Current Affairs 6 May 2026 | 6th May 2026 Current Affairs | Daily GK Updates

Supreme Court Judges Strength Increased from 34 to 38 — Cabinet Approves Historic Expansion

This is the biggest judicial reform story of the year so far. The Union Cabinet approved the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, proposing to increase the strength of the Supreme Court from 34 to 38 judges (37 Puisne Judges + Chief Justice of India).

Why was this needed? The Supreme Court currently has a backlog of over 92,000 pending cases. Post-pandemic e-filing made courts more accessible, which increased case inflow significantly. Upcoming retirements of sitting judges — including Justice J.K. Maheshwari, Justice Pankaj Mithal, and Justice Sanjay Karol — made expansion urgent.

The historical progression of SC judge strength:

Constitutional basis: Under Article 124 of the Constitution, Parliament has the power to increase the number of judges of the Supreme Court. The strength is governed by the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956.

Appointment process: Names are recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium — a body comprising the CJI and the four senior-most judges of the Supreme Court — under the Second Judges Case (1993) precedent.

📌 Exam Tip: Article 124 → Parliament fixes SC strength. Original strength = 8 (1950). Last increased 2019 (31→34). Now 2026: 34→38. Collegium recommends names. Total pending cases = 92,000+. These are all MCQ goldmines for UPSC, SSC, and Banking exams.

Vande Mataram Gets Statutory Protection — Amendment to Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971

The government moved to amend the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 to formally include and protect Vande Mataram — India's National Song — within its statutory framework.

Key background facts every student must know:

• Vande Mataram was composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay — appearing in his 1882 novel Anandamath

• The Constituent Assembly adopted only the first two stanzas (January 24, 1950) for official use

• In January 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs had issued advisory guidelines recommending performance of all six stanzas (~3 minutes 10 seconds) at official events

• The full song with all six stanzas runs approximately 3 minutes 10 seconds

• The amendment now formalises Vande Mataram's protection alongside the National Flag, National Anthem, and Constitution

National Anthem vs National Song — a classic exam trap:

Judicial note: The Bijoe Emmanuel case is relevant here — the Supreme Court ruled that no one can be compelled to sing the National Anthem if it violates sincere religious beliefs. Similar constitutional debates around compulsion and freedom of conscience may arise with Vande Mataram as well.

📌 Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay = composer of Vande Mataram. Anandamath (1882) = source novel. First two stanzas adopted in 1950. Bijoe Emmanuel case = compulsion vs conscience. Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 = governing law.

30 Banks Integrated with UDGAM Portal — Trace Unclaimed Deposits Easily

30 banks have now been integrated with the UDGAM Portal — the RBI's centralised platform that helps depositors and legal heirs track and reclaim unclaimed bank deposits across multiple banks through a single login.

What is UDGAM? UDGAM stands for Unclaimed Deposits – Gateway to Access inforMation. It was launched by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to address the problem of deposits lying dormant because account holders passed away or simply forgot about old accounts. Earlier, heirs had to visit each bank individually — a frustrating and often unsuccessful process.

How does money become "unclaimed"?

• Deposits are classified as unclaimed/inoperative if not operated for 10 or more years

• Such funds are mandatorily transferred to the Depositor Education and Awareness (DEA) Fund maintained by the RBI

• The depositor or legal heir can still reclaim the money with proper documentation — the fund does not mean the money is forfeited

📌 UDGAM = RBI portal. Full form = Unclaimed Deposits – Gateway to Access inforMation. 30 banks integrated. Unclaimed = inoperative for 10+ years. Transferred to DEA Fund. Very commonly asked in IBPS and SBI Banking Awareness sections.

UP Steps Back from Mandatory Prepaid Smart Meters

Uttar Pradesh rolled back the mandatory prepaid smart meter policy following significant consumer resistance. The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) regulations were amended in 2026 to remove the mandatory prepayment clause — allowing consumers flexibility to choose between prepaid and postpaid billing.

Background: Smart meters were being rolled out under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) — aimed at reducing AT&C (Aggregate Technical and Commercial) losses in the power distribution sector and improving DISCOM financial health. While the technology is sound, ground-level resistance arose because of billing disputes, lack of grievance redressal, and consumer distrust. This episode is a textbook example of how technology-driven public utility reforms must earn consumer trust to succeed.

Governing law: Electricity Act, 2003 governs consumer rights in the power sector. Under this Act, consumers are entitled to certain minimum service standards.

