4.5/5
Current Affairs 04th May 2026
1. Filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker Named Festival Director for 57th IFFI
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A Historic Legacy Continues: Gowariker succeeds acclaimed filmmaker Shekhar Kapur (who led the 55th and 56th editions). His appointment is a full-circle moment, as he first attended the festival as a participant in 1984 and most recently served as the Jury President for International Cinema in 2024.
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Strengthening Global Outreach: As Festival Director, Gowariker will lead the 57th edition scheduled for November 20–28, 2026, in Goa. His role involves curating a diverse global cinematic experience, fostering international collaborations, and overseeing the "WAVES" Film Bazaar.
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Focus on Evolution: The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting selected Gowariker to bridge IFFI’s 74-year history (founded in 1952) with modern cinematic technologies and storytelling.
2. IIM Bangalore emerged as the top business school in India
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Global Dominance in Executive Education: In the QS Executive MBA Rankings 2026, IIM Bangalore emerged as the top-ranked business school in India, securing the 64th position globally. Notably, it remains the only Indian institution to feature in the prestigious global top 100 for this category.
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Academic and Subject-Specific Leadership: According to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, IIMB is ranked 29th globally for Business and Management Studies. This reflects high scores in academic reputation ($78.9$) and employer reputation ($80.9$), placing it significantly ahead of most regional competitors in those specific metrics.
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NIRF and Domestic Standing: In the latest National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2026, IIM Bangalore maintained its elite status as the #2 business school in India, closely following IIM Ahmedabad.
3. India's First MLFF Tolling System Launched in Gujarat
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Location and Scale: The system was successfully operationalized at the Chorayasi Toll Plaza on the Surat–Bharuch section of NH-48 in Gujarat. On its very first day of implementation, approximately 41,500 vehicles passed through the plaza without stopping.
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Barrier-less Technology: Unlike traditional plazas, the MLFF system uses overhead gantries equipped with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and advanced FASTag RFID readers. This allows vehicles to maintain highway speeds ($80$–$100$ km/h) while tolls are automatically deducted, completely eliminating physical boom barriers and stop-start congestion.
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New Payment & Penalty Rules: To support this "stop-free" movement, the Ministry has introduced a 72-hour grace period. If a FASTag has insufficient balance, an E-Notice is issued; if the toll is paid within 72 hours, only the normal fee applies.
Footnotes: Gujarat's CM: Bhupendrabhai Patel, Governor: Acharya Devvrat, Capital: Gandhinagar
4. Indian Army Leaves for India–Cambodia Joint Exercise CINBAX-II 2026
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Venue and Scale: The exercise is being held from May 4 to May 17, 2026, at the Techo Sen Phnom Thom Mreas Royal Cambodian Air Force Training Centre (Camp Basil) in Kampong Speu Province, Cambodia. The Indian contingent consists of 120 personnel, primarily from the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment, while the Royal Cambodian Army has deployed 160 personnel.
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Focus on Sub-Conventional Operations: Conducted under the framework of Chapter VII of the UN Mandate, the training focuses on company-level operations in sub-conventional and semi-urban environments. It is specifically aligned with the dynamics of Counter-Terrorism (CT) operations encountered by peacekeeping forces during UN missions.
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Specialized Skill Training: The drill includes advanced tactical exercises such as drone operations, mortar handling, and sniper tactics. The primary objective is to enhance interoperability, share best practices, and strengthen the growing strategic defense cooperation between the two nations.
5. India Sets Guinness Record with Largest Underwater Tricolour
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Unprecedented Scale and Location: The record-breaking Tricolour measured an immense $60$ metres by $40$ metres. The unfurling took place beneath the turquoise waters of the iconic Radhanagar Beach on Swaraj Dweep (formerly Havelock Island), a site frequently ranked among the world’s best beaches.
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Massive Collaborative Effort: The operation involved a team of 223 divers, including personnel from the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, Andaman and Nicobar Police, and the Forest Department, alongside private scuba divers. Notably, the Lieutenant Governor of the islands, Admiral (Retd.) D.K. Joshi, was a member of the diving team that executed the mission.
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Strategic Objective: Beyond the record, the initiative was designed to promote the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a premier global destination for scuba diving and adventure tourism.
6. Marta Kostyuk Wins Madrid Open 2026
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Career Milestone: Kostyuk defeated world No. 8 Mirra Andreeva in straight sets ($6$–$3$, $7$–$5$) to claim her first-ever WTA 1000 title. This victory marked her third career WTA title and her second consecutive tournament win, following her triumph in Rouen just a week earlier.
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Rankings Surge: On the back of an 11-match winning streak on clay, the 23-year-old Ukrainian is set to jump from world No. 23 to a career-high ranking of No. 15. This leap establishes her as a top contender for the upcoming French Open.
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A "Giant-Slayer" Run: Entering the tournament as the 26th seed, Kostyuk’s path to the trophy was impressive. She defeated high-ranking opponents including world No. 5 Jessica Pegula and saved two set points in the final against Andreeva before sealing the match and celebrating with her signature backflip.
7. MP's pole vaulter Kuldeep Kumar breaks national record
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New National Milestone: The 21-year-old cleared a height of $5.41$ metres on his first attempt. This performance surpassed the previous national record of $5.40$ metres set last year by his training partner, Dev Kumar Meena.
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Dual Record Breakthrough: In addition to the overall national record, Kuldeep's jump also shattered the national indoor record of $5.30$ metres, which had been set only two months earlier (March 2026) by Reegan G of Tamil Nadu.
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Triumph Over Adversity: This record comes just months after a widely reported incident in January 2026, where Kuldeep and Dev Meena were forced off a train at Panvel station by a TTE for carrying their specialized poles.
Footnotes: MP's CM: Mohan Yadav, Governor:Mangubhai C. Patel, Capital: Bhopal
8. Prasoon Joshi appointed as Prasar Bharati Chairman
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Transition of Leadership: Prasoon Joshi succeeds retired bureaucrat Navneet Kumar Sehgal, who resigned from the position in December 2025. His appointment fills a critical leadership vacuum in India’s public service broadcaster, which oversees both Doordarshan and Akashvani (All India Radio).
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Diverse Professional Expertise: Joshi brings a unique blend of experience to the role, having served as the Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) since 2017. He is also a globally recognized figure in advertising, formerly serving as the CEO of McCann World Group India and Chairman of McCann World Group Asia Pacific.
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Vision for Digital Transformation: The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, led by Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, emphasized that Joshi’s "creative spirit" is expected to revitalize Prasar Bharati.
Footnotes: Prasar Bharati Previous Chairman: Dr. A. Surya Prakash, HQ: New Delhi, Estd: 1997
WHAT HAPPENED TODAY
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International Firefighters' Day: May 4th
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Theme 2026: "Sustainability in Emergency Response."
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This date is the feast day of Saint Florian, the patron saint of firefighters.
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