Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (08th May, 2026)

National News

Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya launched a nationwide free annual health check-up programme for workers aged 40 years and above under the new Labour Codes
The initiative was launched from ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Basaidarapur, New Delhi through the nationwide ESIC healthcare network
Workers employed in hazardous industries will receive mandatory medical check-ups irrespective of age
The programme focuses on preventive healthcare, early disease detection, and long-term worker health monitoring
The initiative supports labour reforms aimed at expanding social security and improving worker welfare in India

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IndiaAI and ICMR signed an MoU to strengthen AI-driven healthcare research and innovation across India
ICMR will provide anonymised biomedical datasets and AI models through the AIKosh platform for researchers and startups
IndiaAI will provide subsidised access to GPU-based high-performance computing infrastructure for medical AI research
The collaboration will support ethical AI solutions for disease prediction, medical imaging, and healthcare analytics
The partnership aims to build a trusted and responsible AI healthcare ecosystem in India

NASA successfully tested a 120-kilowatt magnetoplasmadynamic plasma engine that could support future human missions to Mars
The test was conducted by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California on 24 February 2026
The advanced electric propulsion system uses electromagnetic forces and lithium vapour to generate plasma-based thrust
NASA believes such propulsion systems could reduce Mars travel time from nine months to nearly 30–60 days
The test marks a major step toward developing efficient deep-space transportation systems

Bengaluru recorded the highest suicide rate among India’s major cities according to NCRB’s ADSI reports
The city reported more than 2,400 suicides in 2024 with a suicide rate close to 20 per lakh population
NCRB data highlighted family problems, illness, and financial stress as major causes of suicides
Experts link rising urban suicide rates to migration stress, work pressure, and social isolation
Mental health awareness, counselling, and community support are being emphasised to reduce suicides

S&P Global reduced India’s FY27 GDP growth forecast from 7.1% to 6.6% due to global economic uncertainties
The report highlighted rising crude oil prices, energy disruptions, and rupee volatility as key risks
Brent crude prices touched nearly 126 dollars per barrel during the West Asia crisis
CRISIL warned that higher oil prices and a weaker rupee could increase inflationary pressure on the economy
The report recommended stronger energy security and structural reforms to manage future shocks

Indore will host the BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting in June 2026 under India’s BRICS Presidency
Agriculture ministers from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa are expected to participate
The meeting will focus on food security, digital farming, climate-resilient agriculture, and AI in farming
Discussions will also cover agricultural trade cooperation and sustainable farming practices
The event highlights India’s growing role in global agricultural policy and cooperation

India will host its first international ophthalmology research conference AIOS-AFOU 2026 in New Delhi on May 9–10
The conference is being organised by Army Hospital (R&R) in collaboration with the All India Ophthalmological Society
Experts will discuss AI-driven diagnostics, retinal imaging, diabetic retinopathy, and military ophthalmology
Leading institutions including AIIMS, LV Prasad Eye Institute, and Sankara Nethralaya will participate
The conference aims to promote research collaboration and innovation in eye healthcare

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) lifted restrictions on Belarusian athletes ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics
Belarusian athletes and teams can now participate under their national flag and anthem in international competitions
Russian athletes will continue competing only as neutral athletes under strict IOC conditions
The Russian Olympic Committee remains suspended over Ukraine-related and anti-doping concerns
The decision has triggered fresh debate over sports participation linked to international conflicts

Indian chess prodigy Apaar Saxena earned the International Master title after achieving all three IM norms in European tournaments
The 14-year-old player completed the milestone within just five weeks through consistent performances
The International Master title is awarded by FIDE and is one of the top chess titles after Grandmaster
India continues to produce strong young chess talents at the international level
Apaar Saxena’s achievement strengthens Karnataka’s growing contribution to Indian chess

DRDO and the Indian Air Force successfully conducted the maiden flight trial of the TARA weapon system off the Odisha coast
TARA is India’s first indigenous glide weapon system designed to convert conventional bombs into precision-guided weapons
The trial was carried out using a Jaguar combat aircraft on 7 May 2026
The test validated the system’s navigation, aerodynamic performance, and guidance capabilities
The indigenous weapon system will strengthen India’s precision strike and stand-off attack capability

World Ovarian Cancer Day 2026 is being observed on 8 May to spread awareness about ovarian cancer and early diagnosis
The 2026 theme is “No Woman Left Behind” focusing on equal healthcare access and cancer support
Awareness campaigns are being organised globally by healthcare organisations and cancer support groups
Ovarian cancer is often called a silent disease because symptoms are difficult to identify in early stages
The campaign encourages early detection, treatment access, and public awareness about women’s health

World Thalassemia Day 2026 is being observed on 8 May to spread awareness about the inherited blood disorder thalassemia
The official theme for 2026 is “Hidden No More: Finding the Undiagnosed. Supporting the Unseen.”
The campaign focuses on early diagnosis, genetic screening, and equal healthcare access
Thalassemia patients often require lifelong blood transfusions and medical support
Awareness programmes worldwide are promoting prevention and public education about the disease

World Red Cross Day 2026 is being observed globally on 8 May to honour humanitarian workers and volunteers
The official theme for 2026 is “Keeping Humanity Alive”
The day marks the birth anniversary of Henry Dunant, founder of the International Red Cross Movement
Red Cross organisations provide disaster relief, medical aid, blood donation services, and refugee support worldwide
Awareness drives, blood donation camps, and volunteer programmes are being organised across many countries