Current Affairs 5 May 2026

We are here for you to provide the important Recent and Latest Current Affairs May 5 2026, which have unique updates of Latest Current Affairs 2026 events from all newspapers such as The Hindu, The Economic Times, PIB, Times of India, PTI, Indian Express, Business Standard and all Government official websites.

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NATIONAL AFFAIRS

MoPR launched PAI 2.0 GP Assessment for FY24; Tripura tops the Index
In April  2026, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) launched the ‘Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0’ for the Financial Year 2023-24 (FY24) to assess the overall holistic development, performance and progress of Gram Panchayats (GPs).

• Tripura achieved a historic milestone by becoming the top-performing state in the index.

Highlights
Participation: PAI 2.0 recorded wide national participation, with 33 out of 36 States and Union Territories (UTs) taking part in the exercise.

• This included 27 out of 28 States (except West Bengal (WB)) and 6 out of 8 UTs (excluding Delhi and Chandigarh, which do not have GPs).

GPs: A total of 2,59,867 GPs/Equivalent GPs, representing 97.30% of the total 2,66,999 Panchayats across participating States/UTs, submitted validated data on the PAI portal.
Top States: Among the ‘Front Runner’ panchayats, 943 were in Tripura, which constituted 80% of the state’s total 1,176 rural local bodies.

• The state was followed by Kerala, where 10% of its 941 GPs have been assessed as ‘Front Runner’.

• Then Odisha at 3rd place, with 8% of its 6,794 GPs in the ‘Front Runner’ category.

Top GP: The Jugal Kishore Nagar Village Committee in Tripura’s Sepahijala district was ranked as the top-performing Gram Panchayat nationwide, achieving a score of 88.44.

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia Launches ‘Cell Broadcast System’ For Disaster Warnings
In May 2026, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Ministry of Communications, launched the ‘Cell Broadcast System (CBS)’, an indigenous technology to warn citizens about emergency and natural disasters in their area, during an event held in New Delhi, Delhi.
About Cell Broadcast System (CBS):
Developed by: The newly launched system has been developed by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, in partnership with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Technology: Cell Broadcast (CB) technology, introduced alongside Short Message Service (SMS), enables simultaneous alerts to all mobile devices within a defined geographic area, ensuring near real-time delivery.
Integration: Integrated with the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP)-based Integrated Alert System SACHET, it enables rapid, standardised alert dissemination and ensuring quick, targeted communication to large populations.

UNGA President Annalena Baerbock Visits India for Official Engagement 
Annalena Baerbock, the 80th President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) visited India on April 28, 2026, at the invitation of Union Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of the Government of India (GoI).

• The visit aimed to reinforce India’s commitment to engaging with  the United Nations (UN).

Key Engagements:
Paid Homage to Gandhiji: As part of her visit, Baerbock paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat in New Delhi, Delhi.
High-level Meeting: During her visit, she held a bilateral meeting with External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar, at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, Delhi.

• Both leaders discussed a wide range of global issues such as: UN reforms, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the West-Asia conflict.

Other Key Meetings: During her visit to India, she held an interactive session with representatives from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) focused on the governance and regulation of AI.

• She also met the UN team in India, headed by Resident Coordinator Stefan Priesnar.

EPFO to Launch E-PRAAPTI, Digital Platform To Track and Link Old EPF Accounts with UAN 
In May 2026, the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) plans to launch ‘E-PRAAPTI(EPF Aadhaar-based Access Portal for Tracking Inoperative Accounts)’, a new digital platform designed to facilitate identification, tracking, Universal Account Number (UAN) linking and activation of old EPF accounts.

• The new digital platform is expected to reduce manual intervention, minimise documentation, and improve transparency and efficiency.

Key Details:
Mechanism:The new digital initiative will provide a streamlined Aadhaar-based authentication mechanism, enabling members to securely access their old EPF account, which may not have an UAN linked with it and initiate the process for updating their member profile.
Phase-wise Implementation: For the initial phase, the E-PRAAPTI will be member Identification (ID)-based and later the scope of the digital platform will be expanded to include members who may not be able to recall or access their old members IDs.
Status of Inoperative EPFO accounts: A total of 31.83 lakh inoperative EPFO accounts, of which around 41% have been inoperative for over 5-10 years while nearly 22% are lying idle for more than 20 years.
Claims Settled: As per the official data, EPFO has settled a total of 8.31 crore claims in Financial Year 2025-26 (FY26) compared to 6.01 crore in FY25.

