13 May 2026 Daily Current Affairs | Today’s News for UPSC & Exams
CCI Approval: Acquisition of GVK Energy Ltd by Adani Power Ltd
Context: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has cleared the 100% share capital acquisition of GVK Energy Limited (Target) by Adani Power Limited (Acquirer).
Key Exam Facts:
- Legal Framework: This acquisition was conducted under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016, as part of the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP).
- The Acquirer (Adani Power Ltd):
- India’s largest private thermal power producer.
- Operates thermal plants across multiple states (Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, etc.) and a 40 MW solar plant in Gujarat.
- The Target (GVK Energy Ltd):
- A subsidiary of GVK Power and Infrastructure Ltd.
- Significant Asset: Operates a 330 MW Hydroelectric Power Project located in Srinagar, Uttarakhand (via its subsidiary AHPL).
Important Concepts for Aspirants:
| Entity/Term | Relevance |
|---|---|
| CCI (Competition Commission of India) | A statutory body established under the Competition Act, 2002. It ensures fair market competition and prevents activities that have an adverse effect on competition (AAEC) in India. |
| IBC (2016) | A dedicated law to resolve insolvency for corporates, individuals, and partnership firms in a time-bound manner to maximize value of assets. |
| Strategic Shift | This acquisition highlights Adani Power’s expansion into the Hydroelectric power sector, diversifying its portfolio beyond thermal and solar energy. |
Quick Recap for MCQs:
- Which body approved the deal? Competition Commission of India (CCI).
- What percentage of GVK Energy was acquired? 100%.
- Where is the specific GVK hydroelectric project located? Srinagar, Uttarakhand.
- Capacity of the hydro project? 330 MW.
NSIC Technology cum Common Facility Centre (TCFC) – Bengaluru
Context: Foundation stone laid for the ‘NSIC Technology cum Common Facility Centre’ (TCFC) at the Peenya Industrial Area, Bengaluru.
Key Exam Facts:
- Implementing Agency: National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC), under the aegis of the Ministry of MSME.
- Location: Peenya Industrial Area, Bengaluru (One of the largest industrial clusters in Asia).
- Estimated Cost: Approximately ₹46 Crore.
- Core Facilities:
- Advanced Material Testing Laboratories.
- Industry 4.0 solutions and Advanced Drone Technology.
- Industrial automation infrastructure and incubation support.
- Skill development and training centers for youth.
Important Concepts for Aspirants:
| Entity/Term | Relevance |
|---|---|
| NSIC | National Small Industries Corporation. Established in 1955, it is a Mini Ratna PSU. Its primary mandate is to promote and foster the growth of MSMEs in India. |
| TCFC | Technology cum Common Facility Centre. Provides shared access to advanced technology and testing tools for small units that cannot afford expensive machinery individually. |
| Industry 4.0 | Refers to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, focusing on interconnectivity, automation, machine learning (AI), and IoT in manufacturing. |
| Peenya (Bengaluru) | A critical manufacturing hub. Strengthening this cluster directly impacts India’s manufacturing GDP and export quality. |
Strategic Significance:
- Bridging the Tech Gap: Helps MSMEs adopt expensive modern technologies without high capital investment.
- Aatmanirbhar Bharat: Enhances local testing and quality control, reducing dependency on foreign services.
- Future-Ready Workforce: Training in drones and automation ensures a skilled labor force for modern demands.
Quick Recap for MCQs:
- Where was the new NSIC TCFC foundation stone laid? Peenya, Bengaluru.
- Which PSU is establishing the center? National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC).
- What is the project’s estimated budget? ₹46 Crore.
- Which modern technologies are highlighted? Industry 4.0 and Drone Technology.
National Florence Nightingale Awards – 2026
Context: On the occasion of International Nurses Day (May 12), the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, presented the National Florence Nightingale Awards for the year 2026 to nursing personnel at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Key Exam Facts:- Objective: To recognize and honor the meritorious and selfless services rendered by nursing professionals to society.
- Institution Year: The awards were instituted in 1973.
