04 May2026 - "Daily Current Affairs" Updates

GS Paper 1 – Art & Culture

🌿 Ru-Soam (Traditional Cane Bridges)

📰 Why in News

• UNESCO, in collaboration with the Sikkim government, is documenting the indigenous engineering practice known as Ru-Soam.

📖 Meaning and Concept

• Ru-Soam refers to traditional cane suspension bridges built by the Lepcha

community.

• In Lepcha language:

• “Ru” = cane/rattan

• “Soam” = bridge

📍 Location and Context

• Found mainly in Sikkim

• Closely linked to the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve

🪵 Materials Used

• Constructed using locally available natural resources

• Key materials: bamboo, cane, and wood

🏗 Structural Features

• Built using two parallel cane supports called soamgyang

• These are tied to trees on both sides, keeping the bridge suspended

• Includes hanging cane loops known as ahool

• Bamboo components (soamgur) form the walking surface

• Can extend up to 100 metres in length

• Usually supports 2–3 people at a time

GS Paper 1 – Society

🧑🏭 International Labour Day (May Day)

📰 Why in News

• International Labour Day is observed globally on 1 May every year.

📖 Meaning and Importance

• Also known as May Day, it honours the contributions of workers worldwide.

• It commemorates the struggles and achievements of the labour movement.

📜 Historical Background

Global

• The origins trace back to the late 19th century in the United States.

• On 1 May 1886, around 400,000 workers went on strike in Chicago demanding

an eight-hour workday.

• The protest turned violent, leading to the death of several workers—an event

known as the Haymarket Affair.

• This became a turning point in the global movement for workers’ rights.

🇮🇳 Historical Background

India

• The first May Day celebration in India was held in Chennai in 1923.

• It was organised by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan.

• Singaravelu Chettiar led the event and hoisted the red flag for the first time in

India.

• He also advocated for 1 May to be declared a national holiday to recognise

workers’ rights.

🎉 Mode of Celebration

• Observed through parades, rallies, and trade union meetings.

• Emphasises labour rights, dignity, and worker solidarity.

GS Paper 1 – Art & Culture

🧵 Padma Doree

📰 Why in News

• The North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation has launched Padma Doree, across-regional initiative linking Eri silk of Northeast India with

Chanderi weaving of Madhya Pradesh.

📖 Concept and Definition

• Padma Doree is a fusion textile initiative combining two traditional Indian crafts.

• It integrates Eri silk (Ahimsa silk) from the Northeast with the fine Chanderi

weaving tradition.

• The initiative merges the warmth and durability of Eri silk with the lightweight

texture and intricate designs of Chanderi fabric.

🏢 Implementing Agency

• Executed by the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development

Corporation (NEHHDC).

🎯 Objectives

• To create a sustainable and integrated textile ecosystem across regions.

• To promote indigenous craftsmanship in premium and global markets.

• To enhance livelihoods and economic conditions of artisans.

⭐ Key Features

• Uses Eri silk, an eco-friendly fabric produced without harming silkworms.

• Combines it with traditional Chanderi zari and weaving techniques.

• Encourages collaboration between artisans from Northeast India and Madhya

Pradesh.

• Promotes knowledge sharing and joint design innovation.

• Launch included a three-day exhibition showcasing the textile process from raw

fibre to finished product.