Daily Current Affairs — 06 May 2026
Daily Current Affairs · 06 May 2026
10 fully-analysed topics · 30 bilingual MCQs · 3 embedded videos · built for UPSC Prelims & Mains
📚 10 Topics
🎯 30 MCQs
🎬 3 Videos
🇮🇳 Hindi + English
🎯 30 MCQs
🎬 3 Videos
🇮🇳 Hindi + English
Economy: 5 · IR: 2 · Defence: 1 · History: 1 · Environment: 1
▶ Start Here — UPSC-Standard Quiz
UPSC Current Affairs MCQ — 06 May 2026
10 UPSC-standard bilingual MCQs covering today's top stories · 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.
📰 Today’s Top 5 Current Affairs
#01
Defence
Defence
CINBAX-II 2026
📰 Why in News
The Indian Army is participating in the 2 nd edition of the India-Cambodia Joint Military Exercise, CINBAX-II 2026, held in Kampong Speu Province, Cambodia.
✅ Quick Facts
- Contingent Details: 120 personnel from India, primarily from a Battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment, joined 160 personnel from the Royal…
- Objective: To achieve operational synergy , share best practices, and enhance coordination during joint missions focused on countering hostile forces.
- Focus Area: The exercise focuses on Counter-Terrorism (CT) operations within sub-conventional environments
- Chapter VII of the UN Charter authorizes the UN Security Council to take decisive action
#02
IR
IR
National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy: PRAHAAR
📰 Why in News
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) unveiled India's first-ever comprehensive National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy, titled 'PRAHAAR' .
✅ Quick Facts
- Security Challenges & their Management in Border Areas
- India's first-ever comprehensive National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy
- Its effectiveness will depend on overcoming federal coordination challenges
- PRAHAAR: The strategy is an acronym representing the core pillars of India's proactive defense mechanism: P revention of terror attacks to protect…
- R esponses, which are swift and proportionate to the threat posed;
- A ggregating internal capacities for achieving synergy in a whole-of-government approach;
- H uman rights and 'Rule of Law' based processes for mitigation of threats;
- A ttenuating the conditions enabling terrorism, including radicalization;
- A ligning and shaping the international efforts to counter terrorism;
- R ecovery and resilience through a whole-of-society approach.
🏛️ Key Stakeholders
Supreme CourtMinistry of Home AffairsNSGNIA
#03
Economy
Economy
India's Commitment to UN Peacekeeping
📰 Why in News
At the United Nations Peacekeeping (UNPK) Ministerial 2025 meeting in Berlin , 74 member states pledged to enhance the effectiveness and adaptability of peace operations amid evolving global challenges.
✅ Quick Facts
- India pledged a Quick Reaction Force (QRF) , One male armed police (Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) or mixed armed police (CRPF) , Women-led…
- As per UNPK data , India is currently the 4 th largest troop-contributing nation with 5,375 personnel after Nepal, Rwanda and Bangladesh
- They are deployed by the UN Security Council to support ceasefires and peace agreements and are called Blue Helmets due to the light blue color…
- Currently, over 61,000 military and police peacekeepers from 119 countries and more than 7,000 civilian personnel serve in 11 UN Peacekeeping…
#04
IR
IR
India’s Act East Policy
📰 Why in News
Recently, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has flagged off the first batch of trial Cargo Vessels from Maia Inland Custom Port in West…
✅ Quick Facts
- It has been organised by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)
- Operationalization of Maia Terminal is expected to be a game-changer as it would shift 2.6 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of Bangladesh-bound export…
- The Maia-Aricha route (Protocol Route 5 & 6) will reduce the distance from NW1 (National Waterways 1) to Bangladesh and the North Eastern Region by…
- About: IWT refers to the transportation of goods and passengers via navigable rivers, canals, lakes, and other inland waterways.
- This mode of transport utilises watercraft such as boats
- IWT is a highly cost-effective mode of transportation, particularly for bulk cargo like coal, iron ore, cement, food grains, and fertiliser.
- Despite its advantages, its current share in India's modal mix is only 2%
- About: The 'Act East Policy' announced in November, 2014 is the upgrade of the "Look East Policy".
- It is a diplomatic initiative to promote economic, strategic and cultural relations with the vast Asia-Pacific region at different levels.