• Further, of the total claims settled, 5.52 crore claims were advance or partial withdrawals and 71.11% of advance claims were processed in auto mode (marking an increase of 59.19% in the previous year).

Karnataka Launches India’s first State-led CoE for Space Tech in Bengaluru 
In May 2026, the government of Karnataka launched India’s first state-led Centre of Excellence for Space Technology (CoE SpaceTech Foundation) in Bengaluru, Karnataka, to bridge the gap between research and commercialisation of space technologies.
Key details of Launch:
Collaboration: The center was established by the Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS) in collaboration with the SatCom Industry Association of India (SIA-India) .
Focus: The initiative promotes advanced space research, industry-aligned training, talent development, startup incubation, and supporting satellite constellations across agriculture, climate, disaster management, connectivity, life sciences, and national security.
Strategic MoUs: The centre signed MoUs with Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Helogen Corporation, Dassault Systèmes, Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises (ABLE) to strengthen research, space biotechnology, startup incubation, and workforce development.
Impact: The CoE will drive public-private collaboration, support startups and provide infrastructure and support to help commercialise innovations and reduce development costs.

India Deploys ‘Aarogya Maitri’ Healthcare Infrastructure in Jamaica 
In April 2026, the Government of India(GoI) deployed its Aarogya Maitri (BHISHM Cube) healthcare system in Jamaica, marking a key step in Humanitarian Diplomacy And Relief (HADR) framework and strengthening ties with Caribbean nations (CARICOM).

• The initiative was guided by the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) and implemented in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

About Arogya Maitri / BHISHM Cube:
Overview: The BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri) Cube is the world’s first portable, modular hospital designed for rapid deployment during disasters or in remote areas.
Features: 72 mini-cubes forming specialized pods, equipped with an operation theatre, mini-ICU (Intensive Care Unit), ventilators, diagnostics, and basic utilities, and can be deployed in under 12 minutes to treat severe injuries of up to 200 patients for 48 hours.
Deployment: RailTel Corporation of India focuses on technology-driven solutions and timely service delivery to strengthen disaster resilience. Green Genome India Private Limited will provide technical expertise for portable diagnostics and field deployment.

MoJS Signs Reform-Linked MoUs With Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Tripura Under JJM 2.0 
In April 2026, the Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS), through the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), virtually signed reform-linked Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Uttarakhand, Karnataka and Tripura under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0, to strengthen Gram Panchayat (GP)-led rural water governance and ensure sustainable drinking water supply.

• The MoU was signed in the presence of Union Minister C.R. Patil, MoJS and Minister of State (MoS) V. Somanna, MoJS, in New Delhi, Delhi.

About Reform-Linked MoU:
Target: Aims to achieve 100% functional rural household tap water coverage by December 2028 under JJM, building on over 15 crore connections delivered during 2019–2026 (Har Ghar Jal).
Model: Adopts a GP-led, service-based model with Jan Bhagidari to ensure sustainable, quality water supply and effective Operation and Maintenance (O&M) under a cooperative federal framework.
Reforms: Mandates District Water and Sanitation Mission (DWSM) meetings, creation of Sujal Gaon Identifications(IDs), establishment of District Technical Units (DTUs), village-level water tax collection, dashboard-based monitoring, and state responsibility for O&M and retrofitting.
Coverage: Uttarakhand has achieved about 98% coverage, Karnataka has reached around 87% despite water stress; and Tripura has achieved 86%.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

India & Cambodia Begin Joint Military Exercise ‘CINBAX-II’ in Cambodia
On May 4 2026, the Indian Army(IA) and the Royal Cambodian Army(RCA) commenced the second edition of the bilateral military exercise, CINBAX-II, at the Techo Sen Phnom Thom Mreas Prov Royal Cambodian Air Force Training Centre (Camp Basil) in Kampong Speu Province, Cambodia.

• The 13-day exercise is being conducted from May 4 to 17, 2026.

About CINBAX II:
Framework: CINBAX-II, conducted under Chapter VII of the United Nation(UN) mandate, focuses on sub-conventional operations in jungle and semi-urban settings, aligned with current counter-terrorism challenges faced in UN peacekeeping missions.
Participants:

• IA: The Indian contingent includes 120 personnel from Battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment.
• RCA: 160 personnel from Royal Cambodian Army.

Focus: The drill provides hands-on training in drone operations, mortar and sniper tactics, and joint tactical planning to simulate real-world security scenarios.

