International Relations Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
As per the Canada-India Joint Statement of May 2026, by when do both sides aim to conclude negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)?
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Correct answer: A — By the end of 2026
Both Ministers affirmed their shared objective of concluding CEPA negotiations by the end of this year (2026).
Which platform was launched by India and Canada in May 2026 to bring together business leaders of both countries?
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Correct answer: A — Canada-India Trade and Investment Forum
The Ministers launched the Canada-India Trade and Investment Forum as a key platform for Canadian and Indian business leaders.
The 16th edition of the Defence Policy Dialogue held on 28 May 2026 in Singapore was between India and which country?
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Correct answer: A — Singapore
The 16th India-Singapore Defence Policy Dialogue was co-chaired by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Permanent Secretary (Defence) Joseph Leong in Singapore.
Who co-chaired the 16th India-Singapore Defence Policy Dialogue (May 2026) from the Indian side?
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Correct answer: B — Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh co-chaired the dialogue with Singapore's Permanent Secretary (Defence) Joseph Leong.
Where was the 12th round of India–Republic of Korea CEPA upgrade negotiations held in May 2026?
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Correct answer: D — New Delhi
The 12th round of IK CEPA upgrade negotiations was held in New Delhi from 25–27 May 2026.
At the 12th round of India–Korea CEPA upgrade talks (May 2026), the two sides agreed to form sub-groups on which areas?
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Correct answer: C — Digital trade, supply chains and strategic industrial cooperation
India and Korea agreed to form sub-groups to expand CEPA talks on digital trade, supply chains and strategic industrial cooperation.
The Ministry of Ayush meeting on WHO-ICHI and National Health Intervention Codes in May 2026 focused on developing standardised intervention codes for which systems of medicine?
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Correct answer: D — Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani
The meeting covered ICHI and NHIC for the Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani (ASU) systems of medicine.
While reviewing Ebola preparedness in May 2026, the Union Health Minister said India had not reported any case of which Ebola disease?
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Correct answer: B — Bundibugyo Ebola disease
Nadda stated that India has not reported any case of Bundibugyo Ebola disease till date.
Consider the following statements regarding the 2026 Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa: 1. WHO declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. 2. The Africa CDC declared a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
WHO declared a PHEIC and the Africa CDC declared a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS).
The Election Commission of India organised the May 2026 workshop on 'Risk Management and Electoral Resilience' in collaboration with which organisation?
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Correct answer: D — International IDEA
ECI organised the workshop with International IDEA under India's Chairship Programme 2026.
How many countries were represented among the 32 participants of the ECI workshop on Risk Management and Electoral Resilience (May 2026)?
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Correct answer: B — 12
The 32 participants represented Election Management Bodies of 12 countries.
What is the overarching theme of India's BRICS 2026 Chairship under which the first Tourism Working Group meeting was held in May 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability
The meeting advanced tourism cooperation under the overarching theme 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability'.
Where will the BRICS Tourism Ministers' Meeting be held in August 2026 under India's chairship?
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Correct answer: B — Jaipur
The 2nd TWG meeting (19–20 August 2026) and the BRICS Tourism Ministers' Meeting (21–22 August 2026) will both be held in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Which party won the most seats in Cyprus's parliamentary election held on 24 May 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Democratic Rally (DISY)
The centre-right Democratic Rally (DISY) came first with 17 seats, ahead of AKEL.
Consider the following statements about the Cyprus parliamentary election of 24 May 2026: 1. DISY won 17 seats. 2. ELAM won eight seats. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
DISY won 17 seats and the far-right ELAM won eight seats.
Which party moved into third place in the Cyprus parliamentary election of May 2026, described as a far-right party?
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Correct answer: D — ELAM
The far-right ELAM made gains and became the third-largest party in the legislature.
During his Canada visit of 25–27 May 2026, Piyush Goyal was to meet which Canadian Minister of International Trade to review India–Canada CEPA?
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Correct answer: D — Maninder Sidhu
PIB: Goyal will meet Mr Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade; Mark Carney is the Prime Minister and Anita Anand the Foreign Minister.
As per the Commerce Ministry, what was the value of India's exports to Canada in FY2025-26?
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Correct answer: B — USD 4.67 billion
Bilateral trade was around USD 8 billion: India's exports USD 4.67 billion and imports USD 3.28 billion.