RDSS replaced DDUGJY + IPDS. AT&C losses = key challenge for Indian power distribution. CEA 2026 amendment removed mandatory prepaid clause. Electricity Act, 2003 = governing legislation.

Mission for Cotton Productivity (2026–2031) Approved — The 5F Vision for Indian Cotton

The Union Cabinet approved the Mission for Cotton Productivity — running from FY 2026–27 to FY 2030–31 — also popularly referred to as "Kapas Kanti." This mission is built around a powerful framework called the 5F Vision:

Farm → Fibre → Factory → Fashion → Foreign

Implementing agencies: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare + Ministry of Textiles (joint implementation — a notable first in agri-textile policy coordination).

Key targets:

Key components of the mission:

• Development of High-Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds

• Scaling of modern farming techniques including precision agriculture

• Promotion of Extra Long Staple (ELS) Cotton — India's premium variety with the longest fibre length

• Promotion of the Kasturi Cotton Bharat brand — India's answer to Egypt's Giza cotton and Peru's Pima cotton in global premium markets

Why does this matter? India is the world's largest producer of cotton by area but struggles with stagnating yields, pink bollworm infestations, and quality inconsistencies that hurt export competitiveness. The mission directly targets each of these structural weaknesses. The Kasturi Cotton Bharat brand was earlier launched to position Indian cotton as a certified premium global product — this mission gives it institutional backing.

5F Vision = Farm→Fibre→Factory→Fashion→Foreign. Kapas Kanti = nickname. 140 districts, 14 states. Output target = 498 lakh bales. ELS Cotton = longest fibre, highest quality. Kasturi Cotton Bharat = India's premium cotton brand. Joint implementation by Agri + Textiles ministries.

Two New Semiconductor Units Approved — India Semiconductor Mission Touches 12 Projects

The Union Cabinet cleared two new semiconductor manufacturing units with a cumulative investment of over ₹3,936 crore under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM).

The two approved units:

• A mini/micro-LED display facility based on GaN (Gallium Nitride) technology

• A semiconductor packaging and assembly facility

With these two approvals, the total number of projects under the India Semiconductor Mission has reached 12.

Big picture — why India's semiconductor push is strategic: India currently imports approximately $24 billion worth of semiconductors annually. Semiconductors power everything — smartphones, EVs, medical devices, defence systems, satellites, and AI hardware. The India Semiconductor Mission is backed by a ₹76,000 crore Production Linked Incentive (PLI) framework and aims to build India's domestic semiconductor ecosystem from chip design through fabrication to final packaging and testing by 2030.

ISM total projects = 12. New approvals = GaN-based micro-LED unit + semiconductor packaging unit. Total new investment = ₹3,936 crore. India imports $24 billion semiconductors annually. ISM backed by ₹76,000 crore incentive scheme.

India's Manufacturing PMI Rises to 54.7 in April 2026

India's Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) stood at 54.7 in April 2026 — reflecting continued expansion but at a pace that was the second-slowest in nearly four years.

PMI basics every student must know:

• PMI is published monthly by S&P Global in India

• Above 50 = expansion; Below 50 = contraction

• It surveys purchasing managers across manufacturing and services on new orders, output, employment, supplier deliveries, and inventories

• Two separate indices exist: Manufacturing PMI and Services PMI

Manufacturing PMI April 2026 = 54.7 (above 50 = expansion). Published by S&P Global. Above/below 50 = expansion/contraction. A standard Banking and SSC CGL exam fact.

Duty-Free Import of Yellow Peas and Urad Dal Extended

The government extended duty-free import status for Yellow Peas (Matar) and Urad Dal (Black Gram) to control domestic pulse prices. India's pulse production has been disrupted by erratic monsoons, and import duty exemptions are a short-term price management tool — especially important since pulses are the primary protein source for crores of Indian households.

Yellow Peas + Urad = duty-free import extended. Price stabilisation tool. Pulses = State List subject but Centre intervenes through customs duty under the Union List.

Vietnam President To Lam Visits India — 10 Years of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Vietnam's President To Lam — who is also the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam — arrived in India on May 5 for a three-day state visit. This was his first India visit since assuming office, and it coincided with the 10th anniversary of the India–Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (established 2016).

Key outcomes of the visit:

• Agreements on naval cooperation and joint defence production

• Strengthening of maritime security cooperation — critical given China's assertiveness in the South China Sea

• Bilateral trade was highlighted at a record $16.5 billion in 2025

• A large business delegation accompanied President To Lam — reflecting supply chain diversification interest in Vietnam's electronics and manufacturing sectors

• Discussions on India's Act East Policy framework and ASEAN connectivity

Strategic significance: Vietnam sits at a critical position in the South China Sea — one of the world's most disputed maritime zones. Both India and Vietnam share concerns about Chinese assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific. Vietnam is also a key beneficiary of the China+1 strategy, where global companies diversify manufacturing away from China.

