04 May 2026 Daily Current Affairs | Today’s News for UPSC & Exams
West Asia Crisis: India’s Energy Security & Government Interventions
In view of the evolving geopolitical situation in West Asia, the Government of India has initiated several strategic measures to ensure energy stability and the safety of its citizens. Key updates are as follows:
1. Energy Supply and Management
- LPG Import: The LPG carrier ‘MT Sarv Shakti’, carrying 46,313 MT of cargo, successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz. It is expected to arrive at Visakhapatnam on May 13, 2026.
- Supply Prioritization: 100% supply is guaranteed for Domestic LPG. Commercial supply is prioritized for Hospitals, Educational Institutions, Pharmaceuticals, and Agriculture.
- Booking Regulations: To manage inventory, refill booking intervals have been adjusted:
- Urban Areas: Increased from 21 to 25 days.
- Rural Areas: Increased up to 45 days.
- Alternative Fuels: To reduce pressure on LPG, additional coal supply is being facilitated via Coal India and Singareni Collieries, along with enhanced Kerosene (SKO) distribution.
2. Natural Gas & PNG Expansion
- National PNG Drive 2.0: The campaign to promote Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections has been extended until June 30, 2026.
- Regulatory Support: The ‘Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order, 2026’ was notified to provide a streamlined framework for pipeline expansion and land access.
- CBG Framework: A Model State Policy for Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) has been developed. States adopting this will be prioritized for additional commercial LPG tranches.
3. Pricing & Economic Measures
- Excise Duty Relief: To protect consumers from rising global crude prices, excise duty on Petrol and Diesel was reduced by ₹10 per litre.
- Export Levy Reductions:
- Diesel Export Levy: Reduced from ₹55.50 to ₹23 per litre.
- ATF (Aviation Fuel) Levy: Reduced from ₹42 to ₹33 per litre.
4. Logistics & Safety Operations
- Aviation Status: UAE has resumed normal air navigation. Operations from Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Israel continue with varying normalcy.
- Maritime Safety: Under DG Shipping, approximately 2,953 Indian seafarers have been safely repatriated from the Gulf region so far.
- Iran Advisory: Indian nationals in Iran are urged to leave via land border routes; 2,504 citizens have been assisted by the Embassy in Tehran thus far.
Key Terms for Competitive Exams:
Essential Commodities Act, 1955: Empowering authorities to prevent hoarding and regulate the supply of essential goods.
DAC (Delivery Authentication Code): An OTP-based system to prevent the diversion of LPG cylinders and ensure delivery to the correct consumer.
FTL Cylinders (5 Kg): “Free Trade LPG” cylinders designed for easy access, specifically for migrant laborers.
PNGRB: The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board, which oversees the refining, transport, and distribution of natural gas in India.
International Sun Day & India’s Solar Energy Achievements
Context: On the occasion of International Sun Day (May 3, 2026), the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) organized the ‘Run for Sun’ marathon in New Delhi to celebrate India’s rapid strides in solar energy.
1. PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PM-SGMBY)
- Record Installations: A historic high of 2.7 lakh rooftop solar systems were installed in the single month of April 2026.
- Overall Progress: Under this flagship scheme, a total of 30 lakh solar rooftop installations have been completed to date.
- Impact: Over 45 lakh households across the country are currently benefiting from solar electricity through this initiative.
2. India’s Solar Energy Statistics
- Total Capacity: As of March 31, 2026, India’s cumulative solar energy capacity reached 150 Gigawatts (GW).
- Exponential Growth: From a mere 2.82 GW in 2014, the capacity has grown 53-fold in just 12 years.
- Rapid Acceleration: Notably, the last 50 GW of capacity was added in a record time of just 15 months.
- Non-Fossil Fuel Milestone: India has achieved 50% of its total installed electric capacity from non-fossil fuel sources, reaching this target well ahead of the original 2030 deadline.
3. India’s Global Standing
- Renewable Energy (RE) Ranking: India is currently ranked 3rd globally in terms of total installed Renewable Energy capacity.
- Energy Self-Reliance: Amidst energy uncertainties in West Asia, solar power is playing a critical role in making India Atmanirbhar in its energy needs.
Quick Revision Points for Competitive Exams:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Run for Sun Marathon |
| Date | May 3, 2026 (International Sun Day) |
| Organizing Ministry | Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) |
| Venue | Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi |
| Key Scheme | PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana |
| Current Solar Capacity | 150 GW (As of March 2026) |
| Global Ranking | 3rd in Renewable Energy Capacity |
Exam Insight: For UPSC and State PSCs, focus on the PM Surya Ghar Yojana targets, the significance of the 150 GW milestone, and India’s commitment to COP26 (Panchamrit) goals regarding non-fossil fuel energy.
