Daily filter — 1 May 2026
7 exam-worthy stories from the day's PIB releases · interactive view
📊 Polity & Governance · UPSC track
Census 2027 Houselisting, Self-Enumeration Begins in Various States
Phase 1 of **Census 2027**, including Houselisting Operations and **Self-Enumeration** (SE), has commenced in multiple Indian states and UTs.
- Houselisting Operations began on May 1, 2026, in Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.
- The Self-Enumeration facility, introduced for the first time, commenced in MCD Delhi, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra.
- Nearly 82 lakh households have availed the online Self-Enumeration facility so far.
- Data collected under the Census Act, 1948, is confidential and used for statistical purposes.
💡 For the exam: Remember Census 2027 is digital, with Self-Enumeration a new feature, ensuring data confidentiality under the 1948 Act.
Source: Ministry of Home Affairs · PIB PRID 2257366
👮♂️ Defence & Security · LAW track
NCB's **Operation WHITE STRIKE** busts major cocaine syndicate
**NCB** seized **349 kg** high-grade cocaine worth **₹1,745 crore** from the **Mumbai** region, dismantling a transnational trafficking network.
- Operation WHITE STRIKE by NCB uncovered a transnational cocaine trafficking syndicate.
- Approximately 349 kilograms of cocaine, valued at ₹1,745 crore, were seized.
- The operation took over six months of intelligence development and surveillance.
- Seizures occurred in Kalamboli-Bhiwandi corridor and a Bhiwandi warehouse.
- Cocaine was concealed in imported machinery and cricket pads/gloves.
💡 Operation WHITE STRIKE by NCB seized 349 kg cocaine worth ₹1,745 crore in Mumbai.
Source: Ministry of Home Affairs · PIB PRID 2257339
🚢 Defence & Security · UPSC track
Great Nicobar Project: Strengthening India's Presence and Trade Hub
The Great Nicobar Project is a strategic initiative balancing economic growth, infrastructure, and national security in the Indian Ocean Region.
- The Great Nicobar Project holds strategic, defence, and national importance.
- It will establish a major international transshipment terminal and enhance maritime capabilities.
- The project aims to counter foreign powers' presence and address poaching in the Indian Ocean.
- Of 166.1 sq. km for development, 84.10 sq. km overlaps with Tribal Reserve.
- 76.98 sq. km is being re-notified as tribal reserve, a net addition of 3.912 sq. km.
💡 For the exam: Remember the Great Nicobar Project as a strategic transshipment hub strengthening national security and ensuring tribal reserve net addition.
Source: PIB Backgrounder · PIB PRID 2257323
🚢 Defence & Security · UPSC track
Great Nicobar Project: India's Strategic Maritime Hub
The Great Nicobar Project aims to establish a strategic maritime and economic hub, leveraging its proximity to East-West shipping routes.
- The project includes a 14.2 MTEU International Container Transshipment Terminal at Galathea Bay.
- It features a Greenfield International Airport designed for 4000 Peak Hour Passengers.
- Development follows environmental clearance under the EIA Notification, 2006, with 42 compliance conditions.
- No displacement is proposed for Shompen and Nicobarese communities; tribal reserve area will increase.
- The project is implemented in three phases, from 2025–35 (Phase I) to 2042–47 (Phase III).
💡 For the exam: Remember the Great Nicobar Project's key components (port, airport, power) and its strategic, environmental, and tribal welfare focus.
Source: PIB Backgrounder · PIB PRID 2257174
🤝 International Relations · UPSC track
India-Tanzania Joint Trade Committee boosts bilateral economic ties
The 5th **India**–**Tanzania Joint Trade Committee** meeting reviewed progress and strengthened economic cooperation, with trade exceeding **USD 9 billion**.
- The 5th India–Tanzania JTC was held on 29–30 April 2026 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
- Bilateral trade reached USD 9.02 billion in 2025–26, up from USD 8.64 billion in 2024–25.
- Discussions covered local currency trade, IIT Madras Zanzibar, digital public infrastructure, and Lines of Credit exceeding USD 1.1 billion.
- Collaboration areas include health, agriculture, mining, shipbuilding, railways, and renewable energy.
💡 Remember: The India–Tanzania JTC aims for enhanced trade (over $9B) and sectoral cooperation (e.g., health, digital, education).
Source: Ministry of Commerce & Industry · PIB PRID 2257256
🚢 Defence & Security · UPSC track
Advanced Stealth Frigate Mahendragiri Delivered to Indian Navy
The sixth Project 17A Nilgiri-class stealth frigate, **Mahendragiri**, was delivered to the Indian Navy on April 30, 2026.
- Mahendragiri (Yard 12654) is the sixth Project 17A ship delivered.
- It was built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDSL), Mumbai.
- The frigate has 75% indigenous content, involving 200+ MSMEs.
- P17A ships feature Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion plants.
💡 Remember: Mahendragiri is the sixth P17A stealth frigate, built by MDSL with 75% indigenous content and CODOG propulsion.
Source: Ministry of Defence · PIB PRID 2257237
👩💼 Economy · UPSC track
Women's Labour Force Participation Soars to 40% by 2025
India's female labour force participation has increased significantly from 23.3% in 2017-18 to 40% in 2025, driven by rural India.
- Female Labour Force Participation (FLFP) rose from 23.3% in 2017–18 to 40% in 2025.
- Over 10 crore women households mobilized into Self-Help Groups under DAY–NRLM.
- India's social protection coverage expanded from 19% in 2015 to over 64% in 2025.
- Over 1 lakh startups under Startup India have at least one woman director.
💡 FLFP up to 40% by 2025, buoyed by SHGs and social protection expanding to 64% by 2025.
Source: PIB Backgrounder · PIB PRID 2257197