Daily Current Affairs 26 May 2026
Daily current affairs for 26 May 2026 — 16 verified news items across Science & Tech, Government Schemes, Sports & more, with exam-angle notes, keywords and…
In this digest · 16 items
Science & Tech
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Believes AI Won't Cause Mass Job Losses
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, stated that artificial intelligence is unlikely to lead to mass job losses, countering fears of a 'jobs apocalypse.' In a conversation with CBA Chief Executive Matt Comyn, Altman expressed surprise that there hasn't been a significant impact on entry-level white-collar jobs as initially anticipated. This statement comes amidst ongoing debates about the impact of AI on employment across various sectors.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Who is the CEO of OpenAI who commented on AI's impact on jobs?
- AElon Musk
- BSundar Pichai
- CSam AltmanCorrect
- DSatya Nadella
Explanation Sam Altman is the CEO of OpenAI who stated that AI is unlikely to cause mass job losses.
Q2 What did Sam Altman say about AI's impact on entry-level white-collar jobs?
- AAI has eliminated most entry-level jobs
- BAI is unlikely to have any impact
- CAI has not eliminated as many jobs as expectedCorrect
- DAI will create more entry-level jobs
Explanation Sam Altman expressed surprise that AI hasn't eliminated as many entry-level white-collar jobs as initially anticipated.
Government Schemes
West Bengal Launches Annapurna Bhandar Scheme for Women
The West Bengal government is set to launch the Annapurna Bhandar Scheme, which will provide eligible women with a monthly financial assistance of ₹3,000 through Direct Benefit Transfer. The scheme is scheduled to commence on 1 June 2026. Application forms for the scheme will be available starting from 27 May 2026, allowing eligible women to apply online.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 When will the Annapurna Bhandar Scheme in West Bengal start providing benefits?
- A1 June 2026Correct
- B27 May 2026
- C1 July 2026
- D1 May 2026
Explanation The scheme is scheduled to start providing benefits from 1 June 2026.
Q2 What is the monthly financial assistance provided under the Annapurna Bhandar Scheme?
- A₹2,000
- B₹3,000Correct
- C₹4,000
- D₹5,000
Explanation Eligible women will receive ₹3,000 monthly under the scheme.
Q3 From which date will application forms for the Annapurna Bhandar Scheme be available?
- A1 June 2026
- B27 May 2026Correct
- C1 July 2026
- D1 May 2026
Explanation Application forms will be available from 27 May 2026.
Sports
Spain's 2026 FIFA World Cup Squad Excludes Real Madrid Players
Spain has announced its 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026, notably excluding any players from Real Madrid. Despite the absence of Real Madrid players, the squad includes Lamine Yamal, who is currently injured. This decision marks a significant departure from previous selections where Real Madrid players were typically included. The announcement has drawn attention due to the historical prominence of Real Madrid players in the national team.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Which major football club has no players in Spain's 2026 World Cup squad?
- AReal MadridCorrect
- BBarcelona
- CAtletico Madrid
- DSevilla
Explanation Spain's 2026 World Cup squad does not include any players from Real Madrid.
Q2 Which injured player is included in Spain's 2026 World Cup squad?
- ALamine YamalCorrect
- BSergio Ramos
- CGerard Pique
- DAndres Iniesta
Explanation Lamine Yamal, despite being injured, is included in Spain's 2026 World Cup squad.
RCB and Gujarat Titans Compete for IPL 2026 Final Spot
In the IPL 2026 season, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT) are set to face off in Dharamshala with a spot in the final at stake. Both teams have shown strong performances, each securing nine wins during the season. They are closely matched, with their positions determined by a narrow Net Run Rate margin of 0.088. The teams also share a 1-1 head-to-head record, highlighting the competitive nature of their upcoming clash.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Which two teams are competing for a spot in the IPL 2026 final?
- AMumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings
- BRoyal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat TitansCorrect
- CDelhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad
- DKolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals
Explanation Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans are competing for a spot in the IPL 2026 final.
Q2 What was the Net Run Rate margin that separated RCB and GT in IPL 2026?
- A0.050
- B0.088Correct
- C0.100
- D0.120
Explanation RCB and GT were separated by a narrow Net Run Rate margin of 0.088.
