Current Affairs – 6 May, 2026
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📌 Government & Policy • Media
Q.1) The state’s first radio journalist, ‘Lily Das’, passed away at the age of 90. She was associated with which state?
Ans > Assam
- Lily Das — Pioneer of Assamese Radio Broadcasting: Lily Das, Assam’s first radio journalist, passed away at the age of 90. She was a pioneering figure in the history of broadcasting in Northeast India, associated with All India Radio (AIR) Guwahati. She broke barriers as the first woman to present news and programmes on radio in Assam at a time when women’s participation in media was extremely rare.
- All India Radio (AIR) — Guwahati Station: AIR Guwahati, established in 1948, was one of the earliest radio stations in Northeast India. It broadcasts in Assamese, Bodo, Bengali, and other regional languages serving millions of listeners across Assam and neighbouring states. Lily Das’s contribution was foundational in shaping the Assamese-language broadcasting tradition on AIR.
- Significance of Women Pioneers in Media: Lily Das represents a generation of trailblazers who entered journalism and media in post-independence India when such careers were dominated by men. Her 90-year life spanned the entire evolution of broadcasting in India — from analogue radio to the digital media era.
- Northeast India & Media History: Northeast India’s media landscape has grown significantly from AIR’s early broadcasts to Doordarshan Guwahati, regional newspapers like Dainik Janambhumi, The Assam Tribune, and now digital news platforms. Lily Das’s legacy inspired generations of Assamese journalists, particularly women in broadcasting.
📌 Government & Policy • Health
Q.2) Where was the National Conference on Rare Diseases organized?
Ans > New Delhi
- National Conference on Rare Diseases — New Delhi: The National Conference on Rare Diseases was organized in New Delhi. The conference brought together medical experts, patient advocacy groups, policymakers, pharmaceutical representatives, and researchers to address the challenges of diagnosis, treatment, and policy support for India’s vast rare disease patient population.
- Rare Diseases in India: A rare disease is defined as one affecting fewer than 1 in 2,000 people (European definition) or fewer than 200,000 individuals in the USA. India has no single uniform definition but the National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD) 2021 categorises rare diseases into three groups based on treatability and available therapies. An estimated 70–100 million Indians are affected by rare diseases.
- National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD) 2021: India launched the NPRD 2021 to support patients, provide financial assistance up to ₹50 lakh for treatment of certain rare diseases at Centres of Excellence (CoEs), and promote indigenous research and drug development. The policy identified 450+ rare diseases prevalent in India.
- Key Challenges: Rare disease patients in India face enormous hurdles: delayed diagnosis (often years), lack of specialist doctors, prohibitively expensive orphan drugs (often imported), limited insurance coverage, and absence of local manufacturing. The conference aimed to develop actionable strategies to address these systemic gaps.
📌 International Affairs • Summits
Q.3) Which country became the first non-European nation to attend a European Political Community (EPC) Summit?
Ans > Canada
- Canada — First Non-European Nation at EPC Summit: Canada made history by becoming the first non-European nation to attend a European Political Community (EPC) Summit in May 2026. This marked a significant expansion of the EPC’s geopolitical scope beyond the European continent, reflecting the deepening of transatlantic partnerships amid global strategic challenges.
- What is the European Political Community (EPC)? The European Political Community (EPC) was proposed by French President Emmanuel Macron and established in 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It is a forum bringing together EU member states and non-EU European nations (like UK, Ukraine, Georgia, Turkey, etc.) to discuss continental security, energy, and political cooperation. It is separate from the European Union.
- Significance of Canada’s Participation: Canada’s inclusion signals a broader interpretation of “European security” as an issue of collective Western interest. Canada is a NATO ally and G7 member with deep historical ties to Europe. Its participation at EPC reflects the forum’s evolution into a platform for broader democratic-world coordination rather than strictly European dialogue.
- Geopolitical Context: Canada’s attendance came in the context of ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, NATO solidarity efforts, Arctic security concerns, and the realignment of Western allies against authoritarianism. It signifies the EPC’s potential to transform into a broader democratic nations’ forum.
📌 Finance & Economy • Investments
Q.4) What is the investment amount announced by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for power and digital connectivity in the Asia-Pacific region?
