UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 8 May 2026

Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme

May 8, 2026

Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme Latest News

The Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) has facilitated the establishment of more than 4 lakh micro-enterprises and generated employment for over 36 lakh people during the 15th Finance Commission cycle.

About Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme

It is a central sector scheme launched in August 2008.
It is a credit-linked subsidy scheme administered by the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME).
It aims to create self-employment opportunities for first-generation entrepreneurs and promote sustainable livelihoods in the manufacturing and services sectors, especially in rural areas.
Implemented By: The scheme is implemented by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission

Eligibility for Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme

Any individual above 18 years of age is eligible.
There will be no income ceiling for assistance for setting up projects under PMEGP.
Beneficiaries should possess at least VIII standard pass educational qualification for setting up of projects costing above Rs.10 lakh in the manufacturing sector and above Rs. 5 lakh in the business/service sector.
Self Help Groups (including those belonging to BPL provided that they have not availed benefits under any other Scheme), institutions registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, Production Co-operative Societies, and, Charitable Trusts are also eligible for assistance under PMEGP.
Existing units that have already availed government subsidy under any other scheme of the Government of India or State Government are not eligible.

Source: PIB

Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme FAQs

Q1: PMEGP is implemented by which nodal agency?

Ans: Khadi and Village Industries Commission

Q2: Which ministry administers PMEGP?

Ans: Ministry of MSME

Geocell

May 8, 2026

Geocell Latest News

CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) and BPCL have been recognized by the India Book of Records and Asia Book of Records for establishing the record titled “First Roadblock Section Constructed Using Technical Textile Geocell Made from End-of-Life Plastic.”

About Geocell

It is a three-dimensional cellular confinement system used in geotechnical engineering to improve soil stability and load-bearing capacity.
It consists of a network of interconnected honeycomb-like cells made from geosynthetic materials such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polyester.
These cells are expanded on site to form a mattress-like layer and are filled with infill materials such as soil, sand, aggregate, or clay.
Once filled and compacted, the geocell layer integrates with the underlying soil to create a stable, reinforced structure.

Applications of Geocell

Pavement Load Support: By reinforcing the soil in the subgrade-based interface or within the base course.
Steep Soil Slope and Channel Protection: Three-dimensional lateral confinement of Geocell along with anchoring techniques ensures the long-term stability of slopes using vegetated topsoil, aggregate or concrete surfacing.
Earth Retention: These can be used for constructing steep vertical mechanically stabilized earth structures.

Source: PIB

Geocell FAQs

Q1: Geocells help in reducing which problem in hilly/soft soil areas?

Ans: Soil erosion & pavement failure

Q2: What is a Geocell made of?

Ans: 3D honeycomb-like polymeric material

JANANI Platform

May 8, 2026

JANANI Platform Latest News

Recently, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched JANANI (Journey of Antenatal, Natal and Neonatal Integrated Care) platform.

About JANANI Platform

It is a service-oriented digital platform designed to comprehensively monitor and maintain digital health records of women during their reproductive age.
It is developed as an upgraded version of the existing RCH portal.
Objective: The platform aims to ensure seamless tracking of maternal and child health services, covering antenatal care, delivery preparedness, delivery, postnatal care, newborn care, home-based newborn and young child care, and family planning.

Key Feature of JANANI Platform

It introduces QR-enabled digital Mother and Child Health (MCH) Cards, enabling portability and easy access to health records.
Smart Tracking & Alerts: It incorporates automated alerts for high-risk pregnancies, real-time dashboards for supervisory review, and due-list generation, enabling timely tracking, monitoring, and targeted interventions.
Interoperability: It has interoperability features, enabling integration with national platforms such as U-WIN and POSHAN.
The platform enables registration of beneficiaries using unique identifiers such as ABHA, Aadhaar (OTP and biometric), and mobile number, along with pan-India search functionality.
- It also provides self-registration facilities through web and mobile platforms, empowering beneficiaries to actively engage with their healthcare journey.
- It supports citizens by enabling timely scheduling and monitoring of antenatal care visits and immunizations, along with alerts and reminders to ensure that no critical health milestone is missed.

Source: PIB

JANANI Platform FAQs

Q1: JANANI Platform ensures interoperability with which schemes?

Ans: U-WIN & POSHAN Abhiyaan

Q2: What is the primary objective of JANANI Platform?

Ans: Digital tracking of pregnant women & children for MCH services

Cyphostemma annamalaii

May 8, 2026

Cyphostemma annamalaii Latest News

Recently, two Botany students from Annamalai University in Chidambaram and their guide have discovered a new plant species in the grape family and named Cyphostemma annamalaii.

About Cyphostemma annamalaii

It is a new plant species of Vitaceae Juss, commonly known as the grape family.
It was found in the southern Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu,
It is described and illustrated from the tropical dry forests of southern Eastern Ghats.
Properties of Cyphostemma annamalaii
- It is a climber with a round fruit that is yellow.
- The petals of the flowers are white or yellow. It starts with three leaves and ends with three leaves.
- Habitat: It is found in open, scrubby vegetation.
- It had a tuberous root and climbed by utilising surrounding vegetation for support.

What is Cyphostemma Genus?

It is the second largest genus, consisting of nearly 250 species.
It is found in tropical and subtropical regions.

Source: H

Cyphostemma annamalaii FAQs

Q1: Cyphostemma annamalaii is a newly discovered species of?

Ans: Grape family plant

Q2: Cyphostemma annamalaii was discovered in which state?

Ans: Tamil Nadu

White-Bellied Heron

May 8, 2026

White-Bellied Heron Latest News

A recently submitted proposal for Arunachal Pradesh’s Kalai-II hydel project skips mentioning the habitat of the critically endangered White-Bellied Heron.

About White-Bellied Heron

The white-bellied heron (Ardea insignis ) is a large heron species. It is the second largest living species of heron.
Other Names: It is also known as the imperial heron or great white-bellied heron.
Habitat: It inhabits the wetlands of tropical and subtropical forests in the foothills of the eastern Himalayas.
Distribution: It is mainly living in the foothills of the eastern Himalayas in northeast India and Bhutan to northern Myanmar.
Morphological Adaptations

- It is a slightly longer neck and compact body with shorter legs and extensive toes.
- The extra elongated, flexible neck with razorsharp serrated bill allows them to catch fish far in deep waters.
Diet: It prefers free-flowing riverine habitats with low disturbance, and predominantly depends on fish found in the river rapids.
Biological Role: Its presence in our ecosystem indicates the health of the rivers, the environment, the fish population, and water quality.
Threats: It is threatened by habitat loss, increasing disturbance and habitat degradation due to conversion of wetlands for agriculture and expansion of settlements.

Conservation Status of White-Bellied Heron

IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Schedule-I.

Source: IE

White-Bellied Heron FAQs

Q1: What is the main habitat of White-Bellied Heron?

Ans: Freshwater rivers & wetlands in forested foothills

Q2: Under which Schedule of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 is it listed?

Ans: Schedule I