India-Vietnam = Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2016). 10th anniversary in 2026. To Lam = President + General Secretary (Communist Party of Vietnam). Bilateral trade = $16.5 billion (2025 record). Key issues: maritime security, South China Sea, defence production.

India Welcomes US-Iran Ceasefire — Energy Security Highlighted

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) welcomed the announced US-Iran ceasefire, expressing hope it would lead to lasting peace in West Asia and emphasising India's longstanding position that dialogue and diplomacy are the only sustainable solutions to regional conflicts.

Why India watches the Gulf closely:

• India imports approximately 85% of its crude oil — a significant portion from Gulf nations (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iraq, Iran)

• The Strait of Hormuz — through which roughly 20% of the world's oil supply passes — had been under stress due to regional tensions

• A stable ceasefire could ease oil supply constraints, potentially moderating domestic petrol and LPG prices

• India also advised its nationals in Iran and the broader Gulf region to remain vigilant during the transition

About the Strait of Hormuz: It is a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman, connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It is arguably the world's most strategically important maritime chokepoint for global energy trade.

India imports ~85% of crude oil. Strait of Hormuz = ~20% of world's oil. India's MEA welcomed US-Iran ceasefire. Strait of Hormuz = between Iran and Oman. Gulf energy security = perennial UPSC GS Paper II and III topic.

Iran FM Seyed Abbas Araghchi Visits China — Talks with Wang Yi

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi visited China for diplomatic consultations, holding talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The discussions covered bilateral ties, regional security in West Asia, and international issues.

Iran FM = Seyed Abbas Araghchi. China FM = Wang Yi. Iran-China strategic alignment is important context for UPSC International Relations.

Thailand Scraps 2001 Maritime MoU with Cambodia

Thailand officially terminated a 2001 Memorandum of Understanding with Cambodia that had provided the bilateral framework for resolving overlapping maritime territorial claims in the Gulf of Thailand. The decision came amid deteriorating bilateral relations and unresolved disputes over maritime boundaries — with offshore oil and gas resources at the heart of the conflict.

Thailand-Cambodia maritime dispute = Gulf of Thailand. 2001 MoU scrapped 2026. Offshore oil and gas = core issue. ASEAN internal disputes are occasionally tested in UPSC IR.

World Migration Report 2026 — India = World's Largest Remittance Recipient

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) released its World Migration Report 2026 — published biennially (every two years) since 2000.

Global figures you must remember:

India's standout facts:

• India is the only country to have crossed $100 billion in remittances

• India-UAE corridor = 5th largest global migration corridor (predominantly blue-collar migrant workers)

• India-US corridor = 6th largest global migration corridor (skilled professionals and students)

• India has the world's largest diaspora — approximately 18 million Indians living abroad

Why remittances matter for India's economy: Remittances are consistently larger than India's FDI inflows in recent years. They directly support household income in states like Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu — which have large migrant worker populations in the Gulf. They also buffer India's Current Account Deficit (CAD) and support the rupee.

IOM = International Organisation for Migration. World Migration Report = biennial since 2000. India remittances = $137 billion (2024) — world's largest. Global migrants = 304 mn. Forced displacement = 120 mn. India-UAE = 5th corridor. India-US = 6th corridor.

IIT Madras Opens First US Research Centre — Menlo Park, California

The IIT Madras Global Research Foundation established its first United States centre in Menlo Park, California on 6 May 2026.

Why Menlo Park? Menlo Park is in the heart of Silicon Valley — adjacent to Stanford University, Palo Alto, and the headquarters of Meta, and surrounded by hundreds of leading tech companies and venture capital firms. Setting up here gives IIT Madras direct access to Silicon Valley's innovation ecosystem, facilitates collaboration with Indian-American researchers, and positions the institute for cutting-edge research in AI, semiconductors, biotechnology, and deep tech.

This is part of a broader push by Indian premier institutions to build global research partnerships and increase their international academic footprint.

IIT Madras first US centre = Menlo Park, California (May 6, 2026). Menlo Park = Silicon Valley. Reflects India's globalising research and innovation ambitions.

India-Japan Sign Agreements on Quantum Science, Medical Devices & Health Research

India and Japan signed agreements covering quantum science, medical devices, and health research during bilateral meetings in New Delhi on May 5–6, 2026.

