In Current Affairs for 01 May 2026, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial for your upcoming NDA, CDS, CDS OTA, AFCAT, TA, Agniveer Army, Agniveer Navy, Agniveer Air Force, Women Military Police, INET, MNS, ACC exams, SCO, PCSL, CAPF, and SSB interviews, and direct entries for Army, Navy, and Air Force like SSC Tech, TGC, JAG, NCC, TES, 10+2 Cadet. Download a PDF file about current events at the end of this article. Let us now see the Current Affairs.
Current Affairs 01 May 2026
International Labour Day 2026
International Labour Day, commonly known as May Day, is observed globally on May 1 each year to recognize the contributions of workers and the importance of labour rights. Celebrated in more than 80 countries, the day is often marked as a public holiday and is closely linked to movements advocating fair wages, safe working conditions, and reasonable working hours.
In India, Labour Day was first celebrated in 1923 in Chennai under the leadership of Singaravelu Chettiar, marking the beginning of organized labour awareness in the country.
For 2026, the International Labour Organization has announced the theme: “Ensuring a Healthy Psychosocial Working Environment.”
The Indian Constitution safeguards labour rights through several provisions:
- Article 23 & 24: Prohibit forced labour and child labour
- Article 39: Advocates equal pay for equal work
- Article 41 & 43: Promote the right to work and ensure living wages
Gujarat Foundation Day 2026
Gujarat Foundation Day is celebrated annually on May 1 to commemorate the formation of the state in 1960. Also known as Gujarat Gaurav Diwas, the occasion highlights the state’s cultural richness and developmental achievements.
After independence, regions in western India were reorganized into Saurashtra, Kutch, and Bombay State. In 1956, these regions were merged into the bilingual Bombay State, which included both Gujarati- and Marathi-speaking populations.
On May 1, 1960, under the Bombay Reorganisation Act, 1960, the state was divided into:
- Gujarat (Gujarati-speaking regions)
- Maharashtra (Marathi-speaking regions)
Maharashtra Day 2026
Maharashtra Day is also observed on May 1, marking the creation of Maharashtra as a separate state in 1960. The day commemorates the linguistic reorganization of Bombay State, resulting in the formation of Maharashtra and Gujarat as distinct entities.
Sur Jyotsna National Music Awards 2026
The Sur Jyotsna National Music Awards were held in New Delhi to honor excellence in Indian classical music. The awards recognize artists who have made significant contributions to preserving and promoting traditional music.
Renowned musicians such as Sumitra Guha and Laxman Krishnarao Pandit were honored for their lifelong dedication.
Instituted in memory of Jyotsna Darda, the awards aim to:
- Recognize excellence in Indian music
- Encourage emerging artists
- Preserve traditional art forms
2026 Whitley Award for Conservation
Indian conservationist Parveen Shaikh received the prestigious Whitley Award from the Whitley Fund for Nature for her efforts in protecting the endangered Indian Skimmer.
The Indian Skimmer is known for its distinctive orange bill and unique feeding technique, where it skims water surfaces to catch fish. The award recognizes impactful grassroots conservation work.
Shreyas Iyer as Brand Ambassador for F1 Initiative
Indian cricketer Shreyas Iyer has been appointed as the brand ambassador for the F1 programme in India by Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited.
This announcement coincides with the launch of the F1 Sim Racing India Open 2026, a national-level esports competition aimed at identifying digital racing talent. The initiative seeks to:
- Build a structured platform for sim racing
- Discover emerging esports talent
- Connect gaming with professional motorsports
Finland’s Integrated Lithium Project
Finland has launched Europe’s first fully integrated lithium production project near Kokkola. Known as the Keliber project, it covers the entire value chain from mining to refining battery-grade lithium.
Key features include:
- Annual production of approximately 15,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide
- Contribution to nearly 10% of Europe’s lithium demand
- Investment of about €783 million
Lithium is a critical resource for:
- Electric vehicle batteries
- Consumer electronics
- Renewable energy storage systems
Ganga Expressway Project Launch
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Ganga Expressway in Uttar Pradesh on April 29, 2026. Spanning around 594 km, it is one of India’s longest greenfield expressways.
Constructed at a cost of ₹36,230 crore, the project aims to enhance connectivity between western and eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Key highlights:
- Six-lane expressway (expandable to eight lanes)
- Development of integrated manufacturing and logistics corridors
- Coverage of approximately 2,635 hectares
- Reduction in logistics costs and travel time
The expressway will connect with major routes such as:
- Agra-Lucknow Expressway
- Jewar Link Expressway
- Farrukhabad Link Expressway
- Proposed Meerut–Haridwar extension
This project is expected to significantly boost regional economic growth and infrastructure development.
Review Questions
1. International Labour Day is observed on which date?
A. April 30
B. May 1
C. May 2
D. June 1
Answer: B. May 1
2. Who led the first Labour Day celebration in India in 1923?
A. B.R. Ambedkar
B. Mahatma Gandhi
C. Singaravelu Chettiar
D. Subhas Chandra Bose
Answer: C. Singaravelu Chettiar
3. What is the theme of International Labour Day 2026?
A. Decent Work for All
B. Workers Unity
C. Ensuring Equal Pay
D. Ensuring a Healthy Psychosocial Working Environment
Answer: D. Ensuring a Healthy Psychosocial Working Environment
4. Which Articles of the Indian Constitution prohibit forced and child labour?
A. Article 14 & 15
B. Article 19 & 21
C. Article 23 & 24
D. Article 39 & 41
Answer: C. Article 23 & 24
5. Gujarat and Maharashtra were formed under which Act?
A. States Reorganisation Act, 1956
B. Indian Independence Act, 1947
C. Bombay Reorganisation Act, 1960
D. Government of India Act, 1935
Answer: C. Bombay Reorganisation Act, 1960
6. Sur Jyotsna National Music Awards are associated with which field?
A. Sports
B. Literature
C. Classical Music
D. Cinema
Answer: C. Classical Music
7. Who received the 2026 Whitley Award for conservation?
A. Medha Patkar
B. Sunita Narain
C. Parveen Shaikh
D. Vandana Shiva
Answer: C. Parveen Shaikh
8. The Indian Skimmer is classified as which type of species?
A. Mammal
B. Reptile
C. Fish
D. Endangered Bird
Answer: D. Endangered Bird
9. Who has been appointed as the brand ambassador for F1 Sim Racing India Open 2026?
A. Virat Kohli
B. Rohit Sharma
C. Hardik Pandya
D. Shreyas Iyer
Answer: D. Shreyas Iyer
10. What is the approximate length of the Ganga Expressway?
A. 300 km
B. 450 km
C. 594 km
D. 700 km
Answer: C. 594 km
