Daily Current Affairs โ 11 May 2026
Daily Current Affairs ยท 11 May 2026
10 fully-analysed topics ยท 30 bilingual MCQs ยท 3 embedded videos ยท built for UPSC Prelims & Mains
๐ 10 Topics
๐ฏ 30 MCQs
๐ฌ 3 Videos
๐ฎ๐ณ Hindi + English
๐ฏ 30 MCQs
๐ฌ 3 Videos
๐ฎ๐ณ Hindi + English
Economy: 10
โถ Start Here โ UPSC-Standard Quiz
UPSC Current Affairs MCQ โ 11 May 2026
10 UPSC-standard bilingual MCQs covering today's top stories ยท 10-sec timer per question
Score yourself as you go. Get a feel for how UPSC-level questions are framed around the day's news.
๐ฐ Today’s Top 5 Current Affairs
#01
Economy
Economy
Roadmap to Inclusive Growth
๐ฐ Why in News
Recent shifts in India's socio-economic policy
โ
Quick Facts
- India's evolving socio-economic landscape is marked by a declining Gini Index but persistent urban-rural and class-based disparities .
- The newly introduced VB G RAM G Act, 2025, aims to modernize rural welfare by focusing on high-tech skills and climate resilience.
- To ensure inclusive growth , India must address wealth concentration and bridge the "skills gap" to utilize its demographic dividend effectively.
- Inequality Underestimation: While the World Bank cites a Gini index of 0.25 for India
- Urban vs. Rural Disparity: Inequality is significantly higher in urban sectors compared to rural ones. The mean Monthly Per Capita Expenditure (MPCE)โฆ
- Non-Food Expenditure Gap: India's consumption boom is driven by non-food expenditure , where the disparity is most striking
- Class-Based Divergence: Since the 1980s, urban owners, managers, and professionals have gained disproportionately, while urban informal workersโฆ
- Social Safety Net Overlap: Data reveals a mismatch in welfare targeting
- Debt-Led Consumption: A significant portion of Indian households continue to sustain their standard of living through debt-led consumption
- About: Inequality refers to the unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, rights, and outcomes among individuals or groups in a society
๐ Key Numbers & Data
- Household Consumer Expenditure Survey (HCES 2023-24) , Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana
- Household Consumer Expenditure Survey (HCES 2023-24) suggests a higher Gini index of 0.29
- Per Capita Expenditure (MPCE) of the top 10% in urban areas is 9 times that of the
- urban areas is 9 times that of the bottom 10% in rural areas. Non-Food Expenditure Gap
- disparity is most striking. The urban top 10% accounts for 27% of total non-food spending
- striking. The urban top 10% accounts for 27% of total non-food spending , leaving the
๐๏ธ Key Stakeholders
NITI AayogLok Sabha
๐ฏ UPSC Relevance
Discuss the significance of the Lorenz Curve and Gini Index in measuring economic inequality.
#02
Economy
Economy
Viksit Bharat- Guarantee For Rozgar And Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025
๐ฐ Why in News
The Ministry of Rural Development introduced the Viksit Bharat- Guarantee For Rozgar And Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill
โ
Quick Facts
- The proposed law marks a fundamental shift from a rights-based
- Rural poverty has declined sharply from 25.7% in 201112 to nearly 5% in 202324
- The VBG RAM G Bill, 2025 shifts from a universal, demand-driven right to work to a budget-capped, supply-driven model with planned asset creation.
- While aimed at fiscal predictability and livelihood integration
- Statutory Wage Employment Guarantee: Provides a legal guarantee of 125 days of wage employment per rural household per financial year to adultโฆ
- Conditional and Non-Universal Coverage: Unlike MGNREGA's universal coverage
- Bottom-Up Planning through VGPPs: Mandates preparation of Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans (VGPPs) using spatial technology
- Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) Structure: Significantly increases the financial burden on States by revising the cost-sharing pattern to 60:40 forโฆ
- Flexibility during Agricultural Seasons: The Bill empowers States to pause the programme for up to 60 days in a financial year during peak sowing andโฆ
- Unemployment Allowance Provision: Mandates payment of unemployment allowance by State Governments if employment is not provided within 15 days ofโฆ
๐ Key Numbers & Data
- . Rural poverty has declined sharply from 25.7% in 201112 to nearly 5% in 202324, reducing
- sharply from 25.7% in 201112 to nearly 5% in 202324, reducing the need for MGNREGA as
- to 60:40 for most States (from the earlier 10% share under MGNREGA), while retaining 90:10
- Labour Force Survey (PLFS 202223) , nearly 45% of rural workers remain self-employed in
#03
Economy
Economy
Nationwide Implementation of Indiaโs Four Labour Codes
๐ฐ Why in News
India has announced the implementation of the four Labour Codes (the Code on Wages
โ
Quick Facts
- The reform aims to modernise labour regulation
- The four labour codes were enacted based on the 2 nd National Commission on Labour (2002)
- Labour Code: A labour code is a consolidated set of laws regulating employeremployee relations
- The Code of Wages, 2019: It merges four key laws (The Payment of Wages Act, 1936
- It seeks to balance worker rights with industrial stability by streamlining rules on union recognition, employment terms and dispute resolution.