Ans > $70 billion
- ADB — $70 Billion Investment Plan: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced a landmark $70 billion investment plan for power and digital connectivity in the Asia-Pacific region. This massive commitment targets clean energy transition, electricity grid modernisation, renewable energy generation, and broadband/digital infrastructure development across ADB’s developing member nations.
- Power Sector Focus: ADB’s power investment aims to accelerate Asia’s clean energy transition by expanding solar, wind, hydropower, and storage capacity; upgrading ageing transmission grids; and reducing reliance on coal-based electricity generation. Asia-Pacific accounts for a significant share of global carbon emissions due to its heavy dependence on fossil fuel power plants.
- Digital Connectivity Goals: The digital connectivity component targets universal broadband access, submarine cable systems, rural internet infrastructure, and support for digital public infrastructure (DPI) in developing nations. ADB recognises that digital exclusion widens economic inequality and limits participation in global commerce.
- About ADB: ADB is a multilateral development bank headquartered in Manila, Philippines, with 68 member countries. Its mandate is to promote economic and social development in Asia and the Pacific. India is one of ADB’s largest shareholders (approx. 6.3% voting share) and one of its biggest borrowers for infrastructure projects.
📌 Government & Policy • Diplomacy
Q.5) Where was the 11th Heads of Mission (HoMs) Conference held?
Ans > New Delhi
- 11th HoMs Conference — New Delhi: The 11th Heads of Mission (HoMs) Conference was held in New Delhi, organised by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The conference brought together Indian Ambassadors, High Commissioners, Permanent Representatives, and Consul Generals from across the world for a periodic review of India’s foreign policy priorities, diplomatic strategies, and bilateral engagements.
- About HoMs Conference: The Heads of Mission Conference is a periodic diplomatic conclave that serves as a high-level consultative forum between India’s field diplomats (serving abroad) and the MEA leadership in New Delhi. The conference facilitates direct dialogue between ambassadors and the Prime Minister, External Affairs Minister, and senior officials to align India’s overseas missions with national interests.
- Agenda & Significance: The 11th HoMs Conference would have discussed India’s G20 legacy, trade diversification, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), diaspora outreach, Operation Sindoor’s diplomatic fallout context, and bilateral relations with key partners including the US, Russia, China, Gulf nations, and Europe.
- India’s Diplomatic Network: India has one of the world’s largest diplomatic networks with over 190 missions/posts abroad. Indian diplomats stationed globally form the frontline of bilateral engagement, trade promotion, consular services, and people-to-people connectivity, making the HoMs conference a critical policy alignment exercise.
📌 Government & Policy • Education
Q.6) According to the QS World University Rankings: Global MBA 2026, which Indian institute has secured the top spot in India?
Ans > IIM Bangalore
- IIM Bangalore — India’s Top MBA Programme (QS 2026): The Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM-B) secured the top rank among Indian institutions in the QS World University Rankings: Global MBA 2026. QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) rankings are among the most prestigious and widely referenced global university and business school rankings.
- About IIM Bangalore: IIM Bangalore, established in 1973 in Bengaluru, Karnataka, is one of India’s premier management institutions offering flagship Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP), Executive MBA, and doctoral (FPW) programmes. It is consistently ranked among India’s top 3 IIMs and holds international accreditations including AACSB and EQUIS.
- QS MBA Ranking Criteria: QS evaluates business schools on five parameters: Employability (40%), Entrepreneurship & Alumni Outcomes (20%), Thought Leadership (20%), Return on Investment (10%), and Class Experience & Diversity (10%). IIM-B’s strong alumni network, research output, and industry connections contributed to its top ranking.
- India’s MBA Ecosystem: India has 20 IIMs (Indian Institutes of Management) established by the Government of India along with premier private institutions like ISB, XLRI, MDI, and SPJIMR. India produces some of the world’s most sought-after MBA graduates who lead global corporations — from Sundar Pichai (Google) to Shantanu Narayen (Adobe).
📌 International Affairs • Trade
Q.7) According to the 2026 Special 301 Report released by USTR, India has been placed in which category?
Ans > Priority Watch List
- India — Priority Watch List (USTR Special 301 Report 2026): The United States Trade Representative (USTR) placed India on the Priority Watch List in its 2026 Special 301 Report on intellectual property rights (IPR). This is the second most serious category, indicating significant concerns about IP protection and enforcement but not warranting immediate trade sanctions.
