Current Affairs for Competitive Exams: 08 May 2026, Daily Roundup
Current Affairs – 08 May 2026
On 8 May 2026, major developments included India’s sugarcane price hike, expansion in digital health and semiconductor sectors, and intensified geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Global attention also focused on defence cooperation and humanitarian concerns in West Asia.
National Affairs
Economy, Agriculture & Infrastructure
- Sugarcane FRP Increased: The Cabinet approved a hike in the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane to ₹365 per quintal for the 2026–27 season.
- GDP Projection: Economic assessments projected India’s FY26 GDP growth at 7.6%, though rising fuel supply disruptions may keep inflation around 5.1%.
- First Green Methanol Plant: India’s first green methanol production facility will be established at Deendayal Port, Gujarat, converting invasive Prosopis juliflora (Gando Baval) into clean marine fuel.
- Space-Tech Milestone: Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace became India’s first space-tech unicorn after raising $60 million.
Health & Digital Governance
- Swasth Bharat Portal: The Ministry of Health launched the Swasth Bharat Portal, integrating national health databases with Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) accounts for unified digital healthcare access.
International Current Affairs
- India–Japan Technology Agreements: India and Japan signed agreements to strengthen collaboration in quantum technology and advanced health sciences.
- EU Methane Rules Debate: The European Commission considered temporary exemptions for fossil fuel companies from new methane-emission regulations, drawing criticism from environmental groups.
- Qatar Mediation Efforts: Qatar initiated diplomatic outreach in Washington seeking a 30-day peace window in the Gulf crisis.
- Mayon Volcano Eruption: The Mayon Volcano in the Philippines erupted, prompting evacuation and safety alerts.
- Aksai Chin Focus: China’s Hotan region, covering Aksai Chin, remained in focus amid border-related discussions.
Global Geopolitical Developments
- Hormuz Transit Controls: Iran established the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), requiring all ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz to submit cargo and ownership details.
- US–Iran Military Tensions: US forces disabled two Iranian tankers in the Gulf of Oman, while the UAE intercepted missiles and drones reportedly launched from Iran.
- Energy Supply Concerns: Continued tensions kept global oil and LNG markets volatile despite diplomatic mediation efforts.
Defence
- India–Australia Defence Talks: The 10th India–Australia Defence Policy Talks were held in New Delhi, focusing on maritime cooperation and joint security planning.
- Freedom of Navigation Operations: Australian warship HMAS Toowoomba conducted exercises with US and Canadian navies in the South China Sea under UNCLOS principles.
Science & Technology
- SEBI AI Task Force: SEBI launched the “Cyber-suraksha.ai” task force to strengthen cybersecurity in financial markets against AI-driven threats.
- India–EU Battery Recycling Initiative: India and the EU launched a €15.2 million programme under the Trade and Technology Council (TTC) for lithium-ion and EV battery recycling research.
Sports
- AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup: India defeated Lebanon 4–0 in Suzhou, China, keeping qualification hopes alive. Pritika Barman scored twice.
- Doha Diamond League: Leading athletes gathered in Doha for the opening of the international athletics season.
Global Observances
- World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day (8 May): Observed to honour humanitarian service during crises and conflicts.
- World Thalassemia Day (8 May): Awareness programmes highlighted prevention and treatment of genetic blood disorders.
Miscellaneous One-Liners Current Affairs
- West Bengal: Police intensified investigation into the murder of a BJP leader’s aide.
- Gujarat: Canada’s Cape Breton University signed MoUs with Indian universities for semiconductor and green technology training.
- Karnataka: The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) announced greater participation of women and laypersons in leadership roles.
- Maharashtra: Nashik Police expanded probe into a workplace harassment and conversion-related controversy at an IT company.