- It covers maternity, health, life insurance and provident fund benefits while promoting digital processes and easier compliance.
- The Code aims to ensure safer working conditions while simplifying compliance for businesses
- Universal minimum wage for all workers ( organised + unorganised ). Wage fixation based on skill, region, working conditions.
- A statutory floor wage will be set by the government based on living standards with scope for regional variation. States cannot set wages below this.
- No discrimination in hiring, wages or working conditions on the basis of gender, including transgender identity.
๐ Key Numbers & Data
- re-skilling and re-employment. A union with 51% membership becomes the negotiating body
- council is formed from unions with at least 20% representation. Mandatory women's
- and retaining allowance, with at least 50% of total remuneration counted for
- Strikes and Union Recognition: The 51% single-union rule may marginalise smaller
- with aggregators required to contribute 12% of annual turnover (capped at 5% of
- 12% of annual turnover (capped at 5% of payouts) towards a welfare fund. UPSC
#04
Economy
Economy
World Bank
๐ฐ Why in News
Recently, Indian American business executive Ajay Banga was nominated by US President to head the World Bank.
โ
Quick Facts
- If confirmed by the World Bank Board of directors
- About: It was created in 1944 , as the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) along with the IMF
- The World Bank Group is a unique global partnership of five institutions working for sustainable solutions that reduce poverty and build sharedโฆ
- The World Bank is one of the United Nations' specialized agencies.
- International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)
- International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) India is not a member of ICSID.
- The United States is the largest single shareholder
- While the World Bank provides support to developing countries
- The International Finance Corporation, which offers these bonds, is an arm of the World Bank.
- They are the rupee-denominated bonds and are a source of debt financing for the public and private sector.
๐ Key Numbers & Data
- is the largest single shareholder, with 16.41% of the votes, followed by Japan (7.87%
- 16.41% of the votes, followed by Japan (7.87%), Germany (4.49%), the United Kingdom
- votes, followed by Japan (7.87%), Germany (4.49%), the United Kingdom (4.31%), and France
- Germany (4.49%), the United Kingdom (4.31%), and France (4.31%). The rest of the
- the United Kingdom (4.31%), and France (4.31%). The rest of the shares are divided among
๐๏ธ Key Stakeholders
IMFWTO
#05
Economy
Economy
India Becomes 4th โMost Equalโ Country Globally
๐ฐ Why in News
India is not only the world's fourth-largest economy but is also ranked among the most equal societies today.
โ
Quick Facts
- About: The Gini index, or Gini coefficient, was developed in 1912 by Italian statistician Corrado Gini
- The Gini coefficient quantifies the area between the Lorenz curve and the line of perfect equality (a 45-degree line)
- India and Gini Index: India's Gini Index was 28.8 in 2011, declining steadily to 25.5 in 2022, reflecting consistent progress in social equity
- Notably, India ranks ahead of countries with higher inequality scores, including China (35.7), and the US (41.8) .
- The low score challenges conventional assumptions of India as a highly unequal society
- It indicates broad-based income growth, particularly among the lower income brackets.
- Poverty Reduction: As per the World Bank's Spring 2025 Poverty and Equity Brief
- At the USD 3/day threshold, India's extreme poverty rate for 202223 stands at 5.3%, down from 27.1% in 201112.
- In absolute terms, the number of people in extreme poverty fell from 344.47 million to 75.24 million.
- PM Jan Dhan Yojana: Financial inclusion has been at the heart of India's social equity push
๐ Key Numbers & Data
- poverty threshold from USD 2.15/day to USD 3/day (based on 2021 prices) to account for
- extreme poverty rate for 202223 stands at 5.3%, down from 27.1% in 201112. In absolute
- Despite Low Inequality Index: At the USD 3.65/day poverty threshold (suitable for
- countries), India's poverty rate was 28.1% in 2022 . Over 300 million people still
- Wage disparity remains significant, the top 10% earn 13 times more than the bottom 10%
- top 10% earn 13 times more than the bottom 10% (202324). The Gini coefficient for income
๐๏ธ Key Stakeholders
G20G7
๐ โ๏ธ Core Subject Drill โ Indian Polity
โ๏ธ Indian Polity MCQ Quiz ยท เคญเคพเคฐเคคเฅเคฏ เคฐเคพเคเคตเฅเคฏเคตเคธเฅเคฅเคพ
10 bilingual MCQs ยท Indian Polity ยท Members Only on YouTube
Today's rotation: Indian Polity. Take this break between news topics to sharpen the core concept.
๐ More Current Affairs Coverage
#06
Economy
Economy
Household Consumption Expenditure Survey 2023-24
๐ฐ Why in News
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released the factsheet of the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES)โฆ
โ
Quick Facts
- The HCES collects data on household spending patterns to assess living standards, well-being, and consumption behavior.
- HCES has been conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO ) since 1951 as part of the National Sample Survey (NSS) under the MoSPI.
- Significance: Provides inputs for calculating Consumer Price Indices (CPI) and revising the base year for macroeconomic indicators like Grossโฆ
- Rising Consumption : Rural consumption spending increased significantly
- The gap between rural and urban consumption narrowed from 83.9% in 2011-12 to 69.7% in 2023-24
- Imputed values for free benefits (e.g., food grains, school uniforms) under welfare schemes marginally increased MPCE estimates
- Maharashtra , Punjab , Tamil Nadu , Telangana , and Kerala , showed higher-than-average per capita consumption spending.
- West Bengal , Bihar , Uttar Pradesh , and Madhya Pradesh , had lower spending than the national average.
- Among the Union Territories (UTs), MPCE is the highest in Chandigarh (Rural Rs
- The Gini coefficient dropped from 0.266 to 0.237 in rural areas and from 0.314 to 0.284 in urban areas from 2022-23 to 2023-24.
๐ Key Numbers & Data
- Star marking (1-5) indicates the importance
- Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2023-24 , providing key insights into consumption
- What are the Key Findings of the HCES 2023-24? Rising Consumption : Rural consumption
- expenditure (MPCE) rising to Rs 4,122 (up 9.3% from Rs 3,773 in 2022-23). The MPCE of
- MPCE) rising to Rs 4,122 (up 9.3% from Rs 3,773 in 2022-23). The MPCE of urban areas is Rs
- to Rs 4,122 (up 9.3% from Rs 3,773 in 2022-23). The MPCE of urban areas is Rs 6,996 (up
#07
Economy
Economy
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)
๐ฐ Why in News
Recently, The Central government announced an extension of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM-GKAY) for another three months until December 2022.
โ
Quick Facts
- About: PMGKAY is a part of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP) to help the poor fight the battle against Covid-19 .
- The scheme aimed at providing each person who is covered under the National Food Security Act 2013 with an additional 5 kg grains (wheat or rice) forโฆ
- It was initially announced for a three-month period (April, May and June 2020), covering 80 crore ration cardholders
- Its nodal Ministry is the Ministry of Finance.
- The benefit of the free ration can be availed through portability by any migrant labour or beneficiary under the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC)โฆ
- Expensive: It's very expensive for the government to sustain and increases the need for an abundant supply of cheap grains
- Increase Fiscal Deficit: It could pose a risk to the government's target to further narrow the fiscal deficit to 6.4% of gross domestic product.
- Inflation: The decision on the program could also affect inflation
- Integrated Schemes on Oilseeds, Pulses, Palm oil and Maize (ISOPOM)
๐ Key Numbers & Data
- to further narrow the fiscal deficit to 6.4% of gross domestic product. Inflation: The
- of rice and wheat, which make up about 10% of India's retail inflation, are seeing an
#08
Economy
Economy
GST 2.0 with Next-generation Reforms
๐ฐ Why in News
The 56th Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council , unveiled GST 2.0 with next-generation reforms to make the tax regime citizen-centric, boost agriculture, health, manufacturing, and improve ease of doing business.
โ
Quick Facts
- The changes in GST rates on services will be implemented with effect from 22 nd September 2025.
- Simplified GST Structure: GST 2.0 replaces four GST slabs (5%
- Tax Relief for the Essential Goods: Full GST exemption on individual life and health insurance policies
- Consumer Goods: GST on small cars, TVs, air conditioners , cement, and auto parts has been reduced from 28% to 18%
- Fertilizer inputs such as sulphuric acid, nitric acid, and ammonia: GST reduced from 18% to 5%.
