International Day of Light
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- International Day of Light is observed annually on 16 May.
- It commemorates the first successful operation of the laser in 1960 by physicist and engineer Theodore Maiman.
- Theme for this year: “Light for a Sustainable Future”, focusing on sustainability through light-based technologies.
National Dengue Day
- National Dengue Day is observed in India every year on May 16.
- This day was officially declared by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
- The main objective of this day is to raise awareness about dengue disease and to strengthen preventive measures before the onset of the monsoon season.
- The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare observes the month of July as ‘Anti-Dengue Month’.
- The official theme for National Dengue Day 2026 is: “Unite. Act. Eliminate.”
India’s green ammonia
- India aims to produce 5 million tonnes of green ammonia by 2030 under the National Green Hydrogen Mission to reduce imports and enhance energy self-reliance.
- India has also signed agreements for 724 lakh metric tonnes of green ammonia production for domestic use, indicating large-scale expansion plans.
- Ammonia is critical for India’s agriculture sector as it is a key input for fertiliser production, especially Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP), linking energy security with food security.
- India currently imports over 70% of its 30 million tonnes annual ammonia requirement, mainly as grey ammonia from countries like Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain.
- Grey ammonia production is highly carbon intensive, emitting 1.9–2.6 tonnes of CO₂ per tonne of ammonia produced.
- India’s grey ammonia production contributes about 25–43 million tonnes of CO₂ annually, accounting for 5–10% of global ammonia-related emissions and about 1.2–1.8% of total global greenhouse gas emissions.
- Transition to green ammonia aligns with India’s commitments under the Paris Agreement by reducing emissions through renewable hydrogen-based production.
Tamil Nadu Economy Growth
- Tamil Nadu remains a leading industrial state, recording strong post-COVID recovery with real GDP growth of 11.19% (2024–25) and 10.83% (2025–26).
- Manufacturing sector showed robust growth of 14.74% (2024–25) and 14.22% (2025–26) during the period, indicating strong industrial momentum.
- The state attracted ₹1.38 lakh crore FDI (Oct 2019–June 2025), ranking fourth in India.
- Export performance is strong, the state ranks second in Export Preparedness Index, with exports rising from $26.16 billion (2020–21) to $52.07 billion (2024–25).
- Agriculture showed recovery with 8.91% growth in 2025–26 after contraction in previous years, but continues to face climate-related vulnerabilities.
- Fiscal deficit rising to 4.91% of GSDP (2020–21) and debt-to-GSDP at 26.9%.
Indian Skimmer
- Tawa Reservoir, located within Satpura Tiger Reserve in Narmadapuram district of central Madhya Pradesh, has emerged as the second breeding site of the Indian Skimmer in India, after the National Chambal Sanctuary.
- The Indian Skimmer is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, with its global population largely concentrated in India.
- Indian Skimmer population in India is estimated at 2,000–2,500 individuals, with a nearly 50% decline over the last decade.
Project Saksham- National Highways Authority of India in partnership with Vertis Foundation implements Project Saksham to promote inclusive development by empowering rural women through structured skill development for sustainable livelihoods and social empowerment.
- The programme operates through 12 training centres across India, targeting underserved rural communities and providing industry-relevant vocational training with pathways to the formal workforce.
- Beneficiaries earning ₹13,000–₹16,000 per month, and over 80% participation by women, highlighting strong gender-focused empowerment.
Thirukkural
- The base (vile) resemble human beings;
we have never seen such a striking resemblance among any other two species.”
- Thiruvalluvar is using a touch of sharp irony here. He says that bad or wicked people look so perfectly human on the outside that it is impossible to tell them apart by their appearance. He wittily remarks that this is the most flawless imitation that exists in the world, even though their actions are entirely inhuman.
- Thirukkural (No. 1071) Chapter: Gayamai