BANKING & FINANCE

MoF Amends FEMA Rules,  Allows 100% FDI in Insurance sector via Automatic route
In May 2026, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) notified amendments to the Foreign Exchange Management (Non-debt Instruments) (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026, allowing 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Indian insurance companies and insurance intermediaries via the automatic route, subject to regulatory approval and compliance with the Insurance Act, 1938.
Retain LIC Cap: However, MoF has clarified that foreign investment in Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) continues to be capped at 20% under the automatic route.
Eligible Entities: As per MoF official notification, 100% FDI now applicable to a wide range of insurance-related entities, including insurance brokers, reinsurance brokers, insurance consultants, corporate agents, third-party administrators, Surveyors and Loss Assessors, among others.

ADB Launches USD 70 Billion Initiative to Connect Asia’s Power Grids & Digital Networks
In May 2026, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) launched a USD 70 billion initiative to expand energy and digital infrastructure across Asia-Pacific by 2035, enhancing connectivity, power trade, broadband access, and regional resilience.

• It was announced during its 59th Annual Meeting held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

About USD 70 billion Initiative:
Initiatives: The ADB introduced two key programmes to enhance cross-border connectivity and expand access to electricity and broadband.

• USD 50 billion Pan-Asia Power Grid Initiative
• USD 20 billion Asia-Pacific Digital Highway

Funding Model: ADB will fund at least half of the USD 70 billion from its own resources, with the rest mobilized through co-financing and private sector partnerships.
AI Innovation Centre: A Center for AI Innovation and Development will be set up in Seoul,South Korea backed by a USD 20 million contribution from the Government of the Republic of Korea, to promote responsible and inclusive AI adoption.

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Rohit Jain Appointed as RBI Deputy Governor for 3 Years 
In May 2026, the Appointment Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) headed by Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modi appointed Rohit Jain as Deputy Governor of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for a period of three years, effective from May 3, 2026.

• Rohit Jain succeeds T. Rabi Sankar, whose extended tenure concluded on May 2, 2026.

About Rohit Jain:
Profile: He has spent about three decades at RBI, including critical functions like banking regulation, financial stability, and human resource management.
Career: Served as Executive Director(ED)at the RBI since December 2020, where he headed the Department of Supervision (overseeing risk, analytics, and vulnerability assessments).
Certifications: Holds an International Certificate in Banking Risk and Regulation (ICBRR), Certified Associate of the Indian Institute of Banking and Finance (CAIIB) and Certified Bank Trainer.

Government Appoints R Balasubramaniam, Joram Aniya as Full-Time Members of NITI Aayog
In May 2026, Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modi, approved the appointment of Dr. R. Balasubramaniam and Dr. Joram Aniya as full-time members of National Institution for Transforming India(NITI Aayog).

• With these appointments, the total number of full-time members of NITI Aayog has increased from five to seven.

About Dr. R. Balasubramaniam :
Profile: He was the founder of Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement (SVYM) and the Grassroots Research and Advocacy Movement (GRAAM).
Background: Served as Member at the Capacity Building Commission under Mission Karmayogi and played a key role in developing the ‘Karmayogi Competency Framework’.
Book: ‘Power Within: The Leadership Legacy Of Narendra Modi’.
About Dr. Joram Aniya :
Profile: She was the first Nyishi woman to earn a Doctor of Philosophy(PhD) and the first in Arunachal Pradesh (AR) to do a doctorate in Hindi, authored and edited several books, contributing to literature and Nyishi culture.
Background: An academician with over 18 years of experience in teaching, research, and public policy engagement. She served as head of the Hindi department at Dera Natung Government College (DNGC), Itanagar, AR.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

GalaxEye Launches World’s First OptoSAR Satellite ‘Drishti’ Aboard SpaceX Falcon-9 from California, USA
In May 2026, India’s space start-up GalaxEye Space Solutions Private Limited launched ‘Mission Drishti’, the world’s first OptoSAR Earth observation satellite, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, the United States America (USA).

• OptoSAR is an Earth observation satellite that integrates Electro-Optical (EO)/Multispectral Imager (MSI) and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensors on a single operational platform.

About Mission Drishti OptoSAR Satellite:
Mass: Weighs 190 kilograms (kg), making it India’s largest privately built Earth observation satellite with a compact, refrigerator-sized design and deployable antenna.
Orbit: Operates in a Sun-synchronous Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at ~500 ± 10 kilometer(km) altitude with a revisit frequency of about 4 days.
Resolution: Delivers ~1.5 metre (m) resolution imagery (range: 1.2–3.6 m) with a global revisit cycle of 7–10 days, across X-band, Panchromatic (PAN), Red-Green-Blue (RGB), Near-Infrared (NIR), Coastal Blue (CB), and Red Edge (RE) spectral bands.

