Daily notes mapped to syllabus topics, with “Asked before” PYQs and original practice MCQs.
NITI Aayog released 'School Education System in India: Temporal Analysis and Policy Roadmap for Quality Enhancement' on 6 May 2026. It reviews a decade of data for 14.71 lakh schools and over 24.69 crore students. It lists 11 challenges and 13 recommendations, with 33 implementation pathways and over 125 measurable indicators. New SMC Guidelines 2026 came the same week.
UPSC angle: Prelims: RTE SMCs.
7 May 2026
The Health Ministry launched JANANI (Journey of Antenatal, Natal and Neonatal Integrated Care), an upgraded version of the RCH portal, to keep digital health records of women of reproductive age and their children. It offers QR-enabled Mother and Child Health cards and high-risk pregnancy alerts. JANANI has 1.34 crore registrations, including over 30 lakh pregnant women.
UPSC angle: Prelims: RCH portal.
7 May 2026
The Ministry of Mines said on 7 May 2026 that 101 mineral blocks auctioned since the auction regime began in 2015 are now operational. Odisha leads with 34, followed by Karnataka (18) and Gujarat (11). Iron ore accounts for 47 blocks and limestone 29. FY 2025-26 set a record with 212 blocks auctioned in one year.
UPSC angle: Prelims: MMDR 2015.
7 May 2026
During Vietnamese General Secretary and President To Lam's State Visit (5 to 7 May 2026), India and Vietnam raised ties to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They set a trade goal of USD 25 billion by 2030, and Vietnam joined the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. Thirteen MoUs were signed, including on rare earths, digital payments and Cham manuscripts.
UPSC angle: Prelims: Enhanced CSP; IREL. · Mains: India-Vietnam and Act East.
6 May 2026
India and the EU launched a third coordinated call for proposals on recycling of EV batteries on 5 May 2026, under the India–EU Trade and Technology Council's Working Group 2. The pool is €15.2 million (about ₹169 crore), funded by Horizon Europe and India's Ministry of Heavy Industries. Proposals are due by 15 September 2026.
UPSC angle: Prelims: India–EU TTC.
6 May 2026
India and Algeria held their inaugural defence Joint Commission meeting in New Delhi on 5 May 2026. They discussed training, military exercises, medical cooperation and defence industries, and agreed to expand defence cooperation. They signed the Rules of Procedure that will guide future Joint Commission meetings. Ties have grown since a Defence MoU in 2024.
UPSC angle: Prelims: Africa geography.
6 May 2026
The Union Cabinet approved the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme 5.0 for an additional credit flow of ₹2,55,000 crore amid the West Asia crisis. NCGTC will guarantee 100% of defaults for MSMEs and 90% for non-MSMEs and airlines. ₹5,000 crore is earmarked for airlines hit by high ATF prices. Loans run up to 7 years with a 2-year moratorium.
UPSC angle: Prelims: ECLGS.
6 May 2026
India condemned an attack on Fujairah in the UAE that injured three Indian nationals, calling it unacceptable, in an MEA statement of 5 May 2026. India called for an immediate end to hostilities and to the targeting of civilian infrastructure and civilians. It also called for free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the Strait of Hormuz under international law.
UPSC angle: Prelims: Fujairah (UAE, Gulf of Oman coast). · Mains: protecting Indians in a war zone.
5 May 2026
The CCEA approved a ship repair facility at Vadinar, Gujarat, on 5 May 2026, to be built by Deendayal Port Authority and Cochin Shipyard with ₹1,570 crore. It will have a 650-metre jetty and two large floating dry docks. India now lacks capacity to repair ships over 230 m; Vadinar will handle ships up to 300 m.
UPSC angle: Prelims: major ports.
5 May 2026
The Cabinet approved the Mission for Cotton Productivity with ₹5,659.22 crore for 2026-27 to 2030-31. It targets 498 lakh bales of cotton by raising lint yield from 440 to 755 kg per hectare by 2031. It covers better seeds, high-density planting, ELS cotton, ginning upgrades, testing labs and Kasturi Cotton Bharat branding. About 32 lakh farmers will benefit.
UPSC angle: Prelims: 5F vision.
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