Current Affairs 5th November 2026 : Daily GK Update in English
1. The Union Cabinet recently approved a two-year service extension for what percentage of Agniveers not initially absorbed after their four-year tenure?
A) 50%
B) 60%
C) 75%
D) 90%
Answer: C) 75%
Explanation: The Cabinet approved a two-year extension for 75% of Agniveers who are not selected for regular service after four years, giving them another chance for permanent absorption based on willingness and merit.
2. What is the outlay of the Cabinet-approved Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme for developing grid-scale energy storage capacity?
A) ₹10,000 crore
B) ₹14,500 crore
C) ₹20,000 crore
D) ₹25,000 crore
Answer: B) ₹14,500 crore
Explanation: The scheme aims to create about 92 GWh of grid-scale energy storage (including pumped hydro and batteries) between 2026-27 and 2030-31 to support renewable energy integration.
3. The Cabinet approved a ₹2,814-crore scheme primarily to boost domestic processing of which critical minerals?
A) Copper and Zinc
B) Lithium and Nickel
C) Cobalt and Manganese
D) Rare Earths and Titanium
Answer: B) Lithium and Nickel
Explanation: The scheme supports capital expenditure for domestic processing capacity of lithium and nickel, key for batteries and clean energy technologies.
4. What is the full form of the VISTAR scheme approved by the Cabinet?
A) Viksit Bharat Initiative for Statistical Transformation, Analytics & Research
B) Vision for Integrated Statistical Tracking and Analysis
C) Viksit India Statistical Transformation and Reporting
D) Value-added Indian Statistical Tracking and Research
Answer: A) Viksit Bharat Initiative for Statistical Transformation, Analytics & Research
Explanation: The ₹4,371-crore scheme modernises India’s statistical system with better data collection, AI use, and coverage of the unorganised sector.
5. In the 2026 US midterm elections, which party gained control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate?
A) Republican Party
B) Democratic Party
C) Independent candidates
D) No clear majority
Answer: B) Democratic Party
Explanation: Democrats achieved a sweeping victory, taking control of both chambers in a major setback for President Donald Trump and the Republicans.
6. Who became the first Black woman elected as Governor of a US state in the 2026 midterms?
A) Kamala Harris
B) Keisha Lance Bottoms
C) Stacey Abrams
D) Deb Haaland
Answer: B) Keisha Lance Bottoms
Explanation: The former Atlanta mayor and Biden administration adviser won the Georgia gubernatorial election, making history as the first Black woman governor.
7. Which Democrat became the first Muslim US Senator after winning in Michigan?
A) Ilhan Omar
B) Rashida Tlaib
C) Abdul El-Sayed
D) Keith Ellison
Answer: C) Abdul El-Sayed
Explanation: Progressive Democrat Dr. Abdul El-Sayed defeated his Republican opponent to become the first Muslim Senator in US history.
8. James Talarico became the first Democrat to win a Texas Senate seat since which year?
A) 1980
B) 1988
C) 1994
D) 2000
Answer: B) 1988
Explanation: His victory marked a historic breakthrough for Democrats in a long-time Republican stronghold.
9. US President Donald Trump acknowledged that which factor largely contributed to Republican losses in the midterms?
A) Economic inflation
B) The Iran war
C) Immigration policy
D) Healthcare reforms
Answer: B) The Iran war
Explanation: Trump stated that the Iran conflict played a significant role in the Republican defeat while still defending the action.
10. Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf described the US midterm results as a reflection of Americans’ rejection of what?
A) Climate policies
B) War
C) Trade tariffs
D) Immigration
Answer: B) War
Explanation: He linked the Democratic gains to public opposition to ongoing military conflicts, particularly involving Iran.
11. India defeated which team in the first ODI of their series (as of early November 2026)?
A) Australia
B) New Zealand
C) South Africa
D) England
Answer: B) New Zealand
Explanation: India won the first ODI at Eden Park, Auckland, by 5 wickets (revised target), taking a 1-0 lead. Virat Kohli scored 74.
