News of The Day – 2nd May 2026

The Hindu, Indian Express, Live Mint, Business Standard, Economic Times, PIB and AIR, etc

(with Syllabus Relevance)

(GS-1: Art and Culture)

• About ‘Padma Doree’ initiative 
• Initiative promoting traditional Indian textile crafts.
• Focus on artisans, sustainability, global branding.
• Aligns with “Vocal for Local” and cultural diplomacy.

(GS-1: Society and Social Issues)

• Based on study by All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).
• Excessive screen exposure is linked to delayed cognitive, language, and social development in children.
• Risks: obesity, sleep disorders, attention deficit, mental health issues.
• WHO guidelines: limited screen time for children under 5.
• Policy needs: parental awareness, digital hygiene, school interventions.

(GS-2: Polity and Governance)

• Standards for assistive products
  • Issued by Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
• Focus: accessibility for persons with disabilities.
• Covers mobility aids, assistive devices. 
• Supports Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

(GS-2: Polity and Governance)

• World Press Freedom Index 2026
  • Released by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
• Ranks countries based on media independence, safety of journalists.
• India’s ranking remains a concern due to issues like press restrictions, safety challenges.
• Important for democracy, transparency, and accountability.

(GS-2: Polity and Governance)

• OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) governed under Citizenship Act, 1955.
• New rules simplify registration, documentation, and compliance norms.
• OCI rights: visa-free travel, economic rights (except voting, public office).
• Aim: streamline diaspora engagement and reduce procedural delays.

(GS-2: International Relation)

• About BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa)
• Significance of Indian President
  • Enhances India’s role in global economic governance.
  • Focus on MSMEs, innovation, and South-South cooperation.

(GS-3: Internal Security)

• About Operation WHITE STRIKE 
• Focus on strategic preparedness and operational capability.
• Highlights India’s evolving defence readiness.

(GS-3: Economy)

• Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) uses FASTag + ANPR cameras.
• Eliminates toll booths: Reduces congestion, fuel use.
• Improves logistics efficiency and ease of transport.
• Step toward intelligent transport systems.

(GS-3: Economy)

• Developed by National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
• Processes billions of transactions monthly; global benchmark in fintech.
• Key features: interoperability, instant settlement, low cost.
• Role in financial inclusion, digital economy, DBT ecosystem.
• Global expansion: UPI linked with countries like Singapore, UAE.

(GS-3: Economy)

• RBI tightening norms for NPAs (Non-Performing Assets).
• Banks may need higher provisioning → short-term profit impact.
• Long-term benefit: improved transparency, financial stability.
• Strengthens banking sector resilience.

(GS-3: Internal Security)

• About Kuki-Zo groups Talk
• Talks indicate peace-building efforts post ethnic violence.
• Issues: autonomy demands, land rights, ethnic tensions with the Meitei community.
• Importance: stability in Northeast, border security (Myanmar proximity).

(GS-3: Environment)

• About Whitley Awards
• Awarded by Whitley Fund for Nature.
• Recognises grassroots conservation leaders.
• Focus areas: biodiversity conservation, community participation.
• Enhances global recognition of Indian conservation efforts.

(GS-3: Science & Tech)

• About Coastal Atmospheric Research Testbed (C-ART)
  • Established at Andhra University.
• Studies coastal climate, air-sea interaction, pollution.
• Supports weather forecasting, disaster management (cyclones).
• Important for climate resilience in coastal regions.

(GS-3:Science and tech)

• About Nilgiri-class frigate
  • Part of Project 17A stealth frigates.
• Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited.
• Features: stealth design, advanced radar, missile systems.
• Boosts maritime capability and indigenous defence production.