This is the current affairs 1 & 2 May 2026. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
1. Alert! ‘Emergency Alert’ on your mobile—don’t panic, it’s just a test
– The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) conducted a nationwide test of the ‘Cell Broadcast Alert System’ on May 2.
– During this exercise, emergency messages were sent to mobile phones in Delhi-NCR as well as in the capitals of all states and Union Territories.
Key points of the test:
– Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a system that delivers quick and accurate information to citizens during disasters.
– What happens: Mobile users receive a notification accompanied by a loud beep or phone vibration.
– Coverage: The test was conducted in Delhi-NCR and all state/UT capitals. However, border areas and poll-bound states were excluded.
What officials say:
– Officials clarified that this is only a test message and does not indicate a real emergency.
– The exercise aims to improve preparedness of communication systems so that lives can be saved during real disasters.
– NDMA has urged the public not to panic upon receiving such alerts, as this ensures that the country’s communication system remains fully alert and active during crises.
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2. What is India’s ranking in the World Press Freedom Index 2026?
a. 150
b. 157
c. 151
d. 152
Answer: b. 157
– India has slipped to 157th position out of 180 countries.
In 2025, India was ranked 151st.
– The fourth pillar of democracy—press freedom—is facing challenges.
– Notably, Georgia’s media enjoys more freedom than Indian media.
– According to the report, more than half of the surveyed countries fall into the “difficult” or “very serious” category.
– This is India’s lowest level in 25 years of the study.
– Press freedom has worsened in more than 100 countries compared to the previous year.
– Europe tops the list, though conditions for journalists there are also becoming increasingly difficult.
Reasons for India’s decline:
1) Judicial harassment of independent media:
– Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has raised concerns about the increasing misuse of criminal laws such as defamation and national security against journalists.
– Such legal provisions are allegedly being used to intimidate journalists and suppress independent voices.
2) Rising political pressure and strengthening authoritarian tendencies:
– RSF noted that political pressure on media is increasing globally, and India is not immune to this trend.
– It warned that weakening rule of law indicates growing criminalization of journalism.
Impact on media and democracy:
– A major impact is growing fear and self-censorship among journalists.
– Continuous reports of legal action, arrests, and harassment create a “chilling effect.”
– Journalists avoid reporting on sensitive issues, depriving the public of important information.
Weakening of accountability:
– A free press ensures government accountability, exposes corruption, and sustains public debate.
– Declining rankings damage India’s global image as a vibrant democracy.
Ranking of neighboring countries:
– Nepal: 87
– Sri Lanka: 134
– Bhutan: 150
– Bangladesh: 152
– Pakistan: 153
– China: 178
– Afghanistan: 175
About the World Press Freedom Index:
– An annual ranking released since 2002 by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
– It evaluates press freedom in 180 countries.
– The results are used by governments, international institutions, and human rights organizations.
Indicators used:
– Political context
– Legal framework
– Editorial freedom
– Violence and harassment against journalists
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3. Which country tops the World Press Freedom Index 2026?
a. Norway
b. Denmark
c. USA
d. Germany
Answer: a. Norway
– The index is released by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
– It shows a concerning decline in journalism conditions globally, though some regions have improved.
– Norway ranks first with a score of 92.72.
– It is followed by the Netherlands and Estonia.
– At the bottom are Saudi Arabia, Iran, China, North Korea, and Eritrea.
– The USA has fallen seven places to rank 64.
– Since 2022, its score has declined by 14 points.
Top 10 countries:
1) Norway – 92.72
2) Netherlands – 88.92
3) Estonia – 88.54
4) Denmark – 88.47
5) Sweden – 87.61
6) Finland – 86.22
7) Ireland – 85.93
8) Switzerland – 84.83
9) Luxembourg – 84.14
10) Portugal – 83.71
Important countries and ranks:
– USA: 55
– United Kingdom: 23
– France: 21
– Germany: 10
– Russia: 162
– Saudi Arabia: 166
– Australia: 39
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4. Which country returned 657 ancient and rare artifacts worth $14 million to India?
a. United Kingdom
b. Japan
c. United States of America
d. Nepal
Answer: c. United States of America
– The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office announced the return after investigating trafficking.
– The 657 artifacts were handed over in three phases:
612 items in November 2024
26 items in July 2025
– 19 items on April 28, 2026, in New York in the presence of District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. and India’s Consul General Rajlakshmi Kadam
– These artifacts were smuggled to the U.S. by international trafficking networks over several years.
– Their return exposes a major cultural theft linked to global smuggling networks.
– U.S. authorities recovered them during investigations into criminal networks associated with Subhash Kapoor and Nancy Wiener.
