles or technologies.
📌 Arts • Cinema
Q.20) Which two Marathi films have been selected for the ‘Cannes International Film Festival 2026’ to be held in France?
Ans > Jeev and April May 99
- Marathi Films at Cannes 2026: Two Marathi films — Jeev (The Creature) and April May 99 — have been selected for the prestigious Marché du Film (Film Market) section of the Cannes International Film Festival 2026 in France. The announcement was made by Swati Mhase Patil, MD of Maharashtra Film, Theatre and Cultural Development Corporation.
- Jeev (The Creature): Directed by Ravindra Jadhav, this 104-minute feature film explores the traditions and customs of the tribal Konkani community in Maharashtra. The story revolves around the Chaure family, where after the elder’s death on Holi, an ancient custom forbids festivals until the departed soul (jeev) returns through a new birth. The family struggles against social pressure and threats of boycott.
- April May 99: Directed by Rohan Mapuskar, the film is centred on friendship, the early stages of love, self-discovery, and nostalgic memories of summer vacations. It represents contemporary Marathi cinema’s exploration of youth and relationships.
- Selection Process: A panel of experts including Chhaya Kadam, Amol Parchure, Trupti Bhoir, Bhausaheb Karhade, and Vijay Khochikar was involved in the selection process. Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar congratulated the teams.
- Significance for Marathi Cinema: Selection for Marché du Film — the world’s largest film market platform — provides international exposure and potential distribution opportunities. It highlights the growing recognition of regional Indian cinema on the global stage, following previous Marathi successes like Court (2014) and Sairat (2016).
📌 Quick Summary — Current Affairs 4 May, 2026
- Defense & Military: DRDO launched the Vikram VT-21 Advanced Armoured Platform.
- Science & Technology: China unveiled the world’s first zero-carbon-emission direct coal fuel cell (ZC-DCFC).
- Energy & Power: Bangladesh became the 33rd country to generate electricity using nuclear power (Rooppur NPP).
- Defense & Military: DRDO and Indian Navy conducted the maiden salvo launch of NASM-SR.
- Sports: Indian judoka Inunganbi Takhellambam won a bronze medal at the 2026 Asian Judo Championships.
- Science & Technology: Maharashtra Cabinet approved the ‘AI Policy 2026’ targeting ₹10,000 Cr+ investment.
- Finance & Economy: SEBI implemented the PaRRVA platform for performance claim validation.
- Government & Policy: Chhattisgarh launched the “E-Shram Saathi” mobile app as a Digital Labour Chowk.
- Social Issues & Demography: India’s Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) improved to 917 in 2021-23.
- Science & Technology: Skyhop Aviation to launch India’s first commercial seaplane airline in Lakshadweep.
- Government & Policy: 3,635 Gram Panchayats placed in the ‘Leading’ category in the PAI 2.0 Report.
- Finance & Economy: Nitin Paranjpe was appointed as the non-executive Vice-Chairman of Infosys.
- Finance & Economy: 47 million-plus cities contribute nearly 60% of India’s GDP.
- Defense & Military: The 4th edition of the ‘IN-SLN DIVEX 2026’ bilateral diving exercise was held in Colombo.
- Government & Policy: Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal was appointed as President of the NCLT.
- Arts & Culture: M.G. Doddamani was selected for the Karnataka Lalithakala Academy’s Honorary Award.
- Arts & Culture: Adi Vidya Foundation launched India’s first ‘Spiritual Science Curriculum’ in Delhi-NCR.
- Space Exploration: ISRO plans to include 4 civilians for the first time in the Gaganyaan Mission.
- Energy & Power: France sets a 2050 deadline to completely phase out fossil fuels.
- Arts & Culture: Marathi films ‘Jeev’ and ‘April May 99’ selected for the Cannes International Film Festival 2026.
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