Current Affairs 5th May 2026 : Daily GK Update in English
1. In the 2026 West Bengal Assembly Elections, which party formed the government for the first time?
A) All India Trinamool Congress (TMC)
B) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
C) Indian National Congress
D) CPI(M)
Answer: B
Explanation: BJP won approximately 206-207 seats out of 294, ending TMC’s long rule. TMC secured around 80-81 seats. High voter turnout (over 92%) was recorded.
2. Who defeated Mamata Banerjee in the Bhabanipur constituency in the 2026 West Bengal polls?
A) Abhishek Banerjee
B) Suvendu Adhikari
C) Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury
D) Derek O’Brien
Answer: B
Explanation: BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari defeated Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in her home turf, contributing to the major shift in West Bengal politics.
3. When was the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed?
A) March 2026
B) April 27, 2026
C) May 1, 2026
D) January 2026
Answer: B
Explanation: The FTA was signed in New Delhi on April 27, 2026, after fast-track negotiations. It is one of India’s quickest concluded trade deals.
4. Under the India-New Zealand FTA, what access do Indian exports get to New Zealand?
A) 75% duty-free
B) 95% duty-free
C) 100% duty-free
D) 50% duty-free
Answer: C
Explanation: 100% of Indian exports (covering thousands of tariff lines) receive immediate duty-free access, with additional visa and investment benefits.
5. Preah Vihear Temple is historically associated with:
A) Border disputes between Cambodia and Thailand
B) Only Indian heritage
C) European history
D) None
Answer: A
Explanation: It remains a sensitive cultural and border issue in regional news.
6. The maiden salvo launch of NASM-SR was conducted off the coast of:
A) Gujarat
B) Odisha
C) Andhra Pradesh
D) Kerala
Answer: B
Explanation: The successful salvo launch (two missiles in quick succession from a Sea King helicopter) took place in the Bay of Bengal off Odisha in late April 2026.
7. The 2026 crisis in the Strait of Hormuz has primarily impacted India’s imports of:
A) Only electronics
B) Crude oil, LPG, and LNG
C) Only gold
D) Only pharmaceuticals
Answer: B
Explanation: Disruptions due to Iran-related tensions raised energy prices and affected India’s energy security, given heavy dependence on Gulf supplies.
8. India’s response to global trade disruptions in 2026 includes:
A) Signing multiple FTAs (e.g., with New Zealand, EU progress)
B) Reducing all imports
C) Only domestic focus
D) Joining new alliances only
Answer: A
Explanation: Accelerated FTA strategy for economic resilience.
9. E-PRAAPTI is associated with:
A) An AI policy of Maharashtra
B) EPFO’s digital platform for grievances and transparency
C) A new missile defence system
D) An election management portal
Answer: B
Explanation: It is EPFO’s initiative for enhanced digital governance and user services (launched/expanded around this period).
10. Which state approved the Maharashtra Artificial Intelligence Policy 2026?
A) Karnataka
B) Maharashtra
C) Tamil Nadu
D) Gujarat
Answer: B
Explanation: The policy aims to position Maharashtra as a leading AI hub in India.
11. The Strait of Hormuz crisis in 2026 led to:
A) Lower global oil prices
B) Higher prices of crude oil and LPG in India
C) No impact on India
D) Only gold price rise
Answer: B
Explanation: Geopolitical tensions caused supply disruptions and price spikes affecting India’s energy imports.
12. World Press Freedom Day is observed on:
A) May 1
B) May 3
C) May 5
D) April 30
Answer: B
Explanation: It is observed annually on May 3 to raise awareness about press freedom.
13. In 2021 West Bengal elections, BJP had won how many seats (approximately)?
A) 200
B) 77
C) 150
D) 50
Answer: B
Explanation: BJP significantly increased its tally in 2026 from around 77 seats in 2021.
14. Who won the 2026 Kentucky Derby held on 2nd May 2026?
A) Forever Young
B) Golden Tempo
C) Mystik Dan
D) Sierra Leone
Answer: B
Explanation: Golden Tempo, ridden by jockey José Ortiz and trained by Cherie DeVaux, won the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, Louisville.
15. The India-New Zealand FTA targets boosting bilateral trade to approximately what by 2030?
A) USD 2 billion
B) USD 5 billion
C) USD 10 billion
D) USD 1 billion
Answer: B
Explanation: The deal aims for significant growth through duty-free access and cooperation.
16. Post-2026 West Bengal polls, security was tightened around:
A) Only airports
B) EVM strong rooms
C) Only borders
D) None of the above
Answer: B
Explanation: Measures were taken to secure EVMs and election materials after results.
17. Which portal was highlighted for AI-powered emergency response (example from Bengaluru context)?
A) Namma 112
B) MyGov
C) Aarogya Setu
D) UMANG
Answer: A
Explanation: It exemplifies digital public service improvements.
18. Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz were described as “unacceptable” in the context of:
A) Freedom of navigation for merchant vessels
B) Only military ships
C) Tourism
D) Fishing rights
Answer: A
Explanation: India and others stressed unimpeded maritime commerce.
19. UNESCO-related news in early 2026 often involves:
A) New World Heritage sites or Global Geoparks
B) Only sports events
C) Only economic pacts
D) None
Answer: A
Explanation: Additions to global lists of protected or recognised sites.
20. Right to Safe Road Travel is recognised under which Article of the Indian Constitution?
A) Article 14
B) Article 21
C) Article 19
D) Article 32
Answer: B
Explanation: It falls under the Right to Life and Personal Liberty.
21. Which major cycling event started in early May 2026 (8–31 May)?
A) Tour de France
B) Giro d’Italia
C) Vuelta a España
D) Paris–Roubaix
Answer: B
Explanation: The Giro d’Italia 2026, one of the Grand Tours, began in early May.
22. UPI is recognised as the world’s largest:
A) Real-time payments platform
B) Stock exchange
C) Banking regulator
D) Crypto exchange
Answer: A
Explanation: India’s UPI continues to lead global digital payments.
23. Recent talks in Manipur involved the Union Government with:
A) Kuki-Zo groups under Suspension of Operations (SoO)
B) Only student unions
C) Foreign diplomats
D) None
Answer: A
Explanation: Efforts to address ongoing ethnic and security issues.
24. Exercise Pragati (in news) relates to:
A) Indian Armed Forces joint or multinational drills
B) Only economic exercise
C) Cultural festival
D) Sports event
Answer: A
Explanation: It is a defence/military exercise.
25. Vikram (in defence context) often refers to:
A) An Armoured Combat Platform or related system
B) A space mission only
C) A diplomatic initiative
D) None
Answer: A
Explanation: Indigenous defence platforms.