News of The Day – 5th May 2026

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

(with Syllabus Relevance)

(GS-1: Modern History )

• Syama Prasad Mookerjee was founder of Bharatiya Jana Sangh (1951) (precursor to BJP).
• Former Industry Minister in the Nehru Cabinet.
• Opposed Article 370; advocated full integration of Jammu & Kashmir.

• Mexico City is built on a former lakebed (Lake Texcoco).
• Cause: groundwater over-extraction led to land subsidence.
• Impacts: infrastructure damage, water crisis, flood risk.
• Examples of unsustainable urbanisation and aquifer depletion.

(GS-2: Polity & Governance)

• Policy discourse in India has largely focused on maternal health, neglecting women between ages ~25–50.
• Rising burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs): diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancers.
• Issues: reproductive health disorders (PCOS), mental health, osteoporosis.
• Gaps: fragmented healthcare delivery, lack of screening programmes.
• Need: life-cycle approach, gender-sensitive public health policy, preventive healthcare, awareness.

(GS-2: Polity & Governance)

• Model Code of Conduct (MCC) enforced by Election Commission of India during elections.
• Prohibits use of official position/media for electoral advantage.
• Debate: whether government broadcasts during the MCC period influence voters.
• MCC is not legally binding, but morally enforceable with EC oversight.

(GS-2: Polity & Governance)

• Refers to judicial scrutiny of Speaker’s powers under the Tenth Schedule (Anti-Defection Law).
• Key case: Kihoto Hollohan v. Zachillhu (1992) upheld the Speaker’s role but allowed judicial review.
• 1993 instances tested the impartiality of the Speaker in disqualification decisions.
• Issues: delays, bias, political influence.
• SC recent trend: pushing for time-bound decisions and greater judicial oversight.

(GS-2: Polity & Governance)

• Court expanded scope of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
• Recognised victims of forced acid attacks/ingestion as persons with disabilities.
• Ensures access to reservations, rehabilitation, compensation, and social security.
• Strengthens victim-centric justice and expands interpretation of disability rights.

• Emphasises bodily autonomy and reproductive rights of women.
• Interprets Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971 progressively.
• Recognises unmarried women’s rights and privacy (linked to Right to Life under Article 21).
• Moves away from paternalistic/state-centric approach.
• Aligns with global reproductive rights jurisprudence.

(GS-2: International Relations)

• About ‘Project Freedom
  • US naval initiative to clear mines and ensure maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz
• Implications: global energy prices, supply chain disruption.
• Critical for India’s energy security (high import dependence).

(GS-3: Economy)

• Case under Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016.
• The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal upheld the resolution plan.
• Reinforces Committee of Creditors (CoC) supremacy in approving bids.
• Limited scope of judicial interference in commercial decisions.
• Significance: strengthens IBC framework, investor confidence, faster resolution of stressed assets.

• Border Roads Organisation project responsible for infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh.
• Focus: strategic roads, tunnels in border areas.
• Enhances military logistics, connectivity, and regional development.
• Important for India-China border preparedness.

(GS-3: Science & Tech)

• Initiative to train youth in AI tools for media, animation, gaming, design.
• Supports India’s creative economy and digital workforce.
• Promotes AI adoption with ethical guidelines.
• Aligns with Digital India, Skill India, and AI governance frameworks.