Current Affairs 4th May 2026 : Daily GK Update in English
1. What is the main focus of RBI’s Mission SAKSHAM launched in 2026?
A) Digital lending regulation
B) Capacity building and training for Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs)
C) Cryptocurrency framework
D) Merger of Regional Rural Banks
Answer: B
Explanation: Mission SAKSHAM aims to strengthen managerial, operational, compliance, and resilience capabilities of Urban Co-operative Banks through extensive training programmes.
2. On which date did SEBI operationalise PaRRVA (Past Risk and Return Verification Agency) in 2026?
A) May 1
B) May 4
C) April 29
D) April 15
Answer: B
Explanation: PaRRVA, with CARE Ratings as the agency and NSE as data centre, went live on May 4, 2026, to verify performance claims by investment advisers and improve transparency.
3. What is E-PRAAPTI, launched by EPFO?
A) A portal for tracing and reactivating inoperative PF accounts using Aadhaar
B) A new pension scheme
C) An online grievance redressal system
D) A UPI-based payment gateway
Answer: A
Explanation: E-PRAAPTI enables easy access and reactivation of inoperative PF accounts via Aadhaar authentication without employer intervention.
4. From when is RBI shifting to the Expected Credit Loss (ECL) framework for asset classification?
A) April 1, 2026
B) April 1, 2027
C) January 1, 2027
D) Immediate effect in May 2026
Answer: B
Explanation: The forward-looking ECL model will replace the incurred loss model for better risk management starting April 1, 2027.
5. Which entities partnered for biometric (OTP-free) card payments in 2026?
A) Amazon & SBI
B) Flipkart, Axis Bank & PayU
C) Myntra & HDFC
D) Reliance Retail & ICICI
Answer: B
Explanation: The partnership enables fingerprint/Face ID-based payments for enhanced security and convenience.
6. PM Narendra Modi inaugurated which major expressway in Uttar Pradesh on April 29, 2026?
A) Delhi-Mumbai Expressway
B) Ganga Expressway (Meerut to Prayagraj, 594 km)
C) Eastern Peripheral Expressway
D) Agra-Lucknow Expressway
Answer: B
Explanation: The 594-km, 6-lane Ganga Expressway, built at ~โน37,000 crore, connects western and eastern UP and was inaugurated in Hardoi.
7. Which state launched India’s first digital grievance redressal system for gig workers?
A) Tamil Nadu
B) Karnataka
C) Maharashtra
D) Telangana
Answer: B
Explanation: Karnataka introduced a dedicated platform to protect platform-based workers.
8. Maharashtra approved which policy in 2026 aiming for โน10,000 crore investment?
A) EV Policy
B) Artificial Intelligence Policy
C) Semiconductor Policy
D) Tourism Policy
Answer: B
Explanation: The AI Policy seeks to boost the ecosystem, innovation, investment, and employment.
9. What was tested nationwide by NDMA in early May 2026?
A) Earthquake early warning
B) Cell Broadcast Alert System (‘Emergency Alert’)
C) Flood rescue drill
D) Cyber security protocol
Answer: B
Explanation: The test aimed to strengthen disaster alert dissemination via mobile networks.
10. Commercial LPG cylinder prices were hiked by approximately how much in early May 2026?
A) โน200
B) โน993
C) โน500
D) No change
Answer: B
Explanation: Oil marketing companies increased commercial cylinder prices while domestic ones remained unchanged.
11. Tensions in early May 2026 prominently involved the Strait of Hormuz due to conflict between:
A) Russia-Ukraine
B) US-Israel and Iran (blockade)
C) China-Taiwan
D) India-Pakistan
Answer: B
Explanation: Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing conflict disrupted global oil trade.
12. Which country exited OPEC effective May 1, 2026?
A) Saudi Arabia
B) UAE
C) Venezuela
D) Nigeria
Answer: B
Explanation: The UAE announced its exit from OPEC and OPEC+.
13. When is the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 scheduled?
A) March-May
B) June-August
C) January-March
D) September-November
Answer: B
Explanation: The yatra is organised by the Ministry of External Affairs in coordination with China.
14. Aarogya Maitri Disaster Management Cube was deployed as a humanitarian initiative in which country?
A) Sri Lanka
B) Jamaica
C) Nepal
D) Bangladesh
Answer: B
Explanation: It marked a milestone in India-Caribbean health and disaster cooperation.
15. India exchanged the Bilateral Military Cooperation Plan for 2026-27 with which country in late April 2026?
A) USA
B) Vietnam (or key defence partner as per reports)
C) Russia
D) France
Answer: B
Explanation: Strengthened defence ties with a strategic partner.
16. Who was elected President of the BEA Global Forum in 2026?
A) A senior Indian diplomat
B) Bhaskar Jyoti Sonowal
C) A BRICS representative
D) A UN official
Answer: B
Explanation: Focus on MSME growth and global trade under BRICS Entrepreneurs Alliance.
17. Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0 evaluates performance of how many Panchayats?
A) 50,000
B) Over 2.5 lakh
C) 1 lakh
D) All Gram Panchayats
Answer: B
Explanation: The index was released for comprehensive performance evaluation.
18. The NSO survey in 2026 highlighted improvements in access to:
A) Education
B) Healthcare
C) Housing
D) Sanitation
Answer: B
Explanation: National Statistical Office findings on healthcare access.
19. UPI completed how many years in 2026?
A) 8
B) 10
C) 12
D) 15
Answer: B
Explanation: Launched in 2016, it has become a global digital payments benchmark.
20. Who won the 2026 Miami Grand Prix?
A) Max Verstappen
B) Lando Norris
C) Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
D) Oscar Piastri
Answer: C
Explanation: Kimi Antonelli won the Miami GP, continuing his strong 2026 season. Lando Norris finished second.
21. EPFO is introducing instant PF withdrawals via which mode from around May 2026?
A) NEFT only
B) UPI and ATMs
C) Cheque
D) Bank draft
Answer: B
Explanation: Under EPFO 3.0 reforms for faster, digital access.
22. RBI mandated stricter two-factor authentication (with dynamic elements) for digital payments from:
A) April 1, 2026
B) May 1, 2026
C) June 1, 2026
D) January 1, 2026
Answer: A
Explanation: To enhance security against frauds.
23. What is NASM-SR, successfully tested in late April 2026?
A) India’s first indigenous helicopter-launched anti-ship missile (short range)
B) Surface-to-air missile
C) Ballistic missile for Army
D) Cruise missile for Air Force
Answer: A
Explanation: DRDO and Indian Navy conducted the maiden salvo launch (two missiles in quick succession) of Naval Anti-Ship Missile–Short Range (NASM-SR) from a Sea King helicopter off Odisha coast, boosting indigenous naval strike capability.
24. Which two new firefly species were discovered in Meghalaya in 2026?
A) Diaphanes meghalayanus and Diaphanes mawlynnong
B) Luciola meghalaya and Pteroptyx khasi
C) Lampyris indica and Photinus assamensis
D) Sclerotia firefly variants
Answer: A
Explanation: Scientists discovered these two new species in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, adding to India’s biodiversity records.
25. PM Narendra Modi inaugurated which major infrastructure project in Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh on April 29, 2026?
A) Purvanchal Expressway
B) 594-km Ganga Expressway (Meerut to Prayagraj)
C) Delhi-Mumbai Expressway
D) Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway
Answer: B
Explanation: The 6-lane greenfield Ganga Expressway (approx. โน37,000 crore) enhances connectivity across 12 districts in Uttar Pradesh.