- About Special 301 Report: The Special 301 Report is an annual review by the USTR that identifies countries that do not adequately protect and enforce intellectual property rights (IPR). Countries can be placed in three main categories: (1) Priority Watch List — significant IP concerns; (2) Watch List — notable concerns; and (3) Priority Foreign Countries — the most severe, triggering potential trade sanctions.
- US Concerns About India’s IP Regime: The USTR’s recurring concerns about India include: Section 3(d) of the Patents Act (which limits evergreening of pharmaceutical patents); lack of adequate data exclusivity for agro-chemicals and biopharmaceuticals; software patent restrictions; online piracy; and compulsory licensing provisions that US pharma companies view as adverse to innovation incentives.
- India’s Response: India consistently defends its IP framework as TRIPS-compliant (WTO Trade-Related Intellectual Property Rights Agreement) and emphasises its public health obligations under the Doha Declaration, which permits compulsory licensing for affordable medicines. India’s generic pharmaceutical industry, which supplies 40% of the world’s generic drugs, depends on this legal framework.
📌 Sports • Records
Q.8) Who set the world record for swimming across the 29-km Palk Strait in 9 hours and 50 minutes at the age of seven?
Ans > Ishank Singh
- Ishank Singh — Youngest Palk Strait Swimmer: Seven-year-old Ishank Singh created a world record by swimming across the 29-kilometre-long Palk Strait in 9 hours and 50 minutes, becoming the youngest person in the world to achieve this feat. This extraordinary achievement has placed him among the most exceptional child athletes in Indian and global sporting history.
- What is the Palk Strait? The Palk Strait is a 53-85 km wide strait separating the Tamil Nadu coast of India from the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. The strait is known for its strong currents, jellyfish, and seasonal rough conditions. The swimming route typically covers approximately 29 km. It is considered one of the challenging open-water swims in the region due to unpredictable currents and maritime traffic.
- Open Water Swimming in India: Open water marathon swimming has seen a surge in India, particularly in the post-pandemic era. Notable Indian open water swimmers include Virdhawal Khade and Manoj Kumar, and India has produced several record-breaking swimmers in channels like the English Channel and Arabian Sea. Ishank Singh’s achievement adds a remarkable chapter at an unprecedented age.
- Significance of the Record: Swimming 29 km at the age of seven in under 10 hours is a physiologically extraordinary feat. The achievement reflects exceptional training, mental fortitude, and parental guidance. Sporting bodies and child welfare experts often engage in debate about the appropriate age for such extreme athletic challenges in children.
📌 Government & Policy • Elections
Q.9) Which party secured a majority in the ’18th West Bengal Legislative Assembly Elections’ held in May 2026?
Ans > Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
- BJP Wins West Bengal 2026: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a majority in the 18th West Bengal Legislative Assembly Elections held in May 2026. This was a landmark political development in Indian politics, breaking the dominance of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) under Mamata Banerjee that had governed West Bengal since 2011.
- West Bengal Legislative Assembly: The West Bengal Vidhan Sabha has 294 assembly seats, with a simple majority requiring 148 seats. West Bengal is one of India’s most politically significant states — the 4th most populous with ~100 million people — and has been historically associated with communist and left-leaning politics (CPI-M ruled from 1977 to 2011) before TMC’s ascent.
- Political Significance: BJP’s win in West Bengal represents its continued expansion in Eastern India, following its earlier electoral success in Tripura and Assam. For West Bengal, it would mark the first BJP government in the state’s post-independence history, signalling a major shift in Bengal’s political landscape.
- Electoral History Context: BJP had made significant inroads in the 2021 West Bengal elections, winning 77 seats (up from 3 in 2016), positioning itself as the principal opposition. The 2026 result represents the culmination of BJP’s sustained campaign in Bengal, driven by issues of governance, development, and political narratives around regional identity and national integration.
📌 International Affairs • Legislation
Q.10) Which country passed an ‘Ethnic Unity Law’ in May 2026 to promote national integration?
Ans > China
- China — Ethnic Unity Law: China passed an Ethnic Unity Law in May 2026, aimed at promoting national integration and solidarity among its 56 officially recognized ethnic groups. The law reinforces the ruling Chinese Communist Party’s policy of promoting a unified Chinese national identity above distinct ethnic or regional identities.