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
- Eligibility: Nurses, Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), and Lady Health Visitors (LHVs) working in Central, State/UTs, and Voluntary Organizations.
| Entity/Term | Relevance |
|---|---|
| Florence Nightingale | Known as “The Lady with the Lamp”, she is the founder of modern nursing. Her birthday (May 12) is International Nurses Day. |
| Role of Nursing | Primary point of contact in healthcare; crucial for patient care and achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). |
| Significance | Highest national honor for nurses in India, strengthening the nursing workforce morale. |
- Health Infrastructure: Boosts the morale of frontline healthcare workers essential for quality healthcare in rural areas.
- Recognition: Highlights “service with compassion” as a pillar of the Indian healthcare system.
Quick Recap for MCQs:
- Conferred by: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
- Instituted in: 1973.
- Date of Observance: May 12 (International Nurses Day).
- Pioneer of Modern Nursing: Florence Nightingale.
India – IFAD: Country Strategic Opportunities Programme (COSOP 2026–2033)
Context: The Government of India and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) launched a new eight-year COSOP (2026–2033) to strengthen the rural economy and resilience.
Key Exam Facts:- Duration: 2026 to 2033 (8 years).
- Strategic Alignment: Integrated with the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision.
- Core Objectives:
- Enhancing rural incomes and socio-economic resilience.
- Scaling sustainable livelihood opportunities.
- Strengthening climate-resilient value chains.
- Major Agreement: A strategic partnership was signed between IFAD and NABARD to bolster rural finance and agricultural innovation.
| Entity/Term | Relevance |
|---|---|
| IFAD | A specialized agency of the United Nations HQ: Rome, Italy. Focuses on eradicating rural poverty. |
| COSOP Strategy | Pillars include Climate/Economic resilience and Knowledge sharing with the Global South. |
| Global South Cooperation | India shares models like Digital Agriculture and FPOs with Africa, SE Asia, and Latin America. |
| Platforms | Operates through Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and Cooperatives. |
- Climate Resilience: Equips the agri-sector to withstand shocks through technology and institutional support.
- Women’s Empowerment: Prioritizes financial inclusion and women-led e-commerce enterprises.
- Knowledge Leadership: Facilitates “South-South Cooperation,” making India a global mentor in rural development.
Quick Recap for MCQs:
- Duration: 2026–2033 (8 years).
- IFAD Headquarters: Rome, Italy.
- Partnership with: NABARD.
- Primary Vision: Viksit Bharat@2047.
IPC MoUs with State Pharmacy Councils (2026)
Context: The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the State Pharmacy Councils of Bihar, Maharashtra, and Mizoram to strengthen medicine safety and rational drug use.
Key Exam Facts:- Partnering States: Bihar, Maharashtra, and Mizoram.
- Primary Objective: To promote the Rational Use of Medicines, enhance Pharmacovigilance, and advance patient safety initiatives.
- National Formulary of India (NFI): The collaboration aims for the wider adoption of NFI among pharmacists and making it a mandatory reference document in hospital pharmacies.
- Pharmacovigilance (PvPI): Strengthening the reporting of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) and establishing ADR Monitoring Centres (AMCs).
| Entity/Term | Relevance |
|---|---|
| IPC | Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission. Sets standards for all drugs manufactured and consumed in India. HQ: Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. |
| PvPI | Pharmacovigilance Programme of India. A national program focused on monitoring the safety of medicines and identifying ADRs. |
| ADR Reporting | Mechanism to report unexpected or harmful effects of drugs. Essential for medicine safety surveillance. |
| Rational Use | Ensuring patients receive medications appropriate to their clinical needs, in correct doses, for an adequate period, and at the lowest cost. |
- Healthcare Systems: Reinforces safety surveillance across the country by decentralizing monitoring through state councils.
- Professional Competency: Jointly organizing training and continuing education for pharmacists regarding pharmacopoeial standards.
- Public Awareness: Targeted outreach programs to educate both professionals and the public on regulatory standards and patient safety.
Quick Recap for MCQs:
- Which states signed MoUs with IPC in May 2026? Bihar, Maharashtra, and Mizoram.
- Where is the headquarters of the IPC? Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.
- What is the primary role of the NFI? To act as an official manual for the safe and evidence-based use of medicines.
- Which program is responsible for monitoring Adverse Drug Reactions in India? PvPI.
🏆 Exam Champs
13 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!