2 May 2026 Current Affairs (With PDF)

We bring you the most relevant and important news updates from around the world and India, specially curated for competitive exams and different entrance exams. Today's Current Affairs cover all significant national and international headlines, legal updates, economic news, and environmental highlights to boost your preparation. With our crisp, to-the-point coverage, you can confidently tackle current affairs questions in your exams.

Supreme Court Calls for Reform in Abortion Law for Minor Rape Survivors

Why in News?

• The Supreme Court of India dismissed a curative petition challenging the termination of a 30-week pregnancy of a 15-year-old rape survivor.
• The Court urged reforms in abortion law to better address cases involving minors and sexual violence.

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Key Directives and Observations

1. Removal of Time Limits

• The Court recommended revisiting the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) framework.
• Suggested removing gestational limits in cases involving minor rape survivors, considering delayed reporting and trauma.

2. Affirmation of Reproductive Rights

• Reiterated that reproductive autonomy, bodily integrity, and dignity are protected under Article 21.
• Held that the State cannot compel a survivor to continue pregnancy against her will.

3. Evolving Legal Interpretation

• Observed that abortion laws must adapt to Delayed detection of pregnancy and Psychological trauma of survivors
• These factors may outweigh concerns related to foetal viability.

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Legal Framework Governing Abortion in India

1. MTP (Amendment) Act, 2021

• Allows abortion up to 24 weeks for Minors and Rape survivors
• Requires guardian consent under Section 3(4)(a).
• Beyond 24 weeks: Permitted only in cases of substantial foetal abnormalities, certified by a Medical Board.

2. Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act

• Mandatory reporting of minor pregnancies under Section 19.
• Triggers automatic criminal investigation, often creating procedural and privacy concerns.

3. Constitutional Relief

• The Supreme Court may invoke Article 142 to grant relief in exceptional cases where statutory limits restrict justice.

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Key Judicial Precedents

1. Murugan Nayakkar v. Union of India (2017)

• Allowed abortion for a 13-year-old rape survivor.
• Prioritised mental and physical trauma over foetal viability.

2. X v. Principal Secretary, Health, Delhi (2022)

• Safeguarded privacy of minor survivors.
• Limited disclosure of identity during POCSO-related proceedings.

3. S v. State of Haryana (2024)

• Emphasised age and psychological condition of the survivor over purely medical considerations.

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Key Issues

1. Legal Rigidity

• Fixed gestational limits may fail to address real-life complexities, especially in minor rape cases.

2. Procedural Barriers

• Mandatory reporting under POCSO may deter timely access to abortion services.

3. Medical Constraints

• Dependence on Medical Boards can delay urgent decisions.

 

Gender Trends in India: Women and Men Report 2025

Why in News?

• The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation released the 27th edition of “Women and Men in India 2025”.
• The report presents a comprehensive gender analysis across sectors such as population, education, health, economy, governance, and crime.

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About the Report

1. Objective

• To assess the status of gender equality in India using key socio-economic indicators.

2. Approach

• Provides gender-disaggregated data for women and men.
• Enables identification of gaps, trends, and policy priorities.

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Major Findings

1. Demographic Indicators

Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB)

• Improved from 904 (2017–19) to 917 (2021–23).
• Reflects better survival rates for girl children.

State-wise Performance

• Highest SRB: Arunachal Pradesh (1085), followed by Nagaland (1007)
• Lowest SRB: Jharkhand (899), Bihar (900)

2. Health Indicators

Infant Mortality Rate (IMR)

• Declined steadily for both genders (2008–2023).

Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR)

• Dropped significantly from 254 (2004–06) to 88 (2021–23).
• Indicates substantial improvements in maternal healthcare systems.

3. Family Planning Trends

• Female sterilisation remains the dominant contraceptive method.
• Accounts for 37.9% among married women (15–49 years).

4. Education

School Education

• Achieved gender parity from primary to higher secondary levels.

Higher Education

• Female Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) rose from 28.5 to 30.2 (2021–23).
• Female enrolment now surpasses male participation.

5. Employment Trends

Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR)

• Increased for both men and women.

Rural Female Workforce Growth

• Rural female LFPR rose sharply from 37.5% to 45.9% (2022–2025).
• Reflects improved economic participation in rural areas.

