Government Schemes
Mandaviya inaugurates ESIC hospital at Doddaballapur; free health check-up drive for workers aged 40+ from 7 May
3 May 2026 | Press Information Bureau
Labour Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the new 100-bedded ESIC Hospital at Doddaballapur, Karnataka, on 3 May 2026 and virtually laid the foundation stone of a 100-bedded ESIC Hospital at Bellary, PIB reported.
He said a nationwide health screening drive for workers aged 40 and above, under the labour codes framework, will start from 7 May in ESIC hospitals. He said the number of insured persons has doubled from about 2 crore to 4 crore, and that social security coverage has risen from 19 per cent in 2015 to over 64 per cent, citing the ILO. He also said 20 ESIC medical colleges have been set up, with 40 to 50 per cent of seats reserved for children of insured persons.
Key facts- New facility: 100-bedded ESIC Hospital, Doddaballapur (Karnataka)
- Foundation stone: 100-bedded ESIC Hospital, Bellary
- Health check-up drive for workers aged 40+: from 7 May 2026
- Social security coverage: 19% (2015) to over 64% (minister's statement, citing ILO)
Exam takeaway: ESIC (Employees' State Insurance Corporation) runs the health insurance scheme for workers.
Quick revision: ESIC hospital at Doddaballapur opened; free check-ups for workers 40+ from 7 May (PIB, 3 May 2026).
Press Information Bureau original sourceNational and International Affairs
World Press Freedom Day 2026 is hosted in Lusaka, Zambia
3 May 2026 | United Nations
World Press Freedom Day is observed on 3 May. The UN says the General Assembly proclaimed it in December 1993 on the recommendation of UNESCO's General Conference, and that 3 May is the anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek.
The UN page says WPFD 2026 is hosted in Lusaka, Zambia. It cites UNESCO's World Trends Report 2022 to 2025 as saying press freedom has seen its steepest decline since 2012.
Key facts- Date: 3 May every year
- Proclaimed: UN General Assembly, December 1993, on UNESCO's recommendation
- Marks: anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek
- WPFD 2026 host: Lusaka, Zambia
Exam takeaway: Days observed on fixed dates, with their host cities and anniversaries, are frequent in current affairs questions.
Quick revision: World Press Freedom Day, 3 May; 2026 host Lusaka, Zambia; proclaimed UNGA Dec 1993 (UN).
United Nations original sourceAppointments, Awards and Important Days
Medha Patkar and Perumal Murugan selected for Sukumar Azhikode Birth Centenary National Award
3 May 2026 | The Hindu
Social activist Medha Patkar and Tamil writer Perumal Murugan have been selected for the Sukumar Azhikode Birth Centenary National Award, according to a release from the Sukumar Azhikode Trust, The Hindu reported on 3 May 2026.
The award carries a cash prize of Rs 50,000 and a citation. The selection committee was headed by K. T. Thomas, with M. N. Karasseri, Ravi Dece and Paul Manalil as members.
Key facts- Award: Sukumar Azhikode Birth Centenary National Award
- Winners: Medha Patkar (social activist) and Perumal Murugan (Tamil writer)
- Prize: Rs 50,000 and a citation
- Selection committee head: K. T. Thomas
Exam takeaway: A birth centenary award marks 100 years since the birth of the person it is named after.
Quick revision: Sukumar Azhikode centenary award: Medha Patkar, Perumal Murugan; Rs 50,000 (Hindu, 3 May 2026).
The Hindu original source