Nishesh Basavareddy Defeats Taylor Fritz in French Open Upset
Indian-origin player Nishesh Basavareddy, who is now an American citizen, achieved a significant victory by defeating the seventh seed Taylor Fritz in the French Open. Basavareddy, a wild card entrant, won the match with scores of 7-6(5), 7-6(5), 6-7(9), 6-1. The match was a challenging encounter lasting two hours and 45 minutes, and this victory allowed Basavareddy to advance to the second round of the tournament.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Who did Nishesh Basavareddy defeat in the French Open to reach the second round?
- ANovak Djokovic
- BRafael Nadal
- CTaylor FritzCorrect
- DRoger Federer
Explanation Nishesh Basavareddy defeated Taylor Fritz in the French Open.
Q2 What was the duration of the match between Nishesh Basavareddy and Taylor Fritz?
- AOne hour
- BTwo hours
- CTwo hours and 45 minutesCorrect
- DThree hours
Explanation The match lasted two hours and 45 minutes.
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu Government Faces Criticism Over Crop Loan Waiver Policy
The Tamil Nadu government announced a cooperative crop loan waiver up to ₹50,000, which has drawn criticism from political parties including AIADMK, BJP, and AMMK. The criticism stems from the government's decision to use monetary criteria instead of landholding size as the basis for the waiver. According to the policy, small and marginal farmers with loans exceeding ₹1 lakh will receive a flat waiver of ₹5,000. This move deviates from the election manifesto promise of waiving loans for farmers holding up to 5 acres of land.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 What is the maximum amount of cooperative crop loan waiver announced by the Tamil Nadu government?
- A₹25,000
- B₹50,000Correct
- C₹75,000
- D₹1,00,000
Explanation The Tamil Nadu government announced a cooperative crop loan waiver up to ₹50,000.
Q2 Which political parties criticized the Tamil Nadu government's crop loan waiver announcement?
- ADMK and Congress
- BAIADMK, BJP, and AMMKCorrect
- CCPI and CPI(M)
- DPMK and DMDK
Explanation AIADMK, BJP, and AMMK criticized the Tamil Nadu government's crop loan waiver announcement.
TVK Functionary Expelled for Demanding Bribes from Vellore Brick Kiln Operators
A functionary of the Tamil Nadu-based political party, TVK, was expelled for allegedly demanding a bribe of ₹1 lakh per month from brick kiln operators in Vellore. The group, led by T.R. Vijayakumar, reportedly sought these payments to ensure the operators could run their units without political interference. This led to a road blockade in Vellore as a protest against the corrupt practices of the TVK functionary and his associates.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 What was the alleged monthly bribe demanded by the TVK functionary from brick kiln operators?
- A₹50,000
- B₹1 lakhCorrect
- C₹2 lakh
- D₹5 lakh
Explanation The TVK functionary reportedly demanded ₹1 lakh per month from each brick kiln operator.
Q2 Who led the group that demanded bribes from brick kiln operators in Vellore?
- AT.R. VijayakumarCorrect
- BR. Kumar
- CS. Rajesh
- DM. Anbu
Explanation The group demanding bribes was led by T.R. Vijayakumar.
Tamil Nadu CM Instructs Legal Action on Mekedatu Dam Issue
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has instructed officials to pursue continued legal action regarding the Mekedatu dam issue. This decision follows the Karnataka government's proposed bhoomi pooja for the construction of the dam. The CM held a consultative meeting to ensure the protection of Tamil Nadu's rights in this matter, as stated in an official release.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Who instructed officials to pursue legal action on the Mekedatu dam issue?
- AKarnataka CM
- BTamil Nadu CM VijayCorrect
- CKerala CM
- DAndhra Pradesh CM
Explanation Tamil Nadu CM Vijay instructed officials to pursue legal action regarding the Mekedatu dam issue.
Q2 What event prompted Tamil Nadu CM Vijay to instruct legal action on the Mekedatu dam issue?
- AKarnataka's proposed bhoomi poojaCorrect
- BSupreme Court ruling
- CCentral Government directive
- DEnvironmental concerns
Explanation The proposed bhoomi pooja by the Karnataka government for the Mekedatu dam prompted the legal action.