Consider the following statements: 1. India had a trade surplus with Canada in FY2025-26. 2. Piyush Goyal's May 2026 visit to Canada was scheduled from 25 to 30 May. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Exports (USD 4.67 bn) exceeded imports (USD 3.28 bn), so India had a surplus. The visit was from 25 to 27 May, so statement 2 is wrong.
Which US Cabinet official called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 23 May 2026 as Secretary of State?
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Correct answer: D — Marco Rubio
PIB: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 23 May 2026.
Consider the following statements about US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's call on PM Modi (23 May 2026): 1. Rubio shared the US perspective on regional and global issues, including the situation in West Asia. 2. PM Modi asked Rubio to convey his warm greetings to President Trump. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are in the PIB release: Rubio shared the US view including on West Asia, and the PM asked him to convey greetings to President Trump.
How many Indian school students are visiting Japan under the Sakura Science Programme 2026 (24–30 May)?
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Correct answer: B — 56
56 school students (24 boys and 32 girls) and 4 supervisors from India are visiting Japan.
The Sakura Science Programme ('Japan Asia Youth Exchange Program in Science') is implemented by:
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Correct answer: A — Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)
PIB: the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) has been implementing the programme since 2014; India has participated since April 2016.
During Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides' State Visit (May 2026), India–Cyprus relations were elevated to a:
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Correct answer: B — Strategic Partnership
The leaders agreed to elevate the bilateral Comprehensive Partnership to a Strategic Partnership.
Under which pillar of the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) did Cyprus join in May 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Trade, Connectivity and Maritime Transport
The list of outcomes records Cyprus joining the IPOI under the pillar 'Trade, Connectivity and Maritime Transport'.
On which date was the first-ever India–Cyprus Space Day celebrated?
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Correct answer: A — 18 May 2026
The list of outcomes mentions the celebration of the first-ever India–Cyprus Space Day on 18 May 2026.
India and Cyprus agreed to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations in:
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Correct answer: B — 2027
Both sides agreed to mark the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027 with special events.
Consider the following statements about the outcomes of the India–Cyprus State Visit (May 2026): 1. A Roadmap for Defence Cooperation between India and Cyprus for 2026–2031 was announced. 2. Cyprus announced its intention to open a Cyprus Trade Center in Bengaluru. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
The defence roadmap for 2026–2031 was announced. The proposed Cyprus Trade Center is in Mumbai, not Bengaluru, so statement 2 is wrong.
Who took over as Chair of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) for 2026–27 at the 68th Governing Body Meeting in New Delhi?
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Correct answer: D — Prof. Anwar Sanusi of Indonesia
Indonesia's APO Director Prof. Anwar Sanusi became Chair for 2026–27, succeeding India's Amardeep Singh Bhatia; Iran and Japan took the Vice Chair roles.
Which country will host the 69th Governing Body Meeting of the APO in 2027?
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Correct answer: B — Lao PDR
It was announced that the 69th GBM will be hosted in Lao PDR in 2027; the 67th Workshop Summit Meeting will be in Sri Lanka.
Consider the following statements about the 68th APO Governing Body Meeting (May 2026): 1. It was held at Yashobhoomi (IICC), New Delhi. 2. The 67th Workshop Summit Meeting of Heads of APO Economies will be held in Lao PDR in 2027. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
The meeting was at Bharat Mandapam, not Yashobhoomi. The 67th Workshop Summit Meeting will be in Sri Lanka; Lao PDR hosts the 69th GBM. Both statements are wrong.
Where did India and Ethiopia sign the bilateral protocol for Ethiopia's WTO accession on 22 May 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Geneva
The signing ceremony took place in Geneva, and the protocol was deposited with the WTO Secretariat.
Consider the following statements: 1. India is Ethiopia's second-largest trading partner. 2. India–Ethiopia relations were elevated to a Strategic Partnership during PM Modi's visit to Ethiopia in December 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are stated in the Commerce Ministry release of 22 May 2026.
By what vote was Janez Janša elected Prime Minister of Slovenia on 22 May 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 51–36
Reuters and AP: Janša won 51 votes to 36 in the 90-seat National Assembly.
Consider the following statements about Slovenia's change of government in 2026: 1. Slovenia's parliamentary election was held on 22 March 2026. 2. After his election, Janez Janša had to bring his Cabinet before parliament for a separate confirmation vote within 15 days. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Reuters and AP give 22 March as the election date, and AP notes the separate Cabinet vote within 15 days; RTV Slovenia also reports the 15-day deadline.