Details of smuggled artifacts:
– Included a bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara seated on a double lotus base.
– It was part of a hoard discovered near Lakshman Temple in 1939.
– Later housed in Mahant Ghasidas Memorial Museum, Raipur until 1952.
– It was stolen and smuggled to the U.S. by 1982.
– Another recovered piece is a red sandstone Buddha statue worth $7.5 million.
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5. When is Gujarat’s Foundation Day celebrated?
a. May 4
b. April 30
c. May 2
d. May 1
Answer: d. May 1
– Gujarat’s 66th Foundation Day was observed on May 1, 2026.
– The day is also celebrated as “Gujarat Gaurav Divas.”
– Theme 2026: “Proud Gujarat: From Heritage to Development.”
– Gujarat was formed on May 1, 1960, after bifurcation of Bombay State.
– Ravi Shankar Maharaj played a key role in its formation.
Jivraj Mehta became the first Chief Minister.
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6. Which two Indian conservationists were awarded the Whitley Award 2026?
a. Purnima Pathak
b. Barkha Subba
c. Parveen Shaikh
d. Both b and c
Answer: d. Both b and c (Barkha Subba and Parveen Shaikh)
– The award is also known as the “Green Oscar.”
– It is given by the UK-based charity Whitley Fund for Nature.
– It recognizes outstanding grassroots conservation efforts.
Parveen Shaikh:
– A scientist with the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS).
– Awarded for conservation of the endangered Indian Skimmer.
– Developed a community-based model along the Chambal River.
– Population increased from ~400 (2017) to ~1,000 (2025).
Barkha Subba:
– Scientific advisor at FOSEP, Darjeeling.
– Awarded for conservation of the Himalayan Salamander (Himalayan Newt).
– Found in cool mountain streams of Darjeeling and Northeast India.
– Locally known as “Pani Chepara.”
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7. Seven-year-old swimmer Ishan set a world record by crossing the Palk Strait between India and which country?
a. Pakistan
b. Sri Lanka
c. Bangladesh
d. Nepal
Answer: b. Sri Lanka
– The Palk Strait lies between India and Sri Lanka.
– Seven-year-old Ishan from Ranchi swam 29 km in 9 hours 50 minutes.
– He swam from Talaimannar (Sri Lanka) to Dhanushkodi (India).
– Achievement date: April 30, 2026.
– Recognized by the Universal Records Forum.
– He trained daily for 4–5 hours at Dhurwa Dam, Ranchi.
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8. Who has become the new CMD of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)?
a. Rahul Veera
b. Rahul Bhatia
c. Ravi K
d. Sunil Narayan
Answer: c. Ravi K
– Ravi K assumed charge on May 1, 2026.
– He succeeded Dr. D.K. Sunil.
– Previously served as Director (Operations) at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
– Played a key role in achieving “Maharatna” status.
– Associated with LCA Tejas and LCH Prachand helicopter programs.
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9. Which state’s Foundation Day is celebrated on May 1, 2026?
a. Kerala
b. Assam
c. Maharashtra
d. Karnataka
Answer: c. Maharashtra
– Theme 2026: “Heritage, Progress and a Shared Vision for the Future.”
– Celebrates formation after division of Bombay State in 1960.
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10. Who became the world’s first female Archbishop?
a. Marithakkavalli David
b. Marilyn Hoffet
c. Sarah Mullally
d. Rinvi Noel
Answer: c. Sarah Mullally
– Sarah Mullally became the first female Archbishop of Canterbury in 1,400 years.
– This marks a historic milestone in the Church of England.
– She leads over 85 million Anglicans worldwide.
– Previously served as Bishop of London.
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11. When is International Labour Day or May Day celebrated?
a. May 1
b. May 2
c. May 3
d. May 4
Answer: a. May 1
– Theme 2026: “Ensuring a Healthy Psychosocial Working Environment.”
– Originates from the 1886 labor movement in the United States.
– Honors workers’ contributions and promotes labor rights.
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12. Regarding NASM-SR, which statements are correct?
1) It is India’s first indigenous air-launched anti-ship missile system.
2) It was successfully tested in a ‘salvo launch’ from a naval helicopter.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) Only 1
b) Only 2
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither
Answer: c) Both 1 and 2
– Developed by DRDO and the Indian Navy.
– Successfully tested off the Odisha coast.
– Demonstrated precise “waterline hit” capability.
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13. When is World Tuna Day celebrated?
a. May 1
b. May 2
c. May 3
d. May 4
Answer: b. May 2
– Declared by the United Nations.
– Aims to raise awareness about tuna as an important food source rich in omega-3, vitamin B12, and protein.
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