Current Affairs 05 May 2026
National Affairs
MoPR Launches PAI 2.0 GP Assessment for FY24; Tripura Tops the Index
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.
Participation: PAI 2.0 recorded wide national participation, with 33 out of 36 States and Union Territories (UTs) — 27 out of 28 States (except West Bengal) 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 total 2,66,999 Panchayats) submitted validated data on the PAI portal.
Top States — 'Front Runner' Panchayats:
| Rank | State | Front Runner GPs | % of Total GPs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tripura | 943 | 80% of 1,176 rural local bodies |
| 2 | Kerala | — | 10% of 941 GPs |
| 3 | Odisha | — | 8% of 6,794 GPs |
Top GP: Jugal Kishore Nagar Village Committee in Tripura's Sepahijala district — ranked as the top-performing Gram Panchayat nationwide with a score of 88.44.
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia Launches 'Cell Broadcast System' for Disaster Warnings
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Ministry of Communications, launched the 'Cell Broadcast System (CBS)', an indigenous technology to warn citizens about emergency and natural disasters, during an event in New Delhi, Delhi.
Developed By: 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, enabling 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 S. Jaishankar, to reinforce India's commitment to engagement with the United Nations (UN).
Key Engagements:
- Paid Homage: To Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, New Delhi, Delhi.
- Bilateral Meeting: With External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar at Hyderabad House, New Delhi. Both leaders discussed UN reforms, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the West Asia conflict.
- Interactive Session: With MeitY representatives focused on the governance and regulation of AI.
- UN Team Meeting: 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
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.
Mechanism: Streamlined Aadhaar-based authentication enabling members to securely access old EPF accounts that may not have a UAN linked, and initiate profile update processes.
Implementation: Initial phase will be member ID-based; scope will later expand to include members unable to recall or access old member IDs.
Inoperative Accounts:
| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Total inoperative accounts | 31.83 lakh |
| Inoperative for 5–10 years | ~41% |
| Inoperative for 20+ years | ~22% |
Claims Settled: EPFO settled 8.31 crore claims in FY26 compared to 6.01 crore in FY25.
Karnataka Launches India's First State-Led CoE for Space Tech in Bengaluru
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.
Collaboration: Established by the Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS) in collaboration with the SatCom Industry Association of India (SIA-India).
Focus: 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 Signed:
| Partner | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) | Research |
| Helogen Corporation | Space biotechnology |
| Dassault Systèmes | Startup incubation |
| Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises (ABLE) | Workforce development |
Impact: Will drive public-private collaboration, support startups, and provide infrastructure to commercialise innovations and reduce development costs.
India Deploys 'Aarogya Maitri' Healthcare Infrastructure in Jamaica
The Government of India (GoI) deployed its Aarogya Maitri (BHISHM Cube) healthcare system in Jamaica, marking a key step in the 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).
BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri) Cube: The world's first portable, modular hospital designed for rapid deployment during disasters or in remote areas.
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Components | 72 mini-cubes forming specialized pods |
| Equipment | Operation theatre, mini-ICU, ventilators, diagnostics & basic utilities |
| Deployment Time | Under 12 minutes |
| Capacity | Treat severe injuries of up to 200 patients for 48 hours |
Deployment Partners:
- RailTel Corporation of India — Technology-driven solutions for disaster resilience
- Green Genome India Private Limited — Technical expertise for portable diagnostics and field deployment
MoJS Signs Reform-Linked MoUs with Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Tripura under JJM 2.0
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.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Union Minister C.R. Patil, MoJS, and MoS V. Somanna, MoJS, in New Delhi, Delhi.
Target: 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: GP-led, service-based model with Jan Bhagidari for sustainable, quality water supply and effective Operation and Maintenance (O&M) under a cooperative federal framework.
Reforms Mandated: District Water and Sanitation Mission (DWSM) meetings, Sujal Gaon IDs, District Technical Units (DTUs), village-level water tax collection, dashboard-based monitoring, and state responsibility for O&M and retrofitting.
State Coverage:
| State | Coverage Achieved |
|---|---|
| Uttarakhand | ~98% |
| Karnataka | ~87% (despite water stress) |
| Tripura | ~86% |
International Affairs
India & Cambodia Begin Joint Military Exercise 'CINBAX-II' in Cambodia
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.
Framework: Conducted under Chapter VII of the United Nations (UN) mandate, focusing on sub-conventional operations in jungle and semi-urban settings, aligned with current counter-terrorism challenges in UN peacekeeping missions.
Participants:
| Contingent | Strength |
|---|---|
| Indian Army | 120 personnel from Battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment |
| Royal Cambodian Army | 160 personnel |
Focus: 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
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.
LIC Cap Retained: Foreign investment in Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) continues to be capped at 20% under the automatic route.
Eligible Entities: 100% FDI now applicable to 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
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) launched a USD 70 billion initiative to expand energy and digital infrastructure across Asia-Pacific by 2035, announced during its 59th Annual Meeting held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Key Programmes:
| Initiative | Investment |
|---|---|
| Pan-Asia Power Grid Initiative | USD 50 billion |
| Asia-Pacific Digital Highway | USD 20 billion |
Funding Model: ADB will fund at least half of the USD 70 billion from its own resources; 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
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), headed by PM Narendra Modi, appointed Rohit Jain as Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for a period of three years, effective from May 3, 2026.
