Daily Current Affairs Quiz 5th May 2026 for Banking & Competitive Exams |

Daily Current Affairs: 5th May, 2026

Q1. World Press Freedom Day 2026 marks a significant effort to align journalism with emerging technologies. Which of the following is the official theme designated for the year 2026?

(a) Journalism under Digital Siege

(b) Shaping a Future of Peace

(d) Media for Democracy and Peace

(e) Journalism without Fear or Favour

Answer: b

Solution:

World Press Freedom Day is observed every year on 3 May worldwide.
The day promotes press freedom, freedom of expression, and independent journalism.
It provides an opportunity to assess the state of press freedom globally and highlight challenges faced by media.
The theme for 2026 is “Shaping a Future of Peace.”
The observance also emphasises aligning journalism, technology (including AI), and human rights efforts to strengthen information ecosystems.
The day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993, following a recommendation of UNESCO in 1991.

Q2. In April 2026, a young Ukrainian tennis player clinched the biggest title of her career by winning the Madrid Open, defeating a top-10 opponent in the final. Who won the Madrid Open 2026 women’s singles title?

(a) Iga Swiatek

(b) Aryna Sabalenka

(d) Coco Gauff

(e) Ons Jabeur

Answer: c

Solution:

Marta Kostyuk won the Madrid Open 2026, securing the biggest title of her career.
The 23-year-old from Ukraine defeated Mirra Andreeva in the women’s singles final.
The final scoreline was 6–3, 7–5.
Mirra Andreeva was ranked World No. 8 at the time of the match.

Q3. The Indian Army is participating in the second edition of the bilateral military exercise CINBAX-II 2026, aimed at enhancing joint operational capabilities and defence cooperation. This exercise is being conducted between India and which other country?

(a) Vietnam

(b) Cambodia

(d) Indonesia

(e) Laos

Answer: b

Solution:

The Indian Army contingent has departed for the second edition of the bilateral exercise Exercise CINBAX-II 2026.
The exercise is being held from 4 to 17 May 2026 in Kampong Speu Province, Cambodia.
It will take place at the Techo Sen Phnom Thom Mreas Royal Cambodian Air Force Training Centre (Camp Basil).
The exercise is part of India’s ongoing defence cooperation with friendly foreign nations.
It is conducted under the framework of United Nations Chapter VII mandate.
The focus is on company-level joint training for operations in a sub-conventional environment.

Q4. On which date is ‘International Sun Day’ observed, on the occasion of which the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) organized the ‘Run for Sun’ marathon in 2026?

(a) May 1

(b) May 3

(d) April 22

(e) May 5

Answer: b

Solution:

On the occasion of International Sun Day (3 May 2026), the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy organised the ‘Run for Sun’ Marathon.
The event aimed to celebrate the power of solar energy (Saur Shakti) and its transformative impact.
It highlighted how solar energy has brought light and energy access to millions of households.
The initiative promoted awareness about renewable energy and sustainable development.

Q5. According to the World Press Freedom Index 2026, what is India’s current rank among the 180 countries and territories assessed?

(a) 142nd

(b) 151st

(d) 161st

(e) 150th

Answer: c

Solution:

India has been ranked 157th out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index 2026 released by Reporters Without Borders.
India’s ranking has fallen by 6 places from 151st in 2025.
The report highlights that global press freedom has reached its lowest level in 25 years.
For the first time, over 52.2% of countries are classified under “difficult” or “very serious” conditions for journalism.
The legal environment for journalism has deteriorated the most, with increasing misuse of national security laws, anti-terror laws, and SLAPP lawsuits.
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region remains the most challenging, with 18 out of 19 countries in difficult or very serious categories.
Top 5 countries in the index are:
- Norway (1st, for the 10th consecutive year)
- Netherlands
- Estonia
- Denmark
- Sweden
Bottom 5 countries are:
- Eritrea (180th)
- North Korea
- China
- Iran
- Saudi Arabia
The index evaluates press freedom based on economic, legal, political, social, and security indicators.

Q6. In May 2026, which Indian space-tech startup launched ‘Mission Drishti,’ the world’s first OptoSAR satellite, into orbit?

(a) Skyroot Aerospace

(b) Pixxel

(d) Agnikul Cosmos

(e) GalaxEye

Answer: e

Solution:

GalaxEye launched Mission Drishti in May 2026.
The satellite was launched aboard the Falcon 9 from California, United States.
Mission Drishti is the world’s first OptoSAR satellite, combining optical and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imaging.
The satellite weighs 190 kilograms, making it the largest Earth observation satellite built by a private Indian company.
The mission aims to provide high-resolution imaging in all weather and lighting conditions.

Q7. Despite the liberalization of the insurance sector, the government has maintained a specific investment cap for the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC). What is this cap?

(a) 10%

(b) 20%

(d) 74%

(e) 0% (FDI not allowed)

Answer: b

Solution:

The Ministry of Finance has notified 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the insurance sector.
The new provision came into effect on 2 May 2026 under the Foreign Exchange Management (Non-debt Instruments) (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026.
100% FDI is allowed under the automatic route in:
- Insurance companies
- Insurance intermediaries (including brokers)
However, the FDI cap for the Life Insurance Corporation of India remains limited to 20%.

Q8. In May 2026, which location in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands hosted the event where the world’s largest underwater national flag was unveiled?

(a) Cellular Jail, Port Blair

(b) Radhanagar Beach, Swaraj Dweep

(d) Ross Island, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep

(e) Baratang Island

Answer: b

Solution:

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands achieved a Guinness World Record in May 2026.
The record was set for unveiling the world’s largest underwater national flag.
The event took place at Radhanagar Beach on Swaraj Dweep.
The giant Indian Tricolour measured approximately 60 × 40 metres.
The flag was carefully laid underwater through a highly coordinated operation involving multiple agencies.

Q9. Which railway zone has recently introduced the AI-powered passenger help systems ‘Bholu Mini’ and ‘Bholu Max’ to modernize enquiry services?

(a) South Central Railway (SCR)

(b) Northern Railway (NR)

(d) East Coast Railway (ECoR)

(e) Southern Railway (SR)

Answer: a

Solution:

The South Central Railway has launched two AI-based passenger assistance systems — Bholu Mini and Bholu Max.
The systems were demonstrated at Rail Nilayam in the presence of senior railway officials.
The initiative is part of efforts to modernise railway enquiry and passenger support services.
The systems have been introduced on a trial basis in the Hyderabad division.
Bholu Mini has been deployed at Malkajgiri railway station, Telangana and functions as a Telugu voice assistant.
Bholu Max has been installed at Kacheguda railway station, Telangana and operates as a multilingual smart kiosk.

Q10. The Mayon Volcano, which recently witnessed an eruption leading to mass evacuations in May 2026, is located in which country?

(a) Indonesia

(b) Philippines

(d) Iceland

(e) Italy

Answer: b

Solution:

In May 2026, Mayon Volcano erupted in the Philippines, prompting large-scale evacuations.
Thousands of residents living south of Manila were evacuated as a precautionary measure.
Mayon Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines.