Current Affairs 05/03/2026
1. Which government hospital has become India’s first to introduce a non-CT based knee robotic surgical system?
Answer : IMS BHU Trauma Centre, Varanasi
The IMS BHU Trauma Centre, a venerable seat of clinical endeavour functioning under the aegis of the Banaras Hindu University and situated in the ancient city of Varanasi, hath recently inaugurated a notable innovation in the practice of orthopaedic surgery. By the adoption of a non-CT based knee robotic surgical system, the institution hath placed itself at the forefront of public-sector surgical modernization in this realm.
In former times, the mechanised assistance afforded to knee arthroplasty did commonly rest upon pre-operative computed tomography for the creation of tridimensional anatomic models. The apparatus now introduced at the aforesaid centre, however, doth dispense with such antecedent imaging and employeth intraoperative mapping together with refined sensor technology to guide the surgeon’s hand with perspicuous accuracy. Such a method diminuishes patients’ exposure to ionising radiation and doth also abate the ancillary costs attendant upon pre-operative CT investigations.
The public import of this advancement is not to be understated. Hitherto, robotic orthopaedic technology remained largely the preserve of private establishments, accessible but to a limited cohort. The present innovation, being implanted within a government hospital, doth extend the benefits of precision surgery to a broader and more diverse patient-body, thereby forwarding the cause of equitable medical care.
From a clinical standpoint, robotic assistance in knee replacement assurseth improved alignment of prosthetic components, more exact bone resections, and a diminution in intraoperative variability. The practical consequences thereof are observable in shorter convalescences, lesser postoperative discomfort, truncated durations of hospitalization, and—most desirable of all—improved functional longevity of the implant.
2. ‘Operation Epic Fury’ is a military operation launched by which country against Iran?
Answer : USA
Operation Epic Fury
Operation Epic Fury is a military campaign launched by the United States against Iran in response to escalating strategic and security tensions.
The operation reportedly includes precision airstrikes and coordinated military actions targeting Iranian defense infrastructure such as missile storage facilities, air defense systems, and strategic command centers. It is understood to have been carried out with the objective of deterring further threats and weakening Iran’s operational military capabilities.
The campaign has drawn widespread international attention due to its potential to affect stability in the Middle East region. Analysts view the operation as a significant development in U.S.–Iran relations, with possible diplomatic, economic, and security implications at the global level.
3. Which country has launched ‘Operation Lion’s Roar’ against Iran?
Answer : Israel
Operation Lion’s Roar: Israel’s Military Action Against Iran
Operation Lion’s Roar is a military operation launched by Israel against Iran amid escalating regional tensions and growing security concerns. The operation represents a significant development in the long-standing strategic rivalry between the two nations.
The campaign reportedly involved coordinated airstrikes and precision attacks targeting Iranian military infrastructure, including missile installations, strategic command centres, and defense facilities. Israeli authorities described the operation as a preventive and defensive measure aimed at neutralizing perceived threats and curbing Iran’s expanding military capabilities in the region.
Operation Lion’s Roar has drawn considerable international attention due to its potential implications for Middle Eastern stability and global security. Analysts observe that such actions may influence diplomatic alignments, energy markets, and broader geopolitical dynamics.
In essence, Operation Lion’s Roar reflects Israel’s assertive security posture and underscores the continuing volatility of relations between Israel and Iran in the contemporary strategic landscape.
4. Rohit Majgul, the first athlete selected for Commonwealth and Asian Games from Gujarat, belongs to which community?
Answer : Siddi Community
Rohit Majgul is a prominent athlete from Gujarat who has earned distinction as the first sportsperson from the state to be selected for both the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games. He belongs to the Siddi community, a unique ethnic group in India with African ancestry.
The Siddi community is primarily settled in parts of Gujarat, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. Despite facing historical socio-economic challenges, members of the community have gradually gained recognition in fields such as sports, education, and public service.
Rohit Majgul’s selection to major international sporting events is regarded as a significant milestone. His achievement not only reflects personal excellence and dedication but also symbolizes greater inclusion and representation of marginalized communities in national and international sports.
5. Where will the Ministry of Power organise the India Electricity Summit 2026?
Answer : New Delhi
India Electricity Summit 2026 to be Held in New Delhi
The Ministry of Power, Government of India, will organise the India Electricity Summit 2026 in New Delhi. The summit is scheduled to take place at Yashobhoomi, one of the country’s premier international exhibition and convention centres.
The event is expected to serve as a major platform for policymakers, power sector experts, industry leaders, investors, and technology providers from India and abroad. The summit will focus on key themes such as power generation, renewable energy integration, transmission infrastructure, distribution reforms, grid modernization, energy storage solutions, and sustainability in the electricity sector.
The India Electricity Summit 2026 aims to showcase India’s progress in the power sector while encouraging global collaboration, investment opportunities, and knowledge exchange. It is also anticipated to highlight innovations in clean energy technologies and support the nation’s broader objectives of energy security, affordability, and environmental responsibility.
By hosting the summit in New Delhi, the Ministry of Power seeks to reinforce India’s commitment to strengthening its electricity infrastructure and accelerating the transition toward a more resilient and sustainable energy future.
6. What interest rate has EPFO fixed for EPF deposits for the financial year 2025-26?
Answer : 8.25%
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has fixed the interest rate on Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) deposits at 8.25% for the financial year 2025–26.
This decision was taken by the Central Board of Trustees (CBT), the apex decision-making body of EPFO. The interest rate applies to the provident fund savings of millions of salaried employees across India who contribute a portion of their monthly salary toward retirement savings.
The EPF scheme is one of the country’s most trusted long-term savings instruments, offering government-backed security along with steady returns. The declared interest will be credited to subscribers’ accounts after formal approval from the Government of India.
The 8.25% rate reflects EPFO’s effort to balance strong returns for members while maintaining financial stability of the fund.
7. With whom has the Ladakh Forest and Environment Department signed an MoU for conservation?
Answer : Indian Army
The Ladakh Forest and Environment Department has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Army for environmental conservation initiatives in the Union Territory of Ladakh.
The agreement aims to promote ecological protection, afforestation, wildlife conservation, and sustainable environmental practices in the fragile Himalayan region. Under the MoU, both agencies will collaborate on plantation drives, protection of biodiversity, prevention of forest degradation, and awareness programs among local communities and defense personnel.
This partnership reflects a coordinated effort between civil administration and the armed forces to preserve Ladakh’s unique and sensitive ecosystem while ensuring sustainable development in high-altitude areas.
8. In which state is the Attukal Pongala festival mainly celebrated?
Answer : Kerala
“The Attukal Pongala festival is a prominent religious celebration held in the state of Kerala. It takes place annually at the renowned Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram.
The festival is dedicated to Goddess Attukal Bhagavathy, who is revered as a form of the Divine Mother. The most significant ritual of the celebration is the preparation of Pongala, a sweet offering made of rice, jaggery, and coconut, cooked in earthen pots by women devotees.
Attukal Pongala is widely recognized for the extraordinary participation of women, with lakhs of devotees gathering to perform the ritual simultaneously. It has gained international recognition and has been recorded in the Guinness World Records for being one of the largest congregations of women for a religious event.
The festival reflects Kerala’s rich cultural heritage and deep-rooted spiritual traditions.