- China’s Ethnic Composition: China officially recognises 56 ethnic groups. The Han Chinese constitute approximately 91.6% of the population. The remaining 8.4% includes 55 minority ethnic groups — notably Zhuang, Hui, Manchu, Uyghur, Miao, Yi, Tibetan, Mongol, Buyi, and Dong. Many of these groups have distinct languages, cultures, religions, and historical identities.
- Controversial Context: The Ethnic Unity Law is being passed against the backdrop of long-standing international criticism of China’s policies in Xinjiang (toward Uyghurs), Tibet (toward Tibetans), and Inner Mongolia (toward Mongols). Critics argue that such laws are instruments to suppress ethnic and cultural diversity under the guise of national unity.
- Legal & Political Framework: China’s Constitution already guarantees minority rights and regional autonomy under the Regional Ethnic Autonomy Law. The new Ethnic Unity Law, however, prioritises “national unity” over expressions of separate ethnic or religious identity — raising concerns among human rights organisations about cultural suppression and religious freedom restrictions.
📌 Government & Policy • Appointments
Q.11) Who has been appointed as the Chairman of Prasar Bharati in May 2026?
Ans > Prasoon Joshi
- Prasoon Joshi — Chairman, Prasar Bharati: Prasoon Joshi was appointed as the Chairman of Prasar Bharati in May 2026. Prasoon Joshi is a nationally acclaimed lyricist, screenwriter, poet, and advertising executive, known for penning iconic Bollywood songs (Rang De Basanti, Taare Zameen Par) and serving as Chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) from 2017 to 2023.
- About Prasar Bharati: Prasar Bharati (Broadcasting Corporation of India) is India’s national public broadcaster, established under the Prasar Bharati Act 1990 and operationally autonomous since 1997. It operates Doordarshan (DD) — India’s television network with 36+ channels — and All India Radio (AIR) — the world’s largest radio network with 500+ stations broadcasting in 23 languages and 179 dialects.
- Prasar Bharati’s Role: As India’s public broadcaster mandated to inform, educate, and entertain, Prasar Bharati serves a crucial function in reaching remote and rural areas beyond the reach of commercial broadcasters. It plays a key role during elections, national emergencies, and public interest broadcasting. DD India is a significant soft power instrument for India’s international outreach.
- Other Notable Appointees: Navneet Sehgal was a former Additional Chief Secretary. Gaurav Dwivedi served as CEO of Prasar Bharati earlier. Ashutosh Gowariker is a noted filmmaker. None of these were appointed to the Chairman position in this context.
📌 Government & Policy • Appointments
Q.12) Who has been appointed as the new President of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) by the Central Government in May 2026?
Ans > Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal
- Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal — NCLT President: Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal was appointed as the new President of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) by the Central Government in May 2026. The NCLT President is the head of India’s dedicated corporate law quasi-judicial body, presiding over the principal bench and supervising all regional NCLT benches across the country.
- About NCLT: The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) was established in 2016 under the Companies Act 2013. It is a quasi-judicial body that handles corporate insolvency resolutions under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), corporate mergers and acquisitions, oppression and mismanagement cases, class action suits, winding-up of companies, and other company law disputes. The NCLT has significantly transformed India’s corporate insolvency landscape.
- IBC Impact: Since the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) was enacted in 2016, NCLT has resolved over 3,000 insolvency cases, recovering ₹3+ lakh crore for creditors. The IBC brought India into the global top 50 in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business ‘Resolving Insolvency’ metric. NCLT benches across 16 cities handle thousands of cases annually.
- About Other Options: Justice Ashok Bhushan headed the NCLAT (National Company Law Appellate Tribunal), the appellate body above NCLT. Justice Ramalingam Sudhakar has been associated with NCLT benches. Bachu Venkat Balaram Das served as NCLT President before retirement. Each has distinct roles in India’s corporate law ecosystem.
📌 Science & Technology • Space
Q.13) Which rocket did China use to successfully place Pakistan’s remote sensing satellite ‘PRSC-EO3’ into its designated orbit?
Ans > Long March-6
- Long March-6 — PRSC-EO3 Launch: China used the Long March-6 (Chang Zheng-6 / CZ-6) launch vehicle to successfully place Pakistan’s PRSC-EO3 (Pakistan Remote Sensing Corporation Earth Observation Satellite-3) into its designated sun-synchronous orbit. This mission is a concrete outcome of deepening China-Pakistan space cooperation under the broader CPEC and bilateral strategic framework.