India-Japan framework: The two countries share a Special Strategic and Global Partnership. Japan is one of India's largest ODA (Official Development Assistance) providers and a key partner in the QUAD (alongside the US and Australia). Quantum technology collaboration is particularly strategic — quantum computing, cryptography, and communication are the next frontier of geopolitical competition and both countries are investing heavily to reduce dependence on rival ecosystems.

India-Japan = Special Strategic and Global Partnership. QUAD members = India, USA, Japan, Australia. New 2026 agreements = Quantum Science + Medical Devices + Health Research.

Ecocide — Could It Become the 5th International Crime?

Ecocide — defined as large-scale destruction of ecosystems as a result of human activity — has been gaining serious traction in international environmental law circles. Advocates are pushing for it to be recognised as the 5th international crime under the Rome Statute, alongside:

1. Genocide

2. Crimes Against Humanity

3. War Crimes

4. Crime of Aggression

Current status: The International Criminal Court (ICC) does not currently recognise ecocide as a crime — a significant gap given the scale of environmental damage caused by industrial activity, armed conflict, deforestation, and pollution.

Rome Statute basics:

• Adopted in 1998, entered into force in 2002

• Established the ICC (International Criminal Court) — headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands

• India is not a signatory to the Rome Statute

• ICC ≠ ICJ — don't mix these up. ICJ (International Court of Justice) settles disputes between states. ICC prosecutes individuals for international crimes.

Ecocide = potential 5th crime under Rome Statute. Rome Statute = 1998 (in force 2002). ICC = The Hague. India not a signatory. ICC ≠ ICJ. 4 current crimes: Genocide, Crimes Against Humanity, War Crimes, Crime of Aggression.

Microplastics Found in All 20 Sites of Bhitarkanika — Alarming Study

A scientific study found microplastics in all 20 sampled sites of Bhitarkanika National Park, with concentrations reaching up to 50.4 items/kg of sediment. An alarming 89% of the microplastics found were fibre-based — mainly from synthetic textiles.

About Bhitarkanika:

• Located in Kendrapara district, Odisha

• Formed by a deltaic network of four rivers: Brahmani, Baitarani, Dhamra, and their distributaries draining into the Bay of Bengal

• India's second-largest mangrove forest (after Sundarbans)

• Designated as a Ramsar Wetland (wetland of international importance)

• Hosts saltwater crocodiles, migratory birds, Olive Ridley turtles, and rich estuarine biodiversity

What are microplastics?

• Plastic particles smaller than 5mm in diameter

• Two types: Primary (manufactured small — like microbeads in cosmetics) and Secondary (broken down from larger plastic items)

• Found globally — in oceans, rivers, soil, air, and alarmingly in human blood and breast milk

• Their presence in a protected Ramsar site signals how pervasive plastic pollution has become

Bhitarkanika = Kendrapara, Odisha. India's 2nd largest mangrove (Sundarbans = largest). Ramsar site. Microplastics found at up to 50.4 items/kg. 89% fibre-based. Microplastics = particles under 5mm. High probability UPSC Environment question.

Critical Mineral Recycling Scheme — 58 Companies Approved

The Ministry of Mines approved 58 companies as eligible participants under the Incentive Scheme for Promotion of Critical Mineral Recycling — a key component of the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM).

What does this scheme do?

• Provides financial subsidies to companies that extract and refine critical minerals from secondary sources — e-waste, spent batteries, and industrial scrap

• Aims to build a circular economy in India's mineral sector

• Notified: October 2, 2025

• Operational period: FY 2025–26 to FY 2030–31 (6 years)

Why critical minerals are a national priority: Critical minerals — Lithium, Cobalt, Nickel, Rare Earth Elements (REEs), and Graphite — are essential for EV batteries, solar panels, wind turbines, semiconductors, and defence electronics. India currently imports most of these. Building a domestic recycling supply chain reduces this dependence.

58 companies approved. NCMM = National Critical Mineral Mission. Scheme runs FY26–FY31. Notified October 2, 2025. Sources = e-waste, spent batteries, industrial scrap. Critical minerals = Lithium, Cobalt, Nickel, REEs, Graphite.

MK Stalin Resigns as Tamil Nadu CM — Vijay's TVK to Form Government

In a stunning conclusion to Tamil Nadu's historic 2026 election, MK Stalin resigned as Chief Minister following DMK's defeat. TVK (Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam) — led by actor-turned-politician Vijay — emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. The swearing-in of the TVK government was expected on May 7, 2026.

