Science & Technology Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
In May 2026, the drug Pregabalin was brought under which Schedule of the Drugs Rules, 1945 to curb its misuse?
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Correct answer: C — Schedule H1
Pregabalin was moved from Schedule H to the stricter Schedule H1 by G.S.R. 377(E).
Consider the following statements about the May 2026 notification on Pregabalin: 1. Retailers must maintain a separate register recording details of prescriptions and sales of the drug. 2. The notification was issued under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Retailers must keep a separate register. The change was made in the Drugs Rules, 1945, with penalties under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, not the NDPS Act.
By how much did adding just 1% spinel oxide nanoparticles raise the specific heat capacity of the phase change material developed by ARCI (May 2026)?
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Correct answer: C — Up to 45%
The nanocomposite PCM showed an increase in specific heat capacity as high as 45% compared with PCM without nanoparticles.
The International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), which developed a new thermal battery material in May 2026, is an autonomous institution under:
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Correct answer: A — Department of Science and Technology
PIB describes ARCI as an autonomous institution of the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
What does UMMID, the programme for rare genetic disorders dedicated to the nation in May 2026, stand for?
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Correct answer: D — Unique Methods of Management of Inherited Disorders
PIB: UMMID stands for Unique Methods of Management of Inherited Disorders.
Which department runs the UMMID programme for inherited and rare genetic disorders?
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Correct answer: A — Department of Biotechnology
The dedication was organised by the Department of Biotechnology, which runs the UMMID network.
From which country were the nearly 3 lakh e-cigarettes seized by the DRI in May 2026 sourced?
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Correct answer: D — China
The DRI found the prohibited e-cigarettes were sourced from China in every instance.
In which year was the law prohibiting the production, import, sale and advertisement of electronic cigarettes in India enacted?
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Correct answer: B — 2019
E-cigarettes and all ENDS are prohibited under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes (...) Act, 2019.
Consider the following statements about the DRI's e-cigarette seizure (May 2026): 1. The seizures were made in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Telangana. 2. The consignments were concealed in items declared as 'Furniture' and 'Metal Chair Parts'. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
The seizures were in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi and West Bengal, so statement 1 is wrong; the goods were concealed as 'Furniture' and 'Metal Chair Parts'.
In the ICMR-CCRAS Phase III trial presented in May 2026, Punarnavadi Mandura was compared with which standard therapy for anaemia?
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Correct answer: C — Iron Folic Acid supplementation
The trial compared Punarnavadi Mandura, alone and with Drakshavaleha, against standard Iron Folic Acid supplementation and found them therapeutically equivalent.
The ICMR report on First-in-Human Phase 1 clinical trials, launched in May 2026, was based on what kind of study?
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Correct answer: A — A Delphi study with 37 experts
The report is 'A Delphi Study on Regulatory Pathways and Opportunities', developed through two rounds of consultation with 37 experts.
Consider the following statements about the 1st ICMR Annual Clinical Trial Meet (May 2026): 1. The anaemia trial enrolled pregnant women in their second trimester. 2. ICMR released Operational Guidelines for Single Ethics Review of Multicentre Research in India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: the trial enrolled nearly 4,000 non-pregnant women aged 18–49 with moderate anaemia. Statement 2 is correct.
The ANRF Convergence Research Centres of Excellence announced in May 2026 mainly aim to:
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Correct answer: C — combine social sciences and humanities with science and technology
The programme brings together social sciences, humanities, science and technology to address complex societal challenges.
'SAṂYoga', one of the ANRF Convergence Research CoEs selected in May 2026, is a Center for Sanskrit, AI, Music and Yoga at which institution?
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Correct answer: A — IIT Madras
SAṂYoga - Center for Sanskrit AI Music and Yoga is IIT Madras's project. IIT Gandhinagar's centre is on human-climate interactions, and IIT Dharwad's is on rural livelihoods.