National
Eid al-Adha 2026: Central Government Offices Closed on May 28
In 2026, Eid al-Adha, also known as Bakrid, will be celebrated by Muslims in Kashmir on May 27. Consequently, all central government administrative offices across India will remain closed on May 28 to observe the festival. Eid al-Adha is a significant Islamic festival commemorating the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 On which date will central government administrative offices be closed in India for Eid al-Adha in 2026?
- AMay 26
- BMay 27
- CMay 28Correct
- DMay 29
Explanation Central government offices will be closed on May 28, 2026, in observance of Eid al-Adha.
Q2 When will Muslims in Kashmir celebrate Eid al-Adha in 2026?
- AMay 25
- BMay 26
- CMay 27Correct
- DMay 28
Explanation Muslims in Kashmir will celebrate Eid al-Adha on May 27, 2026.
Delhi Gymkhana Club and Race Club Face Eviction by Central Government
The central government has informed the Delhi High Court that it will not forcibly take possession of the Delhi Gymkhana Club without legal proceedings. The club has been asked to vacate for defense purposes. Additionally, the government is pursuing the eviction of the Delhi Race Club due to unauthorized occupation. These actions are part of a broader initiative to reclaim properties for defense and other governmental uses.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 Why has the central government asked the Delhi Gymkhana Club to vacate?
- AFor defense purposesCorrect
- BFor commercial development
- CFor public housing
- DFor environmental conservation
Explanation The central government has asked the Delhi Gymkhana Club to vacate for defense purposes.
Q2 What is the reason for the eviction of the Delhi Race Club?
- AUnauthorized occupationCorrect
- BEnvironmental concerns
- CFinancial losses
- DPublic safety
Explanation The Delhi Race Club is facing eviction due to unauthorized occupation.
Economy
Rupee Declines 47 Paise to Close at 95.73 Against US Dollar
On May 26, 2026, the Indian rupee fell by 47 paise to close at 95.73 against the US dollar at the interbank foreign exchange market. The rupee opened at 95.43, reached an intra-day high of 95.33, and a low of 95.76 against the American currency. In early trade, the rupee had already fallen by 17 paise to 95.43. Concurrently, the domestic equity markets saw declines, with the Sensex dropping 264.82 points to 76,224.14 and the Nifty decreasing by 27.6 points to 24,004.10.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 By how much did the rupee fall to close at 95.73 against the US dollar on May 26, 2026?
- A17 paise
- B47 paiseCorrect
- C27 paise
- D37 paise
Explanation The rupee fell by 47 paise to close at 95.73 against the US dollar.
Q2 What was the opening value of the rupee against the US dollar on May 26, 2026?
- A95.33
- B95.43Correct
- C95.73
- D95.76
Explanation The rupee opened at 95.43 against the US dollar.
Q3 How many points did the Sensex decline in opening trade on May 26, 2026?
- A264.82 pointsCorrect
- B27.6 points
- C300 points
- D150 points
Explanation The Sensex declined 264.82 points in opening trade.
Rupee Strengthens Against US Dollar Amid US-Iran Peace Negotiations
On May 25, 2026, the Indian Rupee appreciated against the US Dollar, rising by 40 paise to reach ₹95.20. This positive movement in the currency market was influenced by the news of a largely negotiated peace pact between the US and Iran, aimed at ending a nearly three-month-long conflict. The strengthening of the Rupee also contributed to gains in the Indian stock markets, with both the Sensex and Nifty indices climbing in early trade.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 By how much did the Indian Rupee rise against the US Dollar on May 25, 2026?
- A25 paise
- B30 paise
- C35 paise
- D40 paiseCorrect
Explanation The Rupee rose by 40 paise to ₹95.20 against the US Dollar.
Q2 What was a contributing factor to the Rupee's rise against the US Dollar?
- AUS-China trade deal
- BUS-Iran peace negotiationsCorrect
- CIncrease in oil prices
- DEuropean Union sanctions
Explanation The Rupee's rise was influenced by the US and Iran negotiating a peace pact.