Where was the Indian War Memorial, honouring Indian troops of the Korean War, inaugurated on 21 May 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Imjingak Park, Seoul
Rajnath Singh and Kwon Oh-eul jointly inaugurated the memorial at Imjingak Park, Seoul.
By what title did wounded soldiers and civilians in Korea remember the Indian Army's 60 Para Field Ambulance?
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Correct answer: D — Maroon Angels
The unit's bravery and humanitarian approach earned it the title 'Maroon Angels' from wounded soldiers and civilians of the Republic of Korea.
'Hind Nagar', set up by the Custodian Force of India in September 1954 where the new memorial stands, housed almost how many prisoners of war?
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Correct answer: C — 22,000
PIB: Hind Nagar housed almost 22,000 prisoners of war until their peaceful repatriation.
Consider the following statements about the Indian War Memorial in Seoul (May 2026): 1. The Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission after the Korean War was chaired by India under Lt Gen KS Thimayya. 2. The memorial was built with funding support from India's Ministry of Defence. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are in the PIB release: India chaired the NNRC under Lt Gen KS Thimayya, and the project had funding support from the Ministry of Defence.
Where did BRICS Ministers of Justice adopt the Declaration on strengthening Alternative Dispute Resolution on 21 May 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Gandhinagar
The Declaration was adopted at the Ministers of Justice meeting held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
Consider the following statements about the BRICS Justice Ministers' meeting (May 2026): 1. Justice Ministers of Indonesia and Ethiopia were among the participants. 2. The Declaration was finalised at a Senior Officials' Meeting held in Gandhinagar on 19–20 May 2026. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Ministers from ten countries, including Indonesia and Ethiopia, took part, and senior officials finalised the Declaration in Gandhinagar on 19–20 May.
The First International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit, postponed in May 2026, was originally scheduled for:
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Correct answer: B — 1 June 2026, New Delhi
The Summit was scheduled for 1 June 2026 in New Delhi, in conjunction with the Fourth India–Africa Forum Summit.
Consider the following statements: 1. The First IBCA Summit was to be held in Kolkata. 2. The decision to hold the Fourth India–Africa Forum Summit later was taken by India alone, without consulting the African Union. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
The IBCA Summit was to be held in New Delhi, and the IAFS-IV decision was taken in consultation with the African Union Chairperson and the AU Commission. Both statements are wrong.
According to Piyush Goyal at the AmCham Annual Leadership Summit (21 May 2026), commitments from American industry in India over the last six months were estimated at upwards of:
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Correct answer: C — $60 billion
Goyal said commitments from American industry in the last six months were estimated to be upwards of $60 billion, including data centre investments by Amazon and Google.
In which city did the BRICS Youth Entrepreneurship Working Group Meeting under India's BRICS Chairship conclude on 21 May 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Indore
The meeting concluded in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, after two days of discussions.
Which Union Minister attended the BRICS Youth Entrepreneurship Working Group Meeting in Indore virtually?
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Correct answer: B — Dr Mansukh Mandaviya
Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya attended virtually; MoS Raksha Nikhil Khadse and MP Minister Vishvas Kailash Sarang attended in person.
Which UN agency conferred its Agricola Medal for 2026 on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
FAO conferred the Agricola Medal for 2026 at its headquarters in Rome on 20 May 2026.
Who presented the Agricola Medal 2026 to PM Modi at FAO Headquarters?
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Correct answer: D — Qu Dongyu
PIB: the Prime Minister received the award from Dr Qu Dongyu, Director General of FAO.
According to the Prime Minister's remarks at FAO, about how many climate-resilient crop varieties has India developed in the last 10 years?
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Correct answer: B — 3,000
The Prime Minister stated that India had developed around 3,000 climate-resilient crop varieties in the last 10 years.
To what level did India and Italy elevate their relations during PM Modi's visit to Italy in May 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Special Strategic Partnership
The India-Italy Joint Declaration of 20 May 2026 states that the two leaders decided to elevate relations to a Special Strategic Partnership.
Consider the following statements about the India-Italy Joint Declaration (May 2026): 1. The two sides aim to reach €20 billion in bilateral trade by 2029. 2. The Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029 was adopted at the G7 Summit in Italy in June 2024. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the Action Plan was adopted when the leaders met at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024.
Under the May 2026 India-Italy Joint Declaration, which mechanism will review the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-29?
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Correct answer: D — A Foreign Ministers-led mechanism
The leaders agreed to establish a Foreign Ministers-led mechanism to review the Action Plan and guide the Special Strategic Partnership.
