General
Daily Current Affairs: May 5, 2026
By Exam Atlas ยท 5/5/2026
GalaxEye Launches World's First OptoSAR Satellite 'Drishti'
- Indian space-tech startup GalaxEye has successfully launched Mission Drishti into lower earth orbit.
- It is the world's first OptoSAR satellite, combining optical and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imaging capabilities.
- Weighing 190 kg, it was launched aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket from California, USA.
- The satellite provides high-resolution, all-weather Earth observation data for the defence and agriculture sectors.
- ๐ Static GK: GalaxEye Space was incubated at IIT Madras and founded in 2021.
India and Cambodia Begin Joint Military Exercise 'CINBAX-II'
- The second edition of the bilateral military exercise CINBAX-II commenced in Cambodia.
- The exercise aims to enhance interoperability between the Indian Army and the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces.
- Focus areas include counter-terrorism operations, disaster relief, and joint tactical drills in jungle terrains.
- This initiative significantly strengthens India's Act East Policy and defence cooperation in Southeast Asia.
- ๐ Static GK: The capital of Cambodia is Phnom Penh and its currency is the Cambodian Riel.
Finance Ministry Notifies 100% FDI in Insurance via Automatic Route
- The Ministry of Finance amended FEMA rules allowing 100% FDI in the insurance sector.
- The provisions, effective 2 May 2026, apply to insurance companies under the automatic route.
- However, the government maintains a specific 20% investment cap for the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC).
- This bold move is expected to boost global capital inflows and enhance rural insurance penetration.
- ๐ Static GK: The IRDAI is the apex regulatory body for insurance, headquartered in Hyderabad.
India's Pharmaceutical Exports Surpass $31 Billion in FY26
- Indian pharmaceutical exports reached a record $31 billion during the financial year 2025-26.
- Despite a slowdown in the US, exports surged across emerging markets like Africa and Oceania.
- Vaccines emerged as the fastest-growing export category, showcasing robust manufacturing capacities.
- The industry successfully navigated global headwinds by diversifying its strategic supply chains.
- ๐ Static GK: India ranks as the world's third-largest pharmaceutical industry by production volume.
Govt Launches 'Cell Broadcast System' for Disaster Warnings
- Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia launched the indigenous Cell Broadcast System (CBS) in New Delhi.
- Developed by C-DOT, the system delivers real-time natural disaster alerts directly to mobile phones.
- The crucial project was executed in partnership with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
- CBS technology ensures emergency warnings bypass network congestion to save lives swiftly.
- ๐ Static GK: The NDMA is headed by the Prime Minister under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
EPFO Launches 'E-PRAAPTI' to Track Old EPF Accounts
- The EPFO officially launched the advanced digital platform E-PRAAPTI.
- It helps members track, link, and consolidate old inoperative EPF accounts using their UAN.
- Data reveals 31.83 lakh inoperative accounts exist, with 22% lying idle for over 20 years.
- In FY26, the organization successfully settled a record-breaking 8.31 crore claims.
- ๐ Static GK: EPFO operates under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, founded in 1952.
Andaman & Nicobar Sets Record for Largest Underwater National Flag
- The Andaman and Nicobar Islands achieved a Guinness World Record for the largest underwater national flag.
- The historic event took place at the famous Radhanagar Beach on Swaraj Dweep.
- The giant underwater Indian Tricolour measured an impressive 60 ร 40 metres.
- This patriotic initiative prominently highlights India's maritime pride and deep-sea exploration capabilities.
- ๐ Static GK: Swaraj Dweep was formerly known as Havelock Island until its renaming in 2018.
India's First Multilane Free-Flow Toll System Inaugurated
- Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated India's first multilane free-flow barrier-less toll system in Gujarat.
- This modern infrastructure is installed on the busy Surat-Bharuch section of the national highway.
- It uses FASTag and ANPR cameras to deduct tolls without requiring vehicles to halt.
- The technology will drastically reduce travel time, fuel consumption, and highway pollution.
- ๐ Static GK: NHAI was established in 1988 under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
Karnataka Launches India's First State-Led Space Tech CoE
- Karnataka launched India's very first state-led Centre of Excellence for Space Technology in Bengaluru.
- It was established by the Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS) and SIA-India.
- The centre bridges the critical gap between academic research and commercialization of space technologies.
- This hub will extensively support startups, boosting India's private sector aerospace ecosystem.