The May 2026 study on hidden turbulence in the solar corona was carried out by IIT Delhi and which DST institute?
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Correct answer: B — Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences, Nainital
The study was by ARIES Nainital, an autonomous institute of DST, together with IIT Delhi.
According to the ARIES–IIT Delhi simulations, what produces alternating blue and red asymmetries in coronal spectral lines?
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Correct answer: D — Turbulence created by transverse waves through phase mixing in a density-structured plume
Transverse waves on a plume with density variations generate fine-scale turbulence through phase mixing; overlapping emission along the line of sight then gives alternating blue and red wing asymmetries.
Which DRDO laboratory is the nodal lab for the UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3?
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Correct answer: C — Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad
RCI Hyderabad is the nodal lab; DRDL, TBRL and HEMRL are the other contributing laboratories.
Near which place were the final development trials of ULPGM-V3 conducted in May 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh
The trials were carried out at the DRDO test range near Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.
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.
Under which digital initiative of the Ministry of Ayush was the Ayush Anudan Portal launched in May 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Ayush Grid
The Ayush Anudan Portal was developed under the Ayush Grid initiative.
What is the main purpose of the Ayush Anudan Portal launched in May 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Managing funding proposals under the Ayush ministry's Central Sector Schemes
The portal streamlines the submission, processing, approval and monitoring of funding proposals under the ministry's Central Sector Schemes.
The binary system discovered by Indian astronomers in May 2026 pairs a blue straggler star with what kind of companion?
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Correct answer: A — A brown dwarf
It is the first confirmed blue straggler hosting a substellar (brown dwarf) companion, of about 0.056 solar masses.
What is the approximate orbital period of the blue straggler–brown dwarf binary reported in May 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 5.6 hours
The system has an exceptionally short orbital period of about 5.6 hours (0.234 days).
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'.
Who assumed charge as CEO of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) on 18 May 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Saurabh Vijay
Saurabh Vijay, a 1998-batch IAS officer, assumed charge as CEO of UIDAI on 18 May 2026.
New UIDAI CEO Saurabh Vijay is an IAS officer of which batch and cadre?
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Correct answer: B — 1998 batch, Maharashtra cadre
PIB: he is an IAS officer of the 1998 batch of the Maharashtra cadre.
The INST Mohali study of May 2026 embedded nanogold in which polymer to boost pyroelectric performance?
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Correct answer: B — Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)
The team engineered ultrathin films of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), a ferroelectric polymer, with hexagonal nanogold.
'Pyroelectricity', improved in the INST Mohali nanogold films, refers to the ability of a material to:
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Correct answer: A — generate electricity from changes in temperature
PIB defines pyroelectric performance as the ability to generate electricity from changes in temperature.
To what level did India and Sweden elevate their relationship during PM Modi's visit to Sweden in May 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Strategic Partnership
PM Modi and PM Ulf Kristersson agreed in Gothenburg to elevate India–Sweden ties to the level of Strategic Partnership.
Which document did India and Sweden adopt in May 2026 to operationalise their new partnership?
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Correct answer: C — India-Sweden Joint Action Plan 2026-2030
The two leaders adopted the India-Sweden Joint Action Plan 2026-2030 as the roadmap for the Strategic Partnership.
Consider the following statements about the India–Sweden talks of May 2026: 1. The relationship was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. 2. The partnership will be guided by three pillars. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong: the ties were elevated to a Strategic Partnership (not Comprehensive), and it rests on four pillars.
Where has the National Test House set up a state-of-the-art Shoe Testing Laboratory (announced May 2026)?
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Correct answer: A — Ghaziabad
The lab has been set up at the National Test House, Northern Region, Ghaziabad.
The National Test House (NTH) functions under which department of the Government of India?
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Correct answer: C — Department of Consumer Affairs
PIB states that NTH, Northern Region, Ghaziabad is under the Department of Consumer Affairs.
To what level did India and the Netherlands elevate their relations on 16 May 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Strategic Partnership
PM Modi and PM Rob Jetten decided in The Hague to elevate India–Netherlands relations to a Strategic Partnership.
At which royal palace did King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima host PM Modi on 16 May 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Huis ten Bosch, The Hague
The Joint Statement says the King and Queen hosted PM Modi at the Royal Palace Huis ten Bosch in The Hague.
Consider the following statements about PM Modi's visit to the Netherlands in May 2026: 1. It was PM Modi's first visit to the Netherlands. 2. Under the Strategic Partnership Roadmap, a Foreign Minister-level mechanism will hold annual meetings to review progress. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: it was PM Modi's second visit to the Netherlands. Statement 2 is correct as per the Roadmap.
ASML, which signed an agreement with Tata Electronics in May 2026, is a leading supplier of which equipment for chip-making?
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Correct answer: C — High-precision lithography equipment
PIB describes ASML as a Dutch multinational and one of the leading suppliers of high-precision lithography equipment.
The Tata Electronics–ASML agreement of May 2026 supports India's first front-end semiconductor fab at:
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Correct answer: D — Dholera, Gujarat
The agreement supports the semiconductor fab at Dholera, Gujarat – India's first front-end fab.
Where was the foundation stone laid for the AMCA Core Integration & Flight Testing Centre on 15 May 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh
The centre is coming up at Puttaparthi in Sri Satya Sai district, Andhra Pradesh.
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), whose AMCA Core Integration & Flight Testing Centre was founded in May 2026, is an affiliate organisation of:
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Correct answer: B — Defence Research and Development Organisation
PIB describes ADA as an affiliate organisation of DRDO; the AMCA programme outlay is around ₹15,000 crore.
Which company's Naval Systems Manufacturing Facility, for torpedoes and autonomous underwater vehicles, was founded in Anakapalli district in May 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Bharat Dynamics Limited
The ₹480-crore Naval Systems Manufacturing Facility at T Sirasapalli, Anakapalli is a project of Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).
Where is Rajasthan's first semiconductor plant, inaugurated in May 2026, located?
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Correct answer: D — Bhiwadi
Sahasra Semiconductors' ATMP/OSAT facility, Rajasthan's first semiconductor plant, is at Bhiwadi.
Which company's facility at Bhiwadi was described by MeitY in May 2026 as India's first SME-led semiconductor facility?
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Correct answer: A — Sahasra Semiconductors
MeitY described the ATMP/OSAT facility of Sahasra Semiconductors at Bhiwadi as India's first SME-led semiconductor facility.
What does SODAR, the technology transferred by CSIR-AMPRI to industry in May 2026, stand for?
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Correct answer: C — Sound Detection and Ranging
SODAR stands for Sound Detection and Ranging; CSIR-AMPRI transferred the technology to Meteoxperts Solutions, Noida.
CSIR-AMPRI, which celebrated its 46th Foundation Day in May 2026, is based in which city?
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Correct answer: D — Bhopal
AMPRI (Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute) is a Bhopal-based constituent laboratory of CSIR.
'BIRSA 101', discussed at a workshop in May 2026, is:
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Correct answer: D — India's first indigenous CRISPR-based gene therapy for sickle cell disease
BIRSA 101, named after Bhagwan Birsa Munda, is India's first indigenous CRISPR-based gene therapy for sickle cell disease.
Which CSIR laboratory is associated with BIRSA 101, the CRISPR-based gene therapy for sickle cell disease?
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Correct answer: B — CSIR-IGIB, New Delhi
The workshop on BIRSA 101 was organised with CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB) at CSIR-IGIB, New Delhi.
In which year did Central Electronics Limited (CEL) manufacture India's first solar cell, as recalled at the dedication of its 200 MW module line (May 2026)?
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Correct answer: B — 1977
India's first solar cell was manufactured by CEL in 1977, and the country's first solar plant was set up by CEL in 1979.