6. Crime and Safety

Share of Crimes Against Women

• Accounted for 7.18% of total crimes in 2023.

Major Category

• Cruelty by husband and relatives formed the largest share (29.82%).

 

India–Italy Bilateral Military Cooperation Plan (2026–27)

Why in News?

• India and Italy have formalised a Bilateral Military Cooperation Plan for 2026–27.
• The agreement aims to strengthen defence engagement, joint training, and strategic collaboration between the two countries.

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About the Military Cooperation Plan

1. Objective

• To institutionalise military-to-military interactions through Joint exercises, Training exchanges and Operational coordination

2. Shift Toward Co-Production

• Emphasis on moving beyond a buyer–seller defence relationship.
• Focus on Joint development of advanced defence technologies and Co-production of military equipment

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India–Italy Bilateral Relations: Overview

1. Strategic Partnership

• Bilateral ties were elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2023.
• Marked by the visit of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to India.

2. Strategic Action (2025–2029)

• A comprehePlannsive roadmap covering 10 key sectors, including Defence, Energy transition, Space cooperation and Migration

3. Trade Relations

• Italy is India’s 4th largest trading partner in the European Union.
• Bilateral trade reached $13.7 billion (FY 2024–25).

4. Defence Cooperation

• A Defence Cooperation Agreement (2023) formalised bilateral defence ties.
• Current plan deepens this framework through operational collaboration and industrial partnership.

5. People-to-People Ties

• Italy hosts the third-largest Indian diaspora in the EU, with over 2,00,000 people.

6. Multilateral Engagements

• Both countries are founding members of Global Biofuels Alliance and India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor

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Strategic Significance

1. Defence Modernisation

• Supports India’s push for indigenisation and advanced defence manufacturing.

2. Diversification of Partnerships

• Reduces reliance on traditional defence partners and enhances strategic autonomy.

3. European Engagement

• Strengthens India’s strategic footprint in the European security architecture.

 

India’s First Integrated Basmati and Organic Training Centre in Pilibhit

Why in News?

• The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority is setting up India’s first Integrated Basmati and Organic Training Centre-cum-Demo Farm in Pilibhit.
• The initiative aims to strengthen farmer capacity, improve quality, and boost Basmati exports.

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About the Training Centre

1. Core Objective

• To promote scientific cultivation and export-oriented production of Basmati rice.
• To integrate organic and conventional farming practices under one platform.

2. Key Components

• Laboratory: For quality testing and research
• Museum: To showcase Basmati heritage and varieties
• Demonstration Farm: For hands-on farmer training

3. Scope of Training

• Covers both Traditional Basmati cultivation techniques and Organic farming practices

4. Research Role

• Will function as a hub under the All India Coordinated Research Projects (AICRP).
• Focus on Testing new Basmati varieties & Improving yield and quality standards

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About APEDA

• Operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Mandated to Promote exports of agricultural and processed food products and Enhance global competitiveness of Indian agri-products

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About Basmati Rice

1. Geographic Origin

• Traditionally grown in the Indo-Gangetic Plains, especially at the Himalayan foothills.

2. Key Characteristics

• Long-grain aromatic rice with Nutty fragrance, Elongated grains after cooking and Non-sticky, fluffy texture
• Aroma due to presence of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline.

3. Global and Domestic Share

• India produces over 70% of the world’s Basmati.
• Major producing states: Haryana (~44%), Punjab, Uttar Pradesh

4. Export Destinations

• Major importers include Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, United Arab Emirates, Yemen

5. Nutritional Profile

• Low to medium Glycaemic Index (GI)
• Gluten-free
• Rich in Thiamine (Vitamin B1), Folate, Iron

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Significance of the Initiative

1. Export Promotion

• Enhances quality compliance and traceability, boosting global competitiveness.

2. Farmer Capacity Building

• Provides training, awareness, and technical knowledge to farmers.

3. Push for Organic Farming

• Encourages sustainable agriculture and premium organic exports.

4. Research and Innovation

• Supports development of high-yield, climate-resilient Basmati varieties.

 

Tiger Family Found Dead in Kanha Tiger Reserve

Why in News?