12. Cyclone Murasu, which affected Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, weakened into what?
A) Severe cyclonic storm
B) Depression
C) Low-pressure area only
D) Super cyclone
Answer: B) Depression
Explanation: IMD reported that Cyclone Murasu weakened into a depression over Telangana and adjoining Andhra Pradesh and was likely to become a low-pressure area.
13. The Election Commission of India (ECI) separated which form from its accompanying declaration in states undergoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
A) Form 6
B) Form 7
C) Form 8
D) Form 6A
Answer: A) Form 6
Explanation: Form 6 (for fresh voter registration) was separated from the declaration in the online version for states where SIR is underway.
14. The Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) Phase-II has been extended until which year?
A) 2027
B) 2028
C) 2029
D) 2030
Answer: B) 2028
Explanation: The Centre extended Phase-II until March 2028 to continue rural sanitation efforts with additional funding support.
15. PM Modi was scheduled to interact with medal winners of which multi-sport event on 5 November 2026?
A) Asian Games
B) Asian Para Games 2026
C) Commonwealth Games
D) Olympics
Answer: B) Asian Para Games 2026
Explanation: The interaction was planned to congratulate and encourage the Indian para-athletes.
16. Which organisation launched the Network Anubhav Platform (recently in news)?
A) DoT
B) TRAI
C) BSNL
D) MeitY
Answer: B) TRAI
Explanation: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India launched the platform related to network experience and quality monitoring.
17. Who won India’s first-ever Youth Olympics medal in Wushu at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games?
A) Rajkumari Lanchenbi Chanu
B) Naorem Roshibina Devi
C) Yumnam Sanathoi Devi
D) Pooja Kadian
Answer: A) Rajkumari Lanchenbi Chanu (or the correct name as reported; sources vary slightly on exact spelling but refer to the historic first Wushu medal).
Explanation: This marked India’s first Youth Olympics medal in the sport of Wushu.
18. Shilp Samagam Mela 2026 is organised by which ministry?
A) Ministry of Textiles
B) Ministry of Culture
C) Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
D) Ministry of Rural Development
Answer: C) Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
Explanation: The mela promotes handicrafts and artisans under the ministry’s welfare programmes.
19. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched ‘Vayo Samman Rashtriya Abhiyan’ under which scheme?
A) PM-JAY
B) Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY)
C) PM-SYM
D) DAY-NRLM
Answer: B) Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY)
Explanation: The campaign focuses on the welfare and respect of senior citizens.
20. Six Indian institutions featured among Asia’s top 100 universities in the latest QS Asia rankings. Which was the highest-ranked Indian institution?
A) IISc Bengaluru
B) IIT Bombay
C) IIT Delhi
D) IIT Madras
Answer: C) IIT Delhi
Explanation: IIT Delhi emerged as the top Indian institution in the QS Asia University Rankings.
21. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited which neighbouring country for talks on bilateral ties and an upcoming PM visit?
A) Bhutan
B) Nepal
C) Bangladesh
D) Sri Lanka
Answer: B) Nepal
Explanation: The visit focused on strengthening India-Nepal relations.
22. Which state became the first in India to introduce a comprehensive Silt Management Policy in 2026?
A) Uttar Pradesh
B) Bihar
C) Assam
D) West Bengal
Answer: B) Bihar
Explanation: The Bihar Water Sources Restoration and Silt Management Policy, 2026, makes it the first such state-level comprehensive policy.
23. The Delhi government destroyed a large quantity of unhygienic khoya. Approximately how much was destroyed?
A) 2,000 kg
B) 5,000 kg
C) 7,000 kg
D) 10,000 kg
Answer: C) 7,000 kg
Explanation: The drive at Mori Gate market was inspected by CM Rekha Gupta.
24. IIM Indore deferred the release of CAT 2026 admit cards to which date?
A) 4 November
B) 5 November
C) 6 November
D) 7 November
Answer: C) 6 November
Explanation: The release, originally scheduled for 4 November, was postponed by two days.
25. Karnataka increased KSRTC bus fares. What was the maximum increase mentioned for regular buses?
A) Up to ₹5
B) Up to ₹9
C) Up to ₹15
D) Up to ₹20
Answer: B) Up to ₹9
Explanation: The hike was justified by rising diesel prices to sustain the transport corporations.