- It involves intensive and continuous engagement with Southeast Asian countries in the field of connectivity
📊 Key Numbers & Data
- current share in India's modal mix is only 2%. The government aims to increase this share
- government aims to increase this share to 5% by 2030 under the Maritime India Vision
- the trade has grown to USD 72 billion (2017-18). India is also an active participant in
#05
Economy
Economy
Forging a New Era of India-ASEAN Relations
📰 Why in News
For Prelim s: Indo-Pacific region , ASEAN , Act East Policy , Free Trade Agreement, Strategic Partnership to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
✅ Quick Facts
- Effect of Policies & Politics of Countries on India's Interests
- Economic and Trade Opportunities: ASEAN , with 650 million people and a GDP of USD 3.2 trillion , is a key economic and trade partner for India
- Singapore is India's largest ASEAN trade partner and 6 th largest trade partner (FY 2024-25) with a share of around 3% of India's overall trade &…
- Full utilisation of ASEAN-India FTA (AIFTA) and finalising ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) can further boost trade and investment .
- Key deals, such as the sale of the BrahMos cruise missile system to the Philippines, signify a new phase of strategic cooperation.
- India's assistance also includes providing training
- India engages through East Asia Summit and ASEAN Regional Forum
- Cooperation spans anti-piracy measures, disaster management , and promoting a rules-based regional order aligned with India's SAGAR doctrine .
- Digital initiatives like 5G, cybersecurity , and participation in the ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN) strengthen technological and economic…
- These efforts provide alternatives to China's Belt and Road Initiative and promote economic and cultural integration in the region.
📊 Key Numbers & Data
- with 650 million people and a GDP of USD 3.2 trillion , is a key economic and trade
- has reached USD 122.67 billion (202324) , 11% of India's global trade . Singapore is
- partner and 6 th largest trade partner (FY 2024-25) with a share of around 3% of India's
- partner (FY 2024-25) with a share of around 3% of India's overall trade & also the top FDI
- for over half the world's population , 60% of global GDP , and two-thirds of global
📚 📜 Core Subject Drill — Indian History
📜 Indian History MCQ Quiz · भारतीय इतिहास
10 bilingual MCQs · Indian History · Members Only on YouTube
Today's rotation: Indian History. Take this break between news topics to sharpen the core concept.
📖 More Current Affairs Coverage
#06
Economy
Economy
Rebalancing India’s Water–Energy–Food Nexus
📰 Why in News
The World Bank in its report "Nourish and Flourish" has warned that global food systems are misaligned with hydrological (water) realities , threatening food security.
✅ Quick Facts
- For India, a system reliant on subsidised electricity and water-intensive crops has created an unsustainable WaterEnergyFood (WEF) Nexus , posing…
- Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus: The WEF nexus refers to the deeply interconnected nature of our water, energy, and food systems
- Energy for Water: Extracting this groundwater requires massive amounts of energy
- Policy-Driven Imbalance: State policies providing free or highly subsidized electricity for agriculture directly incentivize the over-extraction of…
- Severe Groundwater Depletion: According to the Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment Report 2025
- The World Bank estimates that current agricultural water systems can sustainably feed only one-third of the global population by 2050 if…
- This discourages crop diversification, pushing farmers away from ecologically suitable, drought-resistant crops like pulses, oilseeds, and millets.
- India spends over Rs 1.5 lakh crore annually on electricity subsidies
- However, if not carefully regulated, "free" solar energy during the day can lead to even more ruthless and unregulated extraction of groundwater.
- Promoting Crop Diversification & Re-aligning MSP: There is a crucial need to transition from "calorie security" to "nutritional and ecological…
📊 Key Numbers & Data
- of freshwater in India, accounting for over 85% of total water usage , predominantly
- Agricultural pumping consumes nearly 20% of India's total electricity .
- maintenance. India spends over Rs 1.5 lakh crore annually on electricity subsidies
- shocks, especially as the country imports 8590% of its crude oil. Rising oil prices
- in one sector directly affect the others. 2. Why is groundwater depletion a major concern
- concern in India? Agriculture uses over 85% of freshwater , with excessive extraction
#07
Economy
Economy
World Bank
📰 Why in News
Recently, Indian American business executive Ajay Banga was nominated by US President to head the World Bank.
✅ 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 shared…
- 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.
📊 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
🏛️ Key Stakeholders
IMFWTO
#08
History
History
IEA Full Membership for India
📰 Why in News
The International Energy Agency (IEA) welcomed progress on India's request for full membership, marking a significant step in integrating the world's 3 rd -largest energy consumer into global energy governance.