Key political facts:

• Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly = 234 seats

• Simple majority mark = 118 seats

• TVK secured = 108 seats (short of majority — will need allies)

• MK Stalin's DMK = significantly reduced

• TVK contested its very first election and became the single largest party — a historic feat

Tamil Nadu's film-to-politics tradition:

• MGR (M.G. Ramachandran) — founded AIADMK after leaving DMK; served as CM for 10 years

• J. Jayalalithaa — actress, led AIADMK as CM for multiple terms

• Vijay — the latest in this tradition, now set to lead the state government

TN Assembly = 234 seats. Simple majority = 118. TVK = 108 seats (single largest party). MK Stalin (DMK) resigned. TVK = Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. Swearing-in = May 7, 2026.

Kaziranga National Park Records 4,68,147 Visitors in 2025–26 Season

Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve recorded a tourist footfall of 4,68,147 visitors in the 2025–26 season — higher than the previous year. New attractions like bird watching safaris and boat safaris contributed to the increase.

About Kaziranga — must-know facts:

• Located in Golaghat and Nagaon districts, Assam

• UNESCO World Heritage Site — designated 1985

• Tiger Reserve — since 2006

• Hosts two-thirds of the world's one-horned rhinoceroses

• Also home to elephants, wild water buffalo, swamp deer (Barasingha), and 450+ bird species

• Traversed by the Brahmaputra River

Kaziranga = Assam. UNESCO WHS 1985. Tiger Reserve 2006. World's 2/3 one-horned rhinos. Tourist footfall FY26 = 4,68,147. New: bird watching + boat safari.

India at Cannes 2026 — Regional Cinema Makes Historic Debut

India is set for its most diverse showcase at Cannes 2026 (May 12–23). For the first time, Punjabi, Marathi, Gujarati, and Malayalam cinema will have a formal presence alongside Bollywood — a landmark moment for India's rich regional film industries. Indian producers are also actively participating in the Marché du Film — the commercial marketplace that runs alongside the festival.

About Cannes Film Festival:

• Full name: Festival de Cannes

• Held annually in Cannes, France

• Founded: 1946

• Top award: Palme d'Or (Golden Palm)

• First Indian recognition: Neecha Nagar (1946)

• Most recent Indian milestone: Payal Kapadia's All We Imagine as Light won the Grand Prix at Cannes 2024 — the highest Indian achievement at Cannes in decades

Cannes 2026 = May 12–23. Top award = Palme d'Or. Founded 1946. Payal Kapadia won Grand Prix 2024. India's regional cinema debuts at Cannes 2026.

Q. By how much was Supreme Court judge strength increased in 2026? From 34 to 38 judges (including CJI), through the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026 under Article 124 of the Constitution.

Q. What is the 5F Vision of the Mission for Cotton Productivity? Farm → Fibre → Factory → Fashion → Foreign. The mission runs FY 2026–27 to FY 2030–31.

Q. What is the UDGAM portal? An RBI initiative — full form: Unclaimed Deposits – Gateway to Access inforMation. Helps depositors and legal heirs trace unclaimed deposits across banks. 30 banks are now integrated.

Q. How much did India receive in remittances in 2024? USD 137 billion — making India the world's largest remittance recipient and the only country to cross $100 billion.

Q. What are the key facts about Bhitarkanika? Located in Kendrapara district, Odisha. India's second largest mangrove forest (after Sundarbans). A Ramsar site. Microplastics found in all 20 sampled sites, with concentrations up to 50.4 items/kg sediment.

Q. What is Ecocide and which treaty is it linked to? Ecocide is large-scale destruction of ecosystems by human activity. Advocates want it recognised as the 5th crime under the Rome Statute (1998), alongside genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and crime of aggression.

Q. What was the result of Tamil Nadu Elections 2026? TVK (Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam) led by Vijay won 108 seats and emerged as the single largest party in the 234-seat assembly. MK Stalin resigned as CM.

Q. What is India's ranking in global remittances? India is the world's number 1 remittance recipient with $137 billion in 2024 — the only country to surpass $100 billion.

Q. What is India's position in the World Migration Report 2026 regarding migration corridors? India-UAE is the 5th largest global migration corridor (blue-collar workers) and India-US is the 6th largest (skilled professionals and students).

Q. What was new about India's participation at Cannes 2026? For the first time, India's regional cinemas — Punjabi, Marathi, Gujarati, and Malayalam — participated formally alongside Bollywood, making it India's most diverse Cannes showcase.

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