Mission Drishti: World’s First OptoSAR Satellite
Context: On May 3, 2026, Union Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated the young scientists and engineers of the space-tech startup ‘GalaxEye’ for developing ‘Mission Drishti’. This represents a significant milestone in India’s private space sector.
1. Key Features of Mission Drishti
- OptoSAR Technology: It is the world’s first OptoSAR satellite, meaning it uniquely combines Optical Cameras and All-weather Radar (SAR) on a single platform.
- Utility: While traditional optical cameras struggle to capture images through clouds or during the night, the integrated radar technology allows for clear Earth observation regardless of weather conditions (rain, clouds, or darkness).
- Private Sector Milestone: It holds the distinction of being India’s largest privately built satellite to date.
2. About GalaxEye Startup
- Origin: GalaxEye is a space-tech startup founded by a team of young scientists and engineers from IIT Madras.
- Objective: To enhance Earth Observation capabilities as part of the “Space-Power India” vision.
3. Significance
- Defense & Disaster Management: The satellite will play a crucial role in border surveillance, rapid data collection during natural disasters, and resource identification.
- Atmanirbhar Bharat: By encouraging private sector participation in space, India is strengthening its position in the global space market and moving toward self-reliance.
Quick Revision Points for Competitive Exams:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mission Name | Mission Drishti |
| Technology | OptoSAR (Optical + SAR Radar) |
| Developed By | GalaxEye (Space-Tech Startup) |
| Global Record | World’s first OptoSAR satellite |
| Domestic Record | India’s largest privately built satellite |
| Primary Objective | All-weather Earth Observation |
Exam Insight: For Science & Technology sections, focus on the technical difference between SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) and Optical Imaging. Additionally, keep note of organizations like IN-SPACe that facilitate private-sector growth in India’s space ecosystem.
India-Cambodia Joint Military Exercise: CINBAX-II 2026
Context: The second edition of the bilateral defense cooperation exercise, CINBAX-II 2026, is being conducted to strengthen the strategic partnership between India and Cambodia.
1. Exercise Details
- Name: CINBAX-II (Cambodia-India Bilateral Exercise).
- Edition: 2nd Edition.
- Dates: May 4 to May 17, 2026.
- Venue: Camp Basil, Techo Sen Phnom Thom Mreas, Kampong Speu Province, Cambodia.
2. Contingent Participation
- Indian Army: Comprises 120 personnel, primarily represented by a battalion from the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment.
- Cambodian Army: Comprises 160 personnel from the Royal Cambodian Army.
3. Key Objectives & Training Focus
- UN Mandate: Conducted under Chapter VII of the United Nations (UN) Charter.
- Counter-Terrorism: Focuses on counter-terrorist operations and tactics relevant to UN Peacekeeping Operations.
- Specialized Training: Includes Drone Operations, Sniper and Mortar tactics, and Operations in Semi-Urban environments.
- Interoperability: Aimed at enhancing coordination, synergy, and joint operational capabilities between the two armed forces.
4. Significance
- Strategic Tie-ups: Vital for India’s defense diplomacy to strengthen ties with South East Asian nations under the ‘Act East Policy’.
- Security: Enhances mutual understanding in addressing regional security challenges and sharing best operational practices.
Quick Revision Points for Competitive Exams:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exercise Name | CINBAX-II 2026 |
| Participating Nations | India and Cambodia |
| Edition | 2nd |
| Venue | Cambodia (Camp Basil) |
| Indian Regiment | Maratha Light Infantry |
| Training Areas | Counter-Terrorism & Drone Operations |
| Mandate | UN Charter Chapter VII |
Exam Insight: For candidates appearing for UPSC and State PSCs, it is important to remember that such bilateral exercises often reflect India’s “Act East Policy”. Distinguish this from other exercises like SAMPRITI (Bangladesh) or GARUDA SHAKTI (Indonesia).
🏆 Exam Champs
04 May 2026 Daily Current Affairs | Today’s News for UPSC & Exams (PDF)
Download Daily Current Affairs PDF
EXAMCHAMPS
🚀 Join Our Community
Get Job Alerts,
Current Affairs,
Premium PDFs
& Daily Quizzes
directly to your mobile for free!