✅ Quick Facts
- India , an IEA associate member since 2017, faces a complex path to full membership as the IEA framework restricts it to Organisation for Economic…
- About IEA: The IEA is an intergovernmental body established in 1974 by 17 OECD countries in response to the global oil crisis caused by the Arab oil…
- In 2015, the IEA introduced the associate member category for non-OECD countries, and it currently has 13 associate members
#09
Environment
Environment
CGWB Report on Groundwater Contamination
📰 Why in News
The Central Groundwater Board (CGWB) report reveals a troubling rise in groundwater contamination across India, with more districts showing excessive nitrate levels.
✅ Quick Facts
- This chemical contaminant poses significant health risks, particularly to young children , while also raising environmental concerns.
- Increase in Nitrate Contamination : As of 2023, 440 districts reported excessive nitrate levels in groundwater, up from 359 districts in 2017
- Maharashtra , Telangana , Andhra Pradesh , and Madhya Pradesh are showing notable levels of nitrate contamination, with growing concerns in central…
- Uranium contamination exceeds safe levels in Rajasthan
- However, there has been an improvement in the availability of groundwater, with 73% of the blocks classified as being in the 'safe' zone, a…
- About : The CGWB , established under the Ministry of Water Resources, (now Ministry of Jal Shakti), is the apex body for managing, exploring…
- The Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA), constituted under the Environmental Protection Act, 1986 , regulates groundwater development to ensure its…
- It also implements schemes for artificial recharge and rainwater harvesting to augment groundwater levels.
- Agricultural Practices: Excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture leads to nitrate and phosphate leaching into the soil
- Health Risks: Contaminants such as fluoride, nitrates, and heavy metals pose serious health risks and lead to Waterborne Diseases
📊 Key Numbers & Data
- groundwater, up from 359 districts in 2017. 56% of India's districts have nitrate
- per litre . Regional Hotspots : Rajasthan (49%), Karnataka (48%), and Tamil Nadu (37%
- Hotspots : Rajasthan (49%), Karnataka (48%), and Tamil Nadu (37%) reported the highest
- 49%), Karnataka (48%), and Tamil Nadu (37%) reported the highest levels of nitrate
- increases after the monsoon, with 32.66% of samples exceeding safe limits during the
- groundwater zones. Groundwater Extraction : 60.4% of groundwater is being extracted across
🎯 UPSC Relevance
What are the impacts of groundwater contamination in India?
#10
Economy
Economy
Minimum Support Prices: From Safety Net to Self-Sufficiency
📰 Why in News
The Government of India has approved the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 202627 , with an estimated procurement of 297 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) .
✅ Quick Facts
- Definition: MSP is the price at which the government procures crops directly from farmers
- Determination: MSPs are recommended by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) an attached office under the Ministry of Agriculture…
- The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) , chaired by the Prime Minister , gives the final approval.
- Cost of production, demand-supply dynamics, market price trends, inter-crop price parity, and terms of trade between agriculture and non-agriculture…
- Since 201819 , MSPs have been fixed at 1.5 times the cost of production , ensuring a minimum 50% profit margin for farmers.
- MSP is declared for 22 mandated crops including 14 Kharif crops
- Cereals and coarse cereals: Procured by Food Corporation of India (FCI) and state agencies.
- Pulses, oilseeds, copra: Procured under Price Support Scheme (PSS) of PM-AASHA through NAFED and NCCF .
- Cotton & Jute: Procured at MSP via Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) and Jute Corporation of India (JCI) .
- No maximum procurement limit for jute and cotton
📊 Key Numbers & Data
- the cost of production , ensuring a minimum 50% profit margin for farmers. Crops Covered
- Expanding MSP Procurement : Between 2014-15 and 2024-25 , the volume of food grains
- MSP Procurement : Between 2014-15 and 2024-25 , the volume of food grains procured under
- with the government committed to procure 100% of major pulse production until 2028-29 .
- 100% of major pulse production until 2028-29 . Digital Transparency: Platforms like
- Committee's 2015 report reveals that just 6% of farmers benefit from the Minimum Support
🎯 UPSC Relevance
W – Wider Crop Diversification : Align MSP incentives with sustainable cropping systems, encouraging diversification toward millets, pulses, and oilseeds to reduce environmental impacts from monocropping.
🗞️ Wrap Up — Simple CA Quiz
Simple Current Affairs MCQ — 06 May 2026
10 accessible MCQs covering the same topics · great for quick revision
End your study session with these simpler MCQs to lock in recall of today's current affairs.