• A tigress and her four cubs were found dead in the Sarhi range of Kanha Tiger Reserve.
• Preliminary findings indicate infection by Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), likely transmitted from stray or domestic dogs.

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About Canine Distemper Virus (CDV)

1. Nature of the Disease

• A highly contagious and often fatal viral infection affecting Domestic dogs and Wild carnivores (including tigers, leopards, and foxes)

2. Mode of Transmission

• Spreads primarily through airborne droplets and contact with infected animals

3. Symptoms

• Respiratory: Coughing, breathing difficulty
• Gastrointestinal: Vomiting, diarrhoea
• Neurological: Seizures, paralysis

4. Treatment Status

• No specific cure; management is largely supportive.
• High mortality risk in wildlife populations.

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Tiger Mortality Trends in India

1. Rising Deaths

• 166 tiger deaths recorded in 2025, the second-highest ever.
• Represents a 31.7% increase compared to 2024.

2. State-wise Distribution

• Madhya Pradesh reported the highest mortality (55 deaths), followed by Maharashtra and Karnataka

3. Location of Deaths

• Nearly 47.5% of tiger deaths (2012–2025) occurred outside protected reserves, highlighting habitat and conflict pressures.

4. Causes of Mortality

• Around 70% of deaths are due to natural causes, including Old age and Territorial conflicts

5. Population Growth

• India’s tiger population reached ~3,682, growing at ~6% annually (2018–2022).

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About Kanha Tiger Reserve

1. Establishment and Significance

• Located in Madhya Pradesh.
• Established in 1973 under Project Tiger as one of the first nine reserves.

2. Geography and Landscape

• Situated in the Maikal range of the Satpura Hills.

3. Ecological Connectivity

• Linked via wildlife corridors to Pench Tiger Reserve and Achanakmar Tiger Reserve

4. Hydrology

• Drained by the Banjar and Halon rivers, tributaries of the Narmada River.

5. Unique Features

• First national park to introduce a mascot: “Bhoorsingh the Barasingha”.
• Only natural habitat of the Hard-ground Barasingha, known as the “Jewel of Kanha”.

 

India’s First Port-Based Green Methanol Facility at Kandla

Why in News

• India is setting up its first port-linked green methanol plant at Deendayal Port Authority.
• The project aims to produce sustainable marine fuel using invasive biomass while supporting global maritime decarbonisation targets.

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Key Features of the Project

1. Biomass Utilisation

• The plant will use Prosopis juliflora, an invasive species, as its primary raw material.
• This approach combines waste management with energy generation.

2. Integrated Port Infrastructure

• Includes bunkering facilities for ships to refuel directly at the port.
• Aligns with the decarbonisation framework of the International Maritime Organization.

3. Policy Alignment

• Supports India’s Harit Sagar Guidelines aimed at developing environmentally sustainable ports.

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Significance of the Initiative

• Ecological Restoration: Removal of invasive Prosopis juliflora helps restore degraded grasslands.
• Clean Energy Transition: Promotes low-emission fuel alternatives in the maritime sector.
• Dual Benefit Model: Combines biodiversity conservation with green fuel production.

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About Prosopis juliflora

• Origin and Introduction: Native to Central and South America; introduced in India during the colonial period to control desertification.
• Local Names: Known as Vilayati Babul (North India) and Gando Baval in Gujarat.
• Ecological Concerns
  - Water Depletion: Extracts excessive groundwater.
  - Biodiversity Loss: Suppresses native vegetation.
  - Soil Impact: Increases salinity and alters soil chemistry.
• Regional Impact: Severely affects the Banni grasslands in Kutch, threatening Habitat of the Great Indian Bustard and Livelihoods of pastoral communities (Maldharis)

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About Green Methanol

• A low-carbon fuel produced via Bio-methanol (from biomass) and E-methanol (using green hydrogen and captured CO₂)
• Chemical Nature: Methanol (CH₃OH) is a colourless, volatile, and flammable liquid widely used as an industrial chemical and fuel.

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Advantages of Green Methanol

• Lower Emissions: Reduces Sulphur oxides (SOx), Nitrogen oxides (NOx) and Particulate matter
• Storage & Handling: Remains liquid at room temperature, unlike hydrogen, making it easier to store and transport.
• Marine Fuel Potential: Emerging as a viable alternative to conventional fossil-based marine fuels.

