03 May 2026 Daily Current Affairs | Today’s News for UPSC & Exams
Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) Tolling System
India’s first barrier-free tolling system launched by NHAI
1. Project Basics
- Launch Venue: Chorayasi Toll Plaza on the Surat–Bharuch section of NH-48, Gujarat.
- Implementing Agency: National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
- Primary Objective: Seamless vehicle movement by removing physical barriers.
2. Key Technologies
3. Advantages
- Barrier-Free: No need to slow down or stop.
- Environmental: Reduced fuel consumption and emissions.
- Time Efficiency: Significant reduction in traffic congestion.
- Transparency: Automated process with minimal human intervention.
4. Fines & Regulations
In case of non-payment/low balance:
- E-Notice: Issued to the vehicle owner.
- 72-Hour Window: Pay normal fee within 72 hours.
- 2x Penalty: Failure to pay within 72 hours leads to double toll charges.
- VAHAN Portal: Non-payment may lead to blacklisting.
5. Quick Revision (Exam Special)
| First State | Gujarat |
| First Highway | NH-48 |
| Notice Portal | nhfeenotice.parivahan.gov.in |
Appointment: New Chairman of Prasar Bharati
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has appointed renowned lyricist and communication expert Shri Prasoon Joshi as the Chairman of Prasar Bharati.
1. About the Appointee (Shri Prasoon Joshi)
- Current Designation: Chairman, Prasar Bharati Board (Appointed in May 2026).
- Past Experience:
- Served as the Chairman of the CBFC since 2017.
- Former CEO of McCann World Group India.
- Trustee of IGNCA since 2016.
- Fields of Expertise: Literature, Advertising, Cinema, and Public Communication.
2. About Prasar Bharati (Key Facts for Exams)
- 🔹 Nature: Statutory Autonomous Public Service Broadcaster.
- 🔹 Legislation: Prasar Bharati Act, 1990.
- 🔹 Operational Since: 1997.
- 🔹 Divisions: 1. All India Radio (AIR) & 2. Doordarshan (DD).
- 🔹 Recent Initiative: Launched ‘Waves’ (OTT Platform).
3. Exam Focus Points
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Information & Broadcasting |
| Union Minister | Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw |
| Main Objective | National Integration & Cultural Heritage Preservation |
🎯 Quick Revision Bit:
Who has been appointed as the new Chairman of India’s public service broadcaster ‘Prasar Bharati’?
Answer: Prasoon Joshi
India’s First Cell Broadcast System (CBS) – Key Highlights
Launched on May 2, 2026 | Important for UPSC, SSC, Banking & State PSCs
1. Key Facts
- Developing Agency: Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT).
- Collaborating Departments: Department of Telecommunications (DoT), National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
- Venue: New Delhi.
- Motto: “From Reactive to Proactive”
2. Technical Features
- Geo-targeting: Alerts sent to specific areas at the cell tower level.
- Network Independence: Operates across all generations (2G to 5G).
- Reliability: Unaffected by network congestion; no queuing delays.
- Multilingual Support: Broadcasts in regional languages.
- Non-Optional Alerts: Cannot be disabled by users; unique loud tone/vibration.
3. Related Platforms & Initiatives
- SACHET: Integrated with this CAP-based platform for standardized alerts.
- International Alignment: Supports UN’s “Early Warnings for All” initiative.
4. Expected MCQs (Key Points)
• Awards: Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar was presented during the launch.
• Applications: Flash Floods, Gas Leaks, and crowd management (e.g., Char Dham Yatra).
• Global Reach: Technology demonstrated in Mauritius, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka.
Quick Revision Table
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Technology | Cell Broadcast (Simultaneous transmission to area-wide devices) |
| Origin | Indigenous (Developed by C-DOT) |
| Primary Goal | Reducing loss of life via Zero Delay Alerts |
| Platform | Integrated with SACHET (CAP-based) |
| Coverage | Pan-India (Urban + Last-mile Rural) |
Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Visit to Myanmar – Key Highlights
Dates: May 2 – 05, 2026 | International Relations & Defense Updates
1. Purpose of Visit & Bilateral Discussions
- 📅 Duration: May 02 to May 05, 2026 (4-day official visit).
- 🤝 Key Engagements: Bilateral discussions with Myanmar’s Defence Minister, Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces, and Navy Chief.
- 🎯 Primary Objective: Strengthening cooperation in Maritime Security, Capacity Building, and Training.
2. India – Myanmar Naval Linkages
🚢 IMNEX: India-Myanmar Naval Exercise (Bilateral Exercise).
🛡️ IMCOR: Indo-Myanmar Coordinated Patrol (Border Surveillance).
📊 Training: Collaboration in Hydrography surveys and personnel exchange programs.
3. Participation in International Forums
Myanmar regularly participates in major Indian Navy-led initiatives:
4. Crucial Points for Competitive Exams
✅ Current CNS: Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi is the current Chief of the Naval Staff.
✅ Strategic Vision: Myanmar is a key partner in India’s ‘Act East Policy’ and ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative.
✅ Symbolic Act: The CNS laid a wreath at the ‘Fallen Heroes’ War Memorial’ in Myanmar.
Quick Revision Table
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Key Personality | Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi (CNS) |
| Visiting Country | Myanmar (May 2-5, 2026) |
| Major Exercises | IMNEX, IMCOR |
| Primary Focus | Maritime Security & Capacity Building |
| Strategic Vision | SAGAR (Security & Growth for All in the Region) |