The IOS SAGAR deployment, which ended at Kochi on 20 May 2026, carried 38 personnel from how many partner nations?
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Correct answer: C — 16
PIB: the joint mission had 38 personnel from 16 partner nations.
Which Indian Navy ship undertook the IOS SAGAR deployment that ended in May 2026?
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Correct answer: A — INS Sunayna
INS Sunayna sailed as IOS SAGAR and returned to Kochi on 20 May 2026.
Which of the following was NOT among the areas of the defence agreements exchanged by India and South Korea in Seoul on 20 May 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Joint submarine construction
The agreements covered Defence Cyber, training between India's National Defence College and Korea National Defence University, and UN Peacekeeping. Submarine construction was not among them.
In India–South Korea defence ties, what does 'KIND-X', discussed by Rajnath Singh in Seoul in May 2026, refer to?
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Correct answer: D — The India-Korea Defence Innovation Accelerator Ecosystem
Rajnath Singh and DAPA Minister Lee Yong-chul discussed a roadmap for the India-Korea Defence Innovation Accelerator Ecosystem (KIND-X).
Which city hosted the 3rd India-Nordic Summit on 19 May 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Oslo
The summit was hosted by the Prime Minister of Norway; PIB places PM Modi's margin meetings in Oslo.
Into what kind of partnership did India and the Nordic countries decide to shape their relations at the 3rd India-Nordic Summit?
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Correct answer: D — Green Technology and Innovation Strategic Partnership
PM Modi announced that India–Nordic relations would be shaped into a Green Technology and Innovation Strategic Partnership.
Consider the following statements in the context of the 3rd India-Nordic Summit (May 2026): 1. The India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement has been implemented since October 2025. 2. Sweden is a party to the India–EFTA TEPA. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: PM Modi named Norway, Iceland and the other EFTA countries as TEPA partners, and Denmark, Finland and Sweden as partners in the India–EU FTA.
Where will the flagship Bharat Innovates 2026 event be held in June 2026 under the India–France Year of Innovation?
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Correct answer: A — Nice
The flagship Bharat Innovates 2026 event is in Nice, France, on 14–16 June 2026.
How many deep-tech start-ups presented at the Bharat Innovates Investor Showcase in Bengaluru on 19 May 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 24
Twenty-four deep-tech start-ups from the Bharat Innovates cohort presented to 90+ investors.
In which field did India and Vietnam sign an MoU during Rajnath Singh's visit to Hanoi in May 2026?
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Correct answer: D — AI and Quantum Technology
PIB: India and Vietnam inked an MoU in the field of AI and Quantum Technology.
Where did Rajnath Singh announce the setting up of an Artificial Intelligence Lab in Vietnam in May 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Telecommunications University, Nha Trang
Rajnath Singh announced an AI Lab at the Telecommunications University at Nha Trang; the Language Lab was at the Air Force Officers' College.
To what level did India and Norway elevate their relations on 18 May 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Green Strategic Partnership
PM Modi and PM Støre agreed in Oslo to elevate ties to a Green Strategic Partnership.
By which year did India and Norway aim to double the value of their current bilateral trade, as agreed in May 2026?
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Correct answer: A — 2030
The leaders underlined the aim of doubling the value of current trade between India and Norway by 2030.
Consider the following statements about the India–Norway talks of 18 May 2026: 1. The investment commitment under the India–EFTA TEPA cited by the leaders is USD 50 billion. 2. The leaders welcomed Norway joining the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: the TEPA investment commitment cited is USD 100 billion, with one million jobs in India. Statement 2 is correct.
With which Norwegian research organisation did CSIR sign a Collaboration Agreement (2026–2029) on circularity and sustainability, under an existing 2014 MoU?
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Correct answer: A — SINTEF
CSIR signed a 2026–2029 Collaboration Agreement with Stiftelsen SINTEF under the framework of their 2014 MoU.
What is the title of the Joint Declaration of Intent signed by CSIR, AcSIR and NTNU in Oslo in May 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation for the Green Shift
The declaration is titled 'Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation for the Green Shift'.
Which honour did King Harald V of Norway confer on PM Narendra Modi on 18 May 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit
PM Modi received the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit in Oslo.
According to PIB, the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit is Norway's highest honour for:
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Correct answer: B — foreign Heads of Government
PIB states that the award is Norway's highest honour bestowed on foreign Heads of Government.