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Recent Developments in India

• India’s first green methanol production facility was commissioned at NTPC Vindhyachal.
• Initial production began in 2025, marking a key milestone in India’s clean energy transition.

 

International Labour Day 2026: Celebrating Workers and Advancing Labour Rights

Why in News

• May 1, 2026 is being observed globally as International Labour Day (May Day), recognising the contributions and rights of workers.
• The theme set by the International Labour Organization highlights mental well-being, healthy workplaces, and stress management.

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Historical Background

Origin of May Day

• Rooted in the labour movement in the United States, particularly the Chicago General Strike of 1886.
• The protest for an eight-hour workday led to the Haymarket Riot, a turning point in global labour rights movements.

International Recognition

• Declared an annual event in 1889 at the International Socialist Congress in Paris, institutionalising May Day as a global workers’ day.

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Indian Context

• First Observance in India
  - Celebrated in 1923 in Chennai (then Madras).
  - Organised by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan under the leadership of M. Singaravelu Chettiar.
• Local Names: Known as Antarrashtriya Shramik Diwas or Kamgar Din in India.

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Theme for 2026

• Focuses on psychosocial health at workplaces, including Mental well-being, Stress management, Workload balance, Creation of safe and supportive work environments

 

Buddha Purnima (Vesak): Commemorating the Life and Teachings of Gautama Buddha

Why in News

• President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings on the occasion of Buddha Purnima, emphasising the enduring relevance of Buddha’s teachings.

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About Buddha Purnima

• Also known as Vesak, it marks three pivotal events in the life of Gautama Buddha: Birth, Enlightenment (Nirvana), Mahaparinirvana (final liberation)
• Date of Celebration: Observed on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Vaisakha month, typically falling in April or May.

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Key Events in Buddha’s Life

1. Birth

• Born as Siddhartha Gautama around 563 BCE at Lumbini.
• Belonged to the Shakya Kshatriya clan.

2. Enlightenment

• Attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya.
• Realised the path to liberation from suffering.

3. Mahaparinirvana

• Achieved final liberation at Kushinagar at the age of 80.

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Global Recognition

• Officially recognised by the United Nations in 1999.
• Acknowledges Buddhism’s contribution to global spirituality, peace, and ethical living.

 

Short-Range Naval Anti-Ship Missile (NASM-SR)

Why in News?

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation and the Indian Navy successfully conducted the maiden salvo launch of the Short-Range Naval Anti-Ship Missile (NASM-SR).

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About NASM-SR

• India’s first fully indigenous air-launched anti-ship missile.
• Designed to replace legacy Sea Eagle missiles of British origin.
• Developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI) under DRDO.

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Technical Specifications

1. Range and Speed

• Range: ~55 km
• Speed: High subsonic (~Mach 0.8)

2. Warhead

• Carries a 100 kg payload, suitable for neutralising enemy naval assets.

3. Propulsion System

• Two-stage solid propulsion: Ejectable booster and Sustainer engine for prolonged flight

4. Flight Profile

• Operates within a 50 m to 3 km altitude envelope.
• Executes sea-skimming (as low as 5 m) in the terminal phase to evade radar detection.

 

Ru-Soam Bridges of Sikkim: Indigenous Engineering Meets Sustainability

Why in News

• UNESCO has collaborated with the Sikkim government to document traditional Ru-Soam bridges.
• The initiative focuses on studying their design, ecological relevance, and engineering principles within the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve.

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What are Ru-Soam Bridges?

• Definition: Traditional suspension bridges made of cane by the indigenous Lepcha community.
• Geographical Presence: Found in remote and mountainous areas of Sikkim, facilitating connectivity across rivers and valleys.

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About the Lepcha Community

• Also known as Rongkup, they are indigenous inhabitants of the Eastern Himalayas.
• Distribution: Primarily found in Sikkim, Darjeeling, Bhutan, and eastern Nepal.
• Cultural Identity: Possess a distinct language (Tibeto-Burman family) and rich ecological knowledge systems closely tied to nature.

 

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