- Long March-6 Rocket: The Long March-6 is a three-stage small-to-medium capacity liquid-propellant launch vehicle developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST). It is designed for medium payload delivery to low Earth orbit (LEO) and sun-synchronous orbit (SSO). It first flew successfully in September 2015. The CZ-6A variant includes solid strap-on boosters for higher payload capacity.
- About PRSC-EO3: PRSC-EO3 is an Earth Observation satellite developed for Pakistan Remote Sensing Corporation (PRSC), the national remote sensing agency of Pakistan. It provides high-resolution imagery for agriculture monitoring, disaster management, urban planning, water resource mapping, and border surveillance. Pakistan has increasingly relied on Chinese space technology under CPEC space cooperation agreements.
- China-Pakistan Space Cooperation: China and Pakistan have a long history of space collaboration. China launched Pakistan’s first satellite BADR-1 in 1990. Subsequent missions include PAKSAT-1R (2011) and the SUPARCO-CNSA joint Earth observation satellite PRSC-EO1 (2018) and EO3 (2026). This partnership is part of China’s broader Space Silk Road strategy.
📌 International Affairs • Important Days
Q.14) When is ‘World Press Freedom Day’ observed every year?
Ans > May 3
- World Press Freedom Day — May 3: World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) is observed globally every year on May 3. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in December 1993 following a recommendation from UNESCO’s General Conference in 1991. The day celebrates press freedom as a fundamental human right and evaluates the state of press freedom worldwide.
- Origin — Windhoek Declaration (1991): World Press Freedom Day traces its origins to the Windhoek Declaration, a statement of press freedom principles signed in Windhoek, Namibia on May 3, 1991 by African journalists. The declaration affirmed the establishment of an independent, pluralistic, and free African press, which UNESCO subsequently endorsed as a global principle.
- Significance & Themes: WPFD 2026 continued to highlight global threats to press freedom including journalist killings, digital surveillance, disinformation, legal harassment through SLAPP suits, and state capture of media. Annually, UNESCO also presents the Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize on this day to honour individuals or organisations defending press freedom at great personal risk.
- Global Context: According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), approximately two-thirds of countries in the world have a “difficult” or “very serious” situation for press freedom. Over 50 journalists are killed annually, and hundreds are imprisoned worldwide. WPFD serves as a powerful reminder of the vital role of a free press in democratic societies.
📌 International Affairs • Rankings
Q.15) What is India’s rank in the ‘World Press Freedom Index 2026’?
Ans > 157th
- India — 157th in World Press Freedom Index 2026: India ranked 157th out of approximately 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index 2026 published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF / Reporters sans frontières). This ranking reflects ongoing challenges for journalists in India, including threats, physical attacks, legal harassment, and restrictions on media operations.
- About World Press Freedom Index: Published annually by RSF since 2002, the World Press Freedom Index evaluates the state of journalism in 180 countries on five indicators: political context, legal framework, economic context, sociocultural context, and safety of journalists. Countries are classified as “Good,” “Satisfactory,” “Problematic,” “Difficult,” or “Very Serious” based on scores.
- India’s Classification: India’s 157th ranking places it in the “Very Serious” or “Difficult” category for press freedom. RSF’s concerns about India include cases of journalists being arrested under sedition and UAPA laws, violence against journalists covering communal tensions and political events, concentration of media ownership, and government advertising pressure on smaller outlets.
- Regional Comparison: Among South Asian nations, India typically ranks below Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives in press freedom indices but above Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Norway, Finland, and Denmark consistently occupy the top three positions globally as the world’s most press-free nations.
📌 Sports • Tournaments
Q.16) Where were the ‘2026 Asian Beach Games’ held, in which the Indian women’s kabaddi team won their sixth consecutive gold medal?
Ans > Sanya, China
- Asian Beach Games 2026 — Sanya, China: The 2026 Asian Beach Games were held in Sanya, Hainan Province, China. Sanya is a coastal resort city on the southern tip of Hainan Island, China’s tropical island province — an ideal location for beach sports competitions. India performed strongly across multiple disciplines at the games.
- Indian Women’s Kabaddi — 6th Consecutive Gold: The Indian Women’s Kabaddi team won their sixth consecutive gold medal at the Asian Beach Games, demonstrating unparalleled dominance in beach kabaddi. India has been the powerhouse of kabaddi at both indoor and beach formats at Asian multi-sport events, consistently defeating opponents from Iran, South Korea, and Thailand.