Which technology did CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories transfer to Central Electronics Limited in May 2026, described as now fully indigenous?
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Correct answer: D — Drishti Transmissometer System
Technology transfer covered the Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) and the new-generation Drishti Transmissometer System, which is now fully indigenous.
At the ITU Council 2026 in Geneva, India's proposal to host which ITU event was accepted?
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Correct answer: D — ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2030
The ITU Council accepted India's proposal to host the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-2030); it is likely to be approved at PP-2026 in Doha.
Consider the following statements about the ITU Council: 1. It is the governing body of the ITU and comprises 48 elected Member States. 2. India became a member of the ITU Council only in 1992. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. DoT states that India has been a member of the ITU Council since 1952.
The dual-targeting CAR-T therapy for multiple myeloma being developed by Helix Cell Therapeutics with TDB support targets which two markers?
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Correct answer: D — BCMA and CD19
The therapy simultaneously targets both BCMA and CD19 markers expressed on multiple myeloma cells.
The TDB-backed CAR-T project of Helix Cell Therapeutics (May 2026) is being implemented under a collaborative framework between India and which country?
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Correct answer: C — Singapore
The project is under the Indo-Singapore collaborative framework in partnership with Biocell Innovations, Singapore.
India's chairship of the Common Criteria Development Board (CCDB) for 2026–2028 was confirmed at a CCRA meeting held in April 2026 in which city?
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Correct answer: B — Tokyo
It was confirmed at the 1st Quarter Meeting of the CCRA held from 14 to 16 April 2026 in Tokyo, Japan.
Consider the following statements about India and the Common Criteria Recognition Arrangement (CCRA): 1. India has been a member of the CCRA since September 2013 as a Certificate Authorizing Nation. 2. CERT-In acts as India's official certification body for IT security evaluations under the Common Criteria. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. India joined on 16 September 2013; the official certification body is MeitY's STQC Directorate, not CERT-In.
How much central financial support has been approved for the Amended BharatNet Programme in Andhra Pradesh (May 2026)?
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Correct answer: B — ₹2,432 crore
The Government of India approved ₹2,432 crore; 1,692 and 3,942 are the numbers of Phase I gram panchayats and on-demand villages.
Consider the following statements about the Amended BharatNet Programme (ABP): 1. The Union Cabinet approved the Amended BharatNet Programme on 4 August 2023. 2. In Andhra Pradesh, ABP will be implemented under the state-led model through Andhra Pradesh BharatNet Infrastructure Limited (APBIL). Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct, as stated by DoT: Cabinet approval came on 4 August 2023, and in Andhra Pradesh the state-led model is implemented through APBIL.
For which state did IMD launch a pilot rainfall forecast at 1-km spatial resolution in May 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Uttar Pradesh
The High Spatial Resolution Rainfall Forecast for Uttar Pradesh gives 1-km resolution forecasts up to 10 days ahead as a pilot service.
IMD's AI-enabled 'Forecast of Monsoon Advance' (May 2026) is designed to support farmers in how many states?
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Correct answer: A — 16
The product supports farmers across 16 states and more than 3,000 sub-districts through the Agriculture Ministry's dissemination framework.
In the May 2026 MoU with I4C on mule accounts, 'RBIH' stands for:
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Correct answer: C — Reserve Bank Innovation Hub
RBIH is the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub, which signed the MoU with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre.
The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) functions under which ministry?
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Correct answer: B — Ministry of Home Affairs
I4C is part of the Ministry of Home Affairs, and its Suspect Registry data will feed RBIH's AI fraud detection.
What cash prize accompanies each National Florence Nightingale Award?
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Correct answer: C — ₹1,00,000
Each award includes a certificate of merit, a cash prize of ₹1,00,000 and a medal.
The National Florence Nightingale Awards 2026 were conferred on 12 May 2026, which is observed as:
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Correct answer: B — International Nurses Day
The awards were presented on International Nurses Day, 12 May, with the theme 'Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives'.