Stock Markets Surge Over 1% as Crude Oil Falls Below $100/Barrel
On May 25, 2026, the BSE Sensex experienced a significant rise, jumping 1,073.61 points, or 1.42%, to close at 76,488.96. The surge was attributed to the drop in crude oil prices below $100 per barrel. During the trading session, the Sensex reached a peak of 76,559.07 points, marking an increase of 1,143.72 points, or 1.51%. Among the 30 Sensex firms, Mahindra & Mahindra, HDFC Bank, Bajaj Finance, Bajaj Finserv, Larsen & Toubro, and InterGlobe Aviation were the top performers.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 What was the closing point increase of the BSE Sensex on May 25, 2026?
- A1,073.61 pointsCorrect
- B1,143.72 points
- C1,000.00 points
- D1,200.00 points
Explanation The BSE Sensex closed with an increase of 1,073.61 points.
Q2 Which of the following companies was among the biggest winners in the Sensex on May 25, 2026?
- AReliance Industries
- BMahindra & MahindraCorrect
- CInfosys
- DTata Consultancy Services
Explanation Mahindra & Mahindra was one of the biggest winners in the Sensex.
Miscellaneous
India Enhances Ebola Surveillance Amid Central Africa Outbreak
On May 24th, the Indian government issued a travel advisory urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan due to the Ebola outbreak in Central Africa. Health Minister Nadda has reviewed the country's preparedness and surveillance measures. The government has increased Ebola screening and surveillance at airports, seaports, and land borders to prevent the virus from entering India.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Which countries were included in India's travel advisory due to the Ebola outbreak?
- ADemocratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, South SudanCorrect
- BNigeria, Kenya, Tanzania
- CEthiopia, Somalia, Rwanda
- DGhana, Cameroon, Angola
Explanation The travel advisory was issued for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan.
Q2 What measures has India taken in response to the Ebola outbreak in Central Africa?
- AIncreased surveillance at airports, seaports, and land bordersCorrect
- BIssued a complete travel ban to Africa
- CStarted vaccination campaigns in India
- DDeployed medical teams to Africa
Explanation India has stepped up Ebola surveillance and screening at airports, seaports, and land borders.
International
Netanyahu Admits Israel's Limited Influence on Trump Regarding Iran Deal
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has privately admitted that Israel has 'little ability' to influence former US President Donald Trump on the Iran nuclear deal. This admission comes as Israel finds itself largely excluded from the ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran. These negotiations are focused on halting a conflict that began earlier this year with joint US-Israeli bombardments. The situation highlights the complexities of international diplomacy and the challenges Israel faces in asserting its interests in the region.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 What did Netanyahu reportedly admit about Israel's influence on Trump regarding the Iran deal?
- AIsrael has significant influence
- BIsrael has little ability to influenceCorrect
- CIsrael is leading the negotiations
- DIsrael is not interested in the deal
Explanation Netanyahu admitted that Israel has 'little ability' to influence Trump on the Iran deal.
Q2 What event led to the ongoing US-Iran negotiations?
- AJoint US-Israeli bombardmentsCorrect
- BEconomic sanctions
- CDiplomatic talks
- DTrade agreements
Explanation The negotiations aim to halt a war that began with joint US-Israeli bombardments.
Environment
Iconic Wild Elephant 'Chillikomban' Dies in Parambikulam Aliyar Project Canal
Chillikomban, a well-known wild elephant from the Nelliampathi region in Kerala, died after being washed away in the Parambikulam Aliyar Project (PAP) contour canal. The tusker, known for its docile nature, was injured in a fight with another elephant before the incident. Chillikomban was known to traverse to Tamil Nadu during musth and return to its home region. The incident highlights the challenges faced by wildlife in human-modified landscapes.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 What was the cause of death for the wild elephant 'Chillikomban'?
- APoaching
- BBeing washed away in a canalCorrect
- COld age
- DDisease
Explanation Chillikomban died after being washed away in the Parambikulam Aliyar Project contour canal.
Q2 In which region was Chillikomban primarily known to reside?
- ATamil Nadu
- BNelliampathiCorrect
- CKarnataka
- DAndhra Pradesh
Explanation Chillikomban was known to reside in the Nelliampathi region of Kerala.
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