India Successfully Conducts 2nd Test of LR-AShM with 1500km range off Odisha Coast 
In May 2026, India successfully conducted the 2nd flight-test of Long-Range Hypersonic Anti-ship Missile (LR-AShM), developed specifically for the Indian Navy (IN), from Launch Complex-IV of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at the APJ Abdul Kalam Island off Odisha Coast, marking a major milestone in India’s push for defence self-reliance.

• The second flight test of the two-stage hypersonic glide vehicle successfully validated advanced terminal guidance, including mid-course manoeuvres and sustained high-speed flight, with all mission objectives achieved.

About Long-Range Hypersonic Anti-ship Missile (LR-AShM):
Speed and Strike Range: During the test trial, the missile accurately struck its designated target at a distance of 1,500 kilometer (km), with maximum speed of Mach 10 (maintaining an average speed of around Mach 5 through multiple skips).
Development: The missile has been developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) laboratories under the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad(Telangana), in collaboration with industry partners.

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Tuna Day 2026 – May 2
The United Nations (UN’s) World Tuna Day is observed on 2 May each year to highlight tuna’s ecological and economic value, promote sustainable fishing, and raise awareness about overfishing threats to marine biodiversity.
Background: 
Adoption: On 7 December 2016, the United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) adopted Resolution A/RES/71/124, officially declaring 2 May as World Tuna Day.
Proposal: The initiative was led by Pacific Island countries such as Fiji, Kiribati, and Samoa, where tuna fisheries are vital to livelihoods and GDP.
First Observance: The first World Tuna Day was observed on 2 May 2017.

World Press Freedom Day 2026 – May 3
The United Nation (UN’s) World Press Freedom Day or World Press Day is observed annually across the globe on May 3 to promote freedom of expression, assess global press freedom conditions, and honour journalists.

• 2026 Theme:  “Shaping a Future at Peace”

Background:
Proclamation: In 1991, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)’s 26th General Conference recommended May 3 for observance, which was formally proclaimed in 1993 by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
First: The first World Press Freedom Day was observed on May 3, 1994.
Higlights of 2026:
2026 Recipient: The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate, (Sudan), an independent body, was awarded the 2026 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize at UNESCO Headquarters (Paris, France) on 4 May 2026.
2026 Report: Reporters Without Borders (RSF) released RSF World Press Freedom Index (WPFI) 2026 on April 30, 2026. The top 3 countries in the 2026 index are Norway (1st), Netherlands (2nd), Estonia (3rd) and India ranks 157th with a score of 31.96.

International Leopard Day 2026 – May 3
International Leopard Day is observed across the globe on 3 May to raise awareness about protecting leopards, (Panthera pardus), one of the most adaptable big cats and to encourage peaceful coexistence between humans and leopards.

• The day was officially recognised after the Global Leopard Conference in 2023, the first international gathering on leopard conservation.

About Leopards:
Taxonomy: Leopards (Panthera pardus) belong to the genus Panthera, which also includes lions, tigers, jaguars, and snow leopards, and are distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, northeast Africa, Central Asia, India, and China.
Traits: They have unique rosette-patterned coats and are predominantly nocturnal hunters.
Status: Listed as “Vulnerable” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List under criteria A2cd due to population decline.

STATE NEWS

Telangana Signs Agreement with L&T to Secure 100% Ownership of Rs.1,461 Crore Hyderabad Metro Phase I 
In April 2026, the Government of Telangana, through Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL), signed a Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) with Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) and L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Limited (LTMRHL) to acquire 100% equity in Hyderabad Metro Phase I at an equity value of Rs 1,461.47 crore, in Hyderabad, Telangana.

• The deal includes refinancing Rs. 13,538.53 crore of debt (total ~Rs. 15,000 crore), marking the transition from a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to full state ownership.

About the Acquisition of Hyderabad Metro Phase I:
Overview: Hyderabad Metro Phase I, a 69 kilometer (km) PPP project launched in 2017, has transitioned to full state ownership under HMRL, enabling unified planning and seamless Phase II integration.
Operations: Serves ~4.5 lakh daily passengers (86 crore total journeys) while strengthening financial stability, governance, and enabling commuter-focused policies on affordability, service quality, and last-mile connectivity.
Focus: Drives expansion, service enhancement, and smart multimodal integration to boost urban mobility, connectivity, and economic growth.

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