- ๐ Static GK: Bengaluru is widely recognized as the Space City of India.
Tripura Tops the MoPR PAI 2.0 GP Assessment Index for FY24
- The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) released the Panchayat Assessment Index (PAI 2.0) for FY24.
- Tripura emerged as the top-performing state for outstanding grassroots governance.
- The index evaluates Gram Panchayats across various socio-economic and institutional development parameters.
- This annual assessment encourages transparent administration and healthy competition among local bodies.
- ๐ Static GK: The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 granted constitutional status to Panchayats.
ADB Launches $70 Billion Initiative for Asia's Power Grids
- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) unveiled a USD 70 billion multi-national connectivity initiative.
- The mega-project aims to seamlessly integrate regional power grids and digital networks by 2035.
- It strategically focuses on enhancing cross-border power trade, energy resilience, and broadband access.
- The fund prioritizes sustainable infrastructure to withstand geopolitical shocks and climate change.
- ๐ Static GK: The ADB was established in 1966 and is headquartered in Manila, Philippines.
80th UNGA President Annalena Baerbock Visits India
- Annalena Baerbock, the 80th President of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), arrived in India.
- The visit was organized at the invitation of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
- High-level dialogues reinforced India's growing influence and commitment to United Nations multilateralism.
- During her diplomatic tour, she paid solemn homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.
- ๐ Static GK: The UNGA is one of the six principal organs of the UN, meeting in New York.
Rohit Jain Appointed as RBI Deputy Governor for 3 Years
- The Government of India appointed Rohit Jain as the new Deputy Governor of the RBI.
- He has been appointed for a term of three years, previously serving as an Executive Director.
- Jain fills one of the four deputy governor roles, handling crucial economic portfolios.
- He will actively oversee monetary policy formulation, economic research, and financial market regulation.
- ๐ Static GK: The RBI was established on 1 April 1935 under the RBI Act, 1934.
Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal Appointed NCLT Chairman
- The central government appointed Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal as Chairman of the NCLT.
- He previously served as a distinguished judge at the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
- His appointment brings massive judicial expertise to speed up corporate dispute and insolvency resolutions.
- The NCLT adjudicates primarily for companies under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC).
- ๐ Static GK: The NCLT was constituted under Article 245 of the Companies Act, 2013.
R Balasubramaniam and Joram Aniya Join NITI Aayog
- The government appointed R Balasubramaniam and Joram Aniya as Full-Time Members of NITI Aayog.
- They will assist the policy think tank in drafting grassroots development and governance frameworks.
- Their deep expertise spans public policy, social administration, and sustainable tribal empowerment initiatives.
- These strategic additions aim to accelerate India's overarching vision for holistic transformation by 2047.
- ๐ Static GK: NITI Aayog officially replaced the erstwhile Planning Commission on 1 January 2015.
Marta Kostyuk Wins Madrid Open 2026 Women's Singles Title
- Ukrainian tennis player Marta Kostyuk claimed the Madrid Open 2026 women's singles championship.
- She secured the biggest title of her career by defeating World No. 8 Mirra Andreeva.
- The 23-year-old dominated the intense final match with a stunning straight-sets victory of 6โ3, 7โ5.
- The incredible win solidifies her formidable position ahead of the upcoming Grand Slam tournaments.
- ๐ Static GK: The Madrid Open is a premier professional tennis tournament played on red clay courts.
Sudanese Journalists Syndicate Wins UNESCO Press Freedom Prize
- The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate won the 2026 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize.
- The independent body was honoured at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France on 4 May 2026.
- The award recognizes their extraordinary courage in defending independent journalism amidst devastating political turmoil.
- The 2026 World Press Freedom Day theme is officially designated as "Shaping a Future of Peace."
- ๐ Static GK: World Press Freedom Day is observed globally on 3 May every year.
Mayon Volcano Eruption Triggers Mass Evacuation in Philippines
- The highly active Mayon Volcano erupted in the Philippines, emitting massive ash plumes and lava.
- The violent volcanic activity prompted local authorities to execute immediate large-scale mass evacuations.
- Thousands of residents living south of Manila were relocated to safety zones as a precautionary measure.
- The eruption poses severe agricultural and respiratory threats to the densely populated surrounding provinces.
- ๐ Static GK: Mayon Volcano is famous for its conical shape and sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire.