UPSC Daily Current Affairs for 01 May 2026

Komagata Maru Incident

In News

Recently a Punjabi Singer compared the 1914 Komagata Maru rejection of Indians in Canada with his own sold-out concert to highlight how attitudes have changed over time.

Komagata Maru Incident

The Komagata Maru (also called Guru Nanak Jahaz) was a Japanese steamship chartered by Gurdit Singh in 1914, carrying 376 Indians seeking better opportunities in Canada.

Early 20th century Punjab faced rural indebtedness, famines and epidemics and many ex-soldiers and peasants migrated abroad for livelihood.

A New Era of Online Gaming Governance

Context

India has entered a decisive phase in regulating its rapidly expanding online gaming ecosystem with the notification of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2026, operationalising the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025.

About Online Gaming

Online gaming refers to games offered on the internet, accessible through devices such as smartphones or computers, including both casual games (entertainment-based), and real-money games (RMG) involving stakes. (MeitY, IT Rules 2023).

Around 80% of gamers worldwide are adults, with the largest group ages 18–34, while the average gamer is in their mid-30s.

Rise in Healthcare Access in India

Context

National Statistical Office’s (NSO) 80th Round Survey on Household Consumption on Health highlighted significant increase in healthcare access across the country.

Key Findings of the Survey

Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE): Outpatient care in public facilities recorded zero OOPE, highlighting availability of free essential services.

Over 50% of patients in government hospitals incurred OOPE of less than ₹1,100.

Strengthening of Health-Seeking Behaviour: The projected population reporting ailments (PPRA) has increased significantly, reflecting improved health awareness and reporting behaviour.

Lift Abortion Time Limit for Minor Rape Survivors: SC

Context

The Supreme Court has asked the Union government to amend the abortion law to remove the time limit on medical termination of unwanted pregnancies in the case of minor rape victims.

About

The court made the observation while refusing to entertain a curative petition filed by the government against a recent decision of the court allowing a 15-year-old rape survivor to terminate a 30-week pregnancy.

The court said it was not for the doctors or the state to choose what was best for the rape surivor.

International Labour Day

Context

May 1 is observed as the International Workers' Day, commonly known as Labour Day.

International Labour Day

Also referred to as May Day, in some regions it is observed on the first Monday of May.

The day serves to acknowledge the social and economic contributions of workers and to draw attention to the continuing fight for workers' rights and fair labour conditions globally.

‘Women and Men in India 2025’ Report

Context

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the 27th edition of its publication titled “Women and Men in India 2025: Selected Indicators and Data”.

Women and Men in India 2025’ Report Brief

It provides a comprehensive statistical overview of gender-related conditions in India using official data from multiple ministries and agencies.

It brings together gender-disaggregated data across major areas such as population, education, health, economic participation, decision-making, and violence against women.

News In Short 01-05-2026

Context

The election of the next UN Secretary-General is underway.

Secretary-General as the UN

The Secretary-General is the UN’s Chief Administrative Officer, who oversees the work of the UN Secretariat and fulfills any other functions entrusted by the organisation’s principal organs.

The Secretary-General also has the mandate to bring to the Security Council’s attention any issue that threatens global peace and security.