He succeeds T. Rabi Sankar, whose extended tenure concluded on May 2, 2026.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Experience | ~3 decades at RBI |
| Previous Role | Executive Director (ED) at RBI since December 2020; headed Department of Supervision (risk, analytics & vulnerability assessments) |
| Key Functions | Banking regulation, financial stability & human resource management |
| Certifications | ICBRR, CAIIB & Certified Bank Trainer |
Government Appoints R. Balasubramaniam & Joram Aniya as Full-Time Members of NITI Aayog
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi approved the appointment of Dr. R. Balasubramaniam and Dr. Joram Aniya as full-time members of NITI Aayog.
With these appointments, the total number of full-time members has increased from five to seven.
Dr. Joram Aniya became the first individual from Arunachal Pradesh (AR) and the Northeast region to hold this position in India's policy think tank.
| Appointee | Profile |
|---|---|
| Dr. R. Balasubramaniam | Founder of Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement (SVYM) and Grassroots Research and Advocacy Movement (GRAAM). Served as Member at the Capacity Building Commission under Mission Karmayogi; played key role in developing the 'Karmayogi Competency Framework'. Author: 'Power Within: The Leadership Legacy of Narendra Modi'. |
| Dr. Joram Aniya | First Nyishi woman to earn a PhD; first in Arunachal Pradesh to do a doctorate in Hindi. Academician with 18+ years in teaching, research & public policy. Served as Head of Hindi Department at Dera Natung Government College (DNGC), Itanagar, AR. Authored and edited several books contributing to literature and Nyishi culture. |
Science & Technology
GalaxEye Launches World's First OptoSAR Satellite 'Drishti' Aboard SpaceX Falcon-9 from California, USA
India's space startup 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, USA.
OptoSAR: An Earth observation satellite integrating Electro-Optical (EO)/Multispectral Imager (MSI) and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensors on a single operational platform.
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Mass | 190 kg — India's largest privately built Earth observation satellite |
| Design | Compact, refrigerator-sized with deployable antenna |
| Orbit | Sun-synchronous LEO at ~500 ± 10 km altitude |
| Revisit Frequency | ~4 days (global revisit cycle: 7–10 days) |
| Resolution | ~1.5 m imagery (range: 1.2–3.6 m) |
| Spectral Bands | X-band, Panchromatic (PAN), RGB, NIR, Coastal Blue (CB) & Red Edge (RE) |
India Successfully Conducts 2nd Test of LR-AShM with 1,500 km Range off Odisha Coast
India successfully conducted the 2nd flight-test of the 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.
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.
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Strike Range | 1,500 km (accurately struck designated target) |
| Maximum Speed | Mach 10 (average ~Mach 5 through multiple skips) |
| Development | DRDO laboratories under the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, Hyderabad (Telangana), in collaboration with industry partners |
Sports
Jharkhand's Swimmer Ishank Singh Sets World Record for Youngest & Fastest Palk Strait Crossing
(Covered in previous edition)
Important Days at a Glance
| Date | Event | Key Theme / Significance |
|---|---|---|
| May 2 | World Tuna Day | Highlights tuna's ecological and economic value; promotes sustainable fishing. Adopted via UNGA Resolution A/RES/71/124 on 7 December 2016. Led by Pacific Island countries (Fiji, Kiribati, Samoa). First observed on 2 May 2017. |
| May 3 | World Press Freedom Day | Theme 2026: "Shaping a Future at Peace". Formally proclaimed in 1993 by UNGA (recommended by UNESCO's 26th General Conference in 1991). First observed on 3 May 1994. 2026 Prize: Sudanese Journalists Syndicate awarded the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize. RSF WPFI 2026: Norway (1st), Netherlands (2nd), Estonia (3rd); India ranks 157th (score: 31.96). |
| May 3 | International Leopard Day | Raises awareness about protecting leopards (Panthera pardus). Officially recognised after the Global Leopard Conference in 2023. Leopards listed as "Vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List under criteria A2cd. Belong to genus Panthera; distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, Central Asia, India & China. |
State News
Telangana Signs Agreement with L&T to Secure 100% Ownership of ₹1,461 Crore Hyderabad Metro Phase I
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 ₹1,461.47 crore, in Hyderabad, Telangana.
The deal includes refinancing ₹13,538.53 crore of debt (total ~₹15,000 crore), marking the transition from a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to full state ownership.
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Project | Hyderabad Metro Phase I — 69 km PPP project launched in 2017 |
| Daily Passengers | ~4.5 lakh (86 crore total journeys) |
| Equity Value | ₹1,461.47 crore |
| Debt Refinancing | ₹13,538.53 crore |
| Total Deal | ~₹15,000 crore |
Focus: Drives expansion, service enhancement, and smart multimodal integration to boost urban mobility, connectivity, and economic growth; enables unified planning and seamless Phase II integration.
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