- Labour-intensive goods like handicrafts, marble, and leather items: GST reduced from 12% to 5%.
- Process reforms for refunds and registration will improve dispute resolution
- About: Introduced by the 101 st Constitutional Amendment Act
- Key Features: Dual GST Structure: Includes Central GST (CGST) and State GST (SGST) ; Integrated GST (IGST) is applicable for inter-state transactions.
- GST Council: It is the primary body for GST policymaking and rate decisions
๐ Key Numbers & Data
- Structure: GST 2.0 replaces four GST slabs (5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%) with a two-slab system
- GST 2.0 replaces four GST slabs (5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%) with a two-slab system ( 5%
- replaces four GST slabs (5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%) with a two-slab system ( 5% (merit rate
- 12%, 18%, and 28%) with a two-slab system ( 5% (merit rate) for essential items and 18%
- 5% (merit rate) for essential items and 18% (standard rate) for others), plus a 40%
- and 18% (standard rate) for others), plus a 40% demerit rate for luxury, sin, and demerit
#09
Economy
Economy
Demographic Winter and Indiaโs Narrowing Demographic Dividend
๐ฐ Why in News
China's population declined for the fourth consecutive year in 2025 , falling by 3.39 million to 1.405 billion , with births hitting a historic low of 7.92 million , signalling a deepening demographic winter .
โ
Quick Facts
- This highlights important lessons for India , which despite being the most populous country, is witnessing a faster-than-expected decline in itsโฆ
- China's demographic winter highlights the risks of sustained low fertility and ageing
- India can still convert its youth advantage into economic power through job creation
- Demographic Winter: The Demographic Winter describes a severe
- Reasons for China's Demographic Winter: Legacy of the One-Child Policy (19802015): The policy drastically reduced the number of women of childbearingโฆ
- Marriage registrations have plummeted, directly impacting birth rates since out-of-wedlock births remain culturally and legally difficult in China.
- Inverted Population Pyramid: Fewer births combined with ageing population
- Government spending on healthcare and old-age support rises while tax revenues stagnate or decline.
- Total Fertility Rate (TFR) : TFR represents the average number of children a woman is expected to have over her reproductive lifespan (1549 years)
- Replacement Level: A TFR of 2.1 is considered the replacement level
๐ Key Numbers & Data
- lower at 1.5 . According to the NFHS-5 (2019-21) , India's TFR has dropped to 2.0 children
- stabilization and decline (expected around 2060-2070). North-South Divide: Southern India
- 60+) will rise sharply from 149 million (10.5%) today to 347 million (20.8%) by 2050 .
- 149 million (10.5%) today to 347 million (20.8%) by 2050 . Without rapid skill development
- overall unemployment is stable at around 4.9% , but youth unemployment (1529 years
- unemployment (1529 years) remains high at 1015% . A large pool of educated yet unemployed
#10
Economy
Economy
Reconstitution of NITI Aayog
๐ฐ Why in News
The Government of India has reconstituted the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) , appointing Ashok Kumar Lahiri as Vice-Chairperson, succeeding Suman K.
โ
Quick Facts
- This overhaul marks a departure from its traditional economist-heavy composition
- The restructuring aligns with NITI Aayog's recent push to improve the "Ease of Doing Research and Development in India." It underscores the necessityโฆ
- About: The NITI Aayog was formed via a resolution of the Union Cabinet in 2015, replacing the erstwhile Planning Commission
- Cooperative Federalism: Unlike the Planning Commission
- Competitive Federalism: It encourages healthy competition among states to improve their performance across various social and economic sectors (health
- Vice-Chairperson: Appointed directly by the Prime Minister. They enjoy the rank of a Cabinet Minister.
- Governing Council: This is the highest decision-making body
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Appointed by the Prime Minister for a fixed tenure, holding the rank of Secretary to the Government of India.
- Full-Time Members: Experts from various fields (like economics, science, health, and agriculture).
- Regional Council: To address specific regional issues, Comprising Chief Ministers and Lt. Governors Chaired by the Prime Minister or his nominee.
๐๏ธ Key Stakeholders
NITI AayogFinance CommissionUnion CabinetPrime Minister
๐ฏ UPSC Relevance
3. What is the significance of the recent reconstitution of NITI Aayog? It marks a shift towards science
๐๏ธ Wrap Up โ Simple CA Quiz
Simple Current Affairs MCQ โ 11 May 2026
10 accessible MCQs covering the same topics ยท great for quick revision
End your study session with these simpler MCQs to lock in recall of today's current affairs.