- About Asian Beach Games: The Asian Beach Games (ABG) is an international multi-sport event organised by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) biennially since 2008. It features beach and water sports including beach volleyball, beach wrestling, beach kabaddi, surfing, sailing, aquatics, and more. The games promote beach sports culture across Asia.
- Kabaddi’s Asian Heritage: Kabaddi is India’s national game and a sport of subcontinental origin. It has featured in Asian Games since 1990 (Bangkok). India has won every gold medal in men’s and women’s kabaddi at the Asian Games. The beach format of kabaddi follows modified rules for sandy terrain and smaller team sizes but maintains the same contact-sport intensity.
📌 International Affairs • Defense
Q.17) Which country launched a naval operation named ‘Project Freedom’ to safely evacuate merchant vessels detained by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz?
Ans > USA
- USA — Operation Project Freedom: The United States launched a naval operation named “Project Freedom” to safely evacuate merchant vessels that had been detained by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. The operation involved US naval warships and potentially coalition forces providing safe passage escorts for commercial shipping detained during heightened Iran-US maritime tensions.
- Strait of Hormuz — Strategic Chokepoint: The Strait of Hormuz is the world’s most critical oil and gas maritime chokepoint, located between Iran and Oman at the mouth of the Persian Gulf. Approximately 20-21 million barrels of oil and oil products pass through it daily — roughly 20% of global petroleum consumption. Any disruption in the Strait dramatically impacts global energy markets.
- Iran’s Vessel Detentions: Iran has historically seized or detained foreign-flagged commercial vessels in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz, often in retaliation for US economic sanctions, seizures of Iranian oil by other countries, or as leverage in diplomatic negotiations. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) frequently conducts such operations using fast patrol boats.
- US Naval Presence in the Region: The United States maintains a significant naval presence in the Persian Gulf through the US Fifth Fleet, headquartered in Manama, Bahrain. The Fifth Fleet is responsible for maritime security operations across the Middle East, including freedom of navigation operations. Operation Project Freedom represents direct military intervention to protect commercial shipping freedom of navigation rights.
📌 Government & Policy • Law Enforcement
Q.18) Under which operation did the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) bust a major cocaine syndicate in the Mumbai region in May 2026?
Ans > Operation White Strike
- NCB — Operation White Strike: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) conducted Operation White Strike in May 2026, busting a major cocaine syndicate operating in the Mumbai metropolitan region. The operation involved coordinated raids across multiple locations, resulting in significant drug seizures, arrests of kingpins and distributors, and dismantling of a transnational cocaine trafficking network.
- About Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB): The NCB is India’s premier anti-narcotics agency, established in 1986 under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act 1985. Headquartered in New Delhi, NCB coordinates drug law enforcement across India, works with state police narcotics departments, and collaborates internationally with DEA (USA), Interpol, and other agencies to dismantle drug trafficking networks.
- Cocaine Trafficking in India: Cocaine, though historically less prevalent in India compared to heroin and synthetic drugs, has seen increasing seizures in recent years, particularly in metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Goa. Cocaine enters India through maritime routes (ports), air couriers, and international postal packages, primarily sourced from South American cartels (Colombian, Peruvian, Brazilian). Mumbai’s financial hub status and international port make it a significant transit point.
- NDPS Act & Penalties: India’s NDPS Act 1985 provides strict penalties for drug trafficking: possession of small quantities attracts 6 months to 1 year imprisonment; commercial quantities attract 10 to 20 years rigorous imprisonment with fines. Cocaine is a Schedule I controlled substance under NDPS. NCB’s high-profile operations act as a deterrent against expanding drug markets.
📌 International Affairs • Awards
Q.19) Who has been honored with the prestigious ‘UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize 2026’?
Ans > Sudanese Journalists Syndicate
- UNESCO/Guillermo Cano Prize 2026 — Sudanese Journalists Syndicate: The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate was awarded the prestigious UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize 2026 in recognition of their outstanding courage in practising and promoting journalism in the extremely dangerous conflict environment of Sudan’s ongoing civil war.
- About the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano Prize: The UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize is awarded annually on World Press Freedom Day (May 3) by UNESCO. It is named after Guillermo Cano Isaza, a Colombian journalist murdered in 1986 for exposing drug cartels. The prize honours individuals or organisations that have made an outstanding contribution to the defence or promotion of press freedom, especially in the face of danger.
- Sudan’s Press Freedom Crisis: Sudan has been engulfed in a devastating civil war since April 2023, when fighting erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict has resulted in one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, displacing millions and killing thousands. Journalists covering the conflict face extreme risks including targeted killings, kidnappings, and arbitrary detention by both warring factions.
- Role of Sudanese Journalists Syndicate: The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate represents professional journalists in Sudan and has worked to maintain press coverage of the conflict, provide safety training and support to journalists in the field, document violations against media workers, and ensure that the Sudanese people and the international community receive information despite the extreme censorship and violence.
📌 Sports • Important Days
Q.20) When is World Athletics Day celebrated every year?
Ans > 7 May
- World Athletics Day — 7 May: World Athletics Day is celebrated every year on 7 May, promoted by World Athletics (formerly known as the International Association of Athletics Federations / IAAF). The day is dedicated to promoting athletics as the foundation of all sports and encouraging youth participation in track and field, road running, cross country, and field events.
- About World Athletics: World Athletics (formerly IAAF) is the international governing body for the sport of athletics (track and field). Founded in 1912, it is headquartered in Monaco and oversees over 200 national athletics federations. World Athletics organises major events including the World Athletics Championships, Diamond League, World Cross Country Championships, and the athletics programme at the Olympic Games.
- Significance of the Day: World Athletics Day activities include school athletics programmes, community running events, coaching clinics, and awareness campaigns on the health benefits of athletics. The day emphasises that running, jumping, and throwing are the most natural forms of human physical activity and the bedrock of Olympic sport.
- Athletics in India: India has a growing athletics culture, particularly in sprinting (Hima Das, Dutee Chand, Srabani Nanda) and javelin throw (Neeraj Chopra — India’s first Olympic gold in athletics at Tokyo 2020). The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) promotes grassroots athletics through school programmes, state championships, and national competitions. India’s National Athletics Day is also separately observed to boost participation.
📌 Quick Summary — Current Affairs 6 May, 2026
- Canada — First Non-European at EPC Summit: Canada became the first non-European nation to attend a European Political Community (EPC) Summit.
- India — Priority Watch List (USTR Special 301): India was placed on the Priority Watch List for concerns related to intellectual property protection.
- China — Ethnic Unity Law: China passed an Ethnic Unity Law to promote national integration among its 56 officially recognized ethnic groups.
- World Press Freedom Day — May 3: Established by UNESCO to highlight the importance of free media worldwide.
- India — 157th in World Press Freedom Index 2026: India ranked 157th in the index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
- USA — Operation Project Freedom: US launched a naval operation to evacuate merchant vessels detained by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz.
- UNESCO/Guillermo Cano Prize 2026: Awarded to the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate in recognition of their courageous journalism.
- Lily Das — Assam’s First Radio Journalist: Lily Das, associated with All India Radio (AIR) Guwahati, passed away at the age of 90.
- National Conference on Rare Diseases — New Delhi: Conference focused on policy, research, and patient support.
- 11th HoMs Conference — New Delhi: Held to discuss India’s foreign policy priorities and diplomatic strategies.
- IIM Bangalore — Top in India: Secured the top position in India in the QS World University Rankings: Global MBA 2026.
- West Bengal Elections 2026 — BJP Majority: The Bharatiya Janata Party secured a majority, breaking AITC’s dominance.
- Prasar Bharati Chairman — Prasoon Joshi: Appointed as Chairman overseeing Doordarshan and All India Radio.
- NCLT President — Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal: Appointed as the new President of the National Company Law Tribunal.
- NCB — Operation White Strike: Busted a major cocaine syndicate in the Mumbai region in May 2026.
- Ishank Singh — Palk Strait World Record: Swam across the 29-km Palk Strait in just 9 hours 50 minutes.
- Asian Beach Games 2026 — Sanya, China: Indian women’s kabaddi team won their sixth consecutive gold medal.
- World Athletics Day — 7 May: Celebrated to encourage youth participation in athletics.
- ADB — $70 Billion Investment Plan: Announced for power and digital connectivity in the Asia-Pacific region.
- China — Long March-6: Launched Pakistan’s PRSC-EO